【Yamanashi Drive】 Off to Lake Kawaguchi to see Mount Fuji! I enjoyed the spectacular views and dango while riding the ropeway.

A day trip to the "Fuji Panorama Ropeway" in Yamanashi. I heard that I can enjoy the local specialty gourmet dumplings while taking in the stunning views of Mount Fuji, so I came here.

I came to enjoy the spectacular view at the "Fujisan Panorama Ropeway"

The other day, when I stopped by Hottarakashi Onsen in Yamanashi Prefecture, I was recommended the "Fujisan Panorama Ropeway" by a person I happened to meet. They said I could enjoy both breathtaking views and gourmet experiences that could rival Hottarakashi Onsen, so I decided to make an impromptu visit! There is a prefectural free parking lot right nearby, so it was easy to access by car.

When I tried to purchase a ticket at the ticket machine, I was informed that I could board in 30 minutes. I thought, "That's quite a wait..." but according to the announcement, it was okay to come after that time. I decided to use this waiting time to enjoy a stroll around Lake Kawaguchi.

Fujisan Panorama Ropeway
Location: 1163-1 Asakawa, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last descent at 5:20 PM), July 20 to August 31: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM (last descent at 6:20 PM)

I often visited Lake Kawaguchi with my family since I was a child. As I walked, memories of "I had a meal at that restaurant" came rushing back. This time, after about four years, I was surprised by the number of international tourists! The signs and advertisements have increased in English, and it feels like the place has been revitalized.<

Since I was here, I decided to take a closer look at Lake Kawaguchi. Although the temperature was 11°C and it was a pleasant day with sunshine, ice was floating on the lakeshore. When I crouched down to touch it, a nearby foreign tourist spoke to me, saying, "Look, there’s a bird!" That person was from India and was traveling around Japan. This kind of interaction is unique to Lake Kawaguchi now, where people gather from all over the world.

Beware of bears!? Going to the summit by ropeway

After finishing our walk and returning, it was just the right time. We are finally heading to the ropeway station. It was indeed crowded, but the intervals of operation seemed to be faster than expected.

While waiting, I happened to glance over and this sign caught my eye. Bears appear in this area as well. If spotted, "do not provoke recklessly, just quietly move away from the spot"…… Even if I were to encounter a bear, I have no confidence in being able to handle it calmly.

As our family discussed how to escape from a bear, before we knew it, it was time to board. I had forgotten, but I am afraid of heights. Normally, I would want to take photos by the window, but this time, I could only manage to point my smartphone from a little distance.

After arriving at the Fujimidai Station of the ropeway and walking a bit… the majestic Mount Fuji suddenly appeared before us! The snow-capped peak was certainly visible, and even the foothills were clearly seen. The view of Mt. Fuji from the ground is a different experience altogether. "Is that the area where the safari park is? Could that camping site we went to recently be over there?" our conversation flowed.

From the observation space, enjoying the grand view of Mount Fuji while eating dango is a luxury.

Feeling hungry, I headed to "Tanuki Chaya." First, I purchased a ticket from the vending machine, then lined up at the pickup window. I thought I would have to hand in my ticket after waiting, but I received my order as soon as it was my turn. The operation was more efficient than I imagined!

I tried the "Tanuki Dango ( Mitarashi )" (600 yen) that was grilled at the counter.

Since I was there, I enjoyed it while gazing at Mount Fuji from the observation space above Tanuki Chaya. The soy sauce-flavored Mitarashi sauce was rich and exceeded my expectations in terms of taste. Each dango was on the larger side, providing ample volume. Being able to savor delicious dango while looking at such a breathtaking view was truly blissful.

According to the staff, during the rainy season, hydrangeas are in bloom, and in the autumn, the foliage reaches its peak. I plan to come back in a different season to witness another aspect of Mount Fuji.

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