Places to Visit

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Don’t Let Rain Ruin Your Fuji Trip!

When It’s Cloudy or Light Rain: Explore Local Gems!
Even with a bit of mist or a gentle drizzle, you can still have an amazing time exploring the unique history and nature of this region. It’s packed with incredible experiences beyond the iconic mountain view!

  1. Kawaguchi Asama Shrine & Hahano Shiraki Falls
    Discover ancient spiritual sites and a serene waterfall.

2. Aokigahara Forest & Ryugu Cave
Venture into the mysterious “Sea of Trees” and a fascinating lava cave.

3. Kitaguchi Hongu Sengen Shrine & Umagaeshi
A spiritual journey on an old pilgrim’s path up Mount Fuji.

4. Shoji Ancient Cedar & Old Highway
See a magnificent, ancient cedar tree and walk a historic route.

These spots offer a completely different, yet equally enriching, perspective of the Mt. Fuji area. They are often less crowded and provide a deeper connection to the local culture and nature.

I’ll be diving deeper into each of these routes very soon, with detailed tips on how to get there and what makes each spot special! And don’t worry, even for those heavy rain days, I’ll be sharing my top recommendations for cozy indoor experiences. Get ready to discover all the hidden treasures of the Mt. Fuji area!”

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Discover the Enigmatic “Ghost Plant” in Aokigahara Jukai

You can spot a unique plant in Aokigahara at this time of year. Though it resembles a mushroom it is, in fact, a fascinating plant called Ginryoso.

Its roots and stem remain hidden underground, with only the flower emerging to greet the world. Unlike most plants, it lacks chlorophyll and doesn’t photosynthesize. Instead, Instead it gets nutrients from fungi, that live in symbiosis with other trees.

This adaptation allows Ginryoso to thrive without sunlight, effectively avoiding competition for light with other vegetation. It’s pale, almost translucent appearance has earned it the evocative name “Ghost Plant”.
Every organism in the forest has its own survival strategy, and all living things are interconnected, playing vital roles in forming the rich ecosystem of the woodland.

With the rainy season approaching and more rainy days ahead, it’s a great time to explore Aokigahara Jukai, as the moss becomes vibrant and the greenery gets richer.

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An Unforgettable Wildlife Encounter Around Mount Fuji

Nihonkamoshika 【Japanese Serow】

What an incredible morning! Despite the less-than-ideal conditions of light rain and wind, our morning SUP tour took an exciting turn when we spotted a Japanese serow. It was perched on the lava flows of the Aokigahara Jukai forest, gazing out at the lake – a truly special moment that instantly lifted our spirits.

These fascinating creatures are surprisingly curious and often don’t spook easily, even when confronted with humans on paddleboards. Encountering one so close to the lakeside lava beds is quite rare, making today truly exceptional. The Japanese serow is a natural monument in Japan and is well-known for its love of rocky, mountainous areas, so it’s not uncommon to see them confidently standing high on cliffs.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan and hoping for a unique wildlife encounter, keep an eye out! Japanese serows inhabit the mountains around Mt. Fuji and various other parts of Honshu. With a bit of luck, you might just have your own serow encounter during your visit!