TRAVEL

2025.05.04

【Still Time for GW】Day Trip to Yamanakako & Fuji Subaru Land + Onsen Too! Drive Trip Report

This year's Golden Week, we won't be going home or traveling far. We suggest a recommended day trip drive for families like that. Departing from Yokohama, we will provide a real report of a free day trip by car from Yamanakako to Fuji Subaru Land and an onsen.

A Day Trip Drive to Fully Enjoy Nature

Many families may feel that this year's Golden Week is short. With that in mind, I report an example of a day trip drive from Yokohama to Lake Yamanaka, Fuji Subaru Land, and hot springs, all while having a great time with the family. Let's take a look at a full day course packed with satisfaction from the drive.

AM 6:30 Departing Yokohama for a Refreshing Drive to Lake Yamanaka

To fully enjoy the day, the departure time was set early at 6:30 AM. We hop onto the highway and head straight for Lake Yamanaka. Taking advantage of the spacious car, we avoid traffic and enjoy a comfortable drive.

As we drive through the crisp morning air, the scenery surrounded by nature gradually expands before us. Suddenly, looking ahead, the unmistakable silhouette of Mount Fuji stands out against the clear sky. Encountering such scenic views that make you want to snap a photo is another joy of the driving trip.

AM8:30 Arrival at Yamanakako, experience feeding swans by the lakeside

We arrived at our first destination, Yamanakako, at AM8:30. There are spots along the lakeside where you can feed swans and koi, and we stopped the car to enjoy it freely.

The feed is sold in a self-service vending system for 100 yen per bag. It's inexpensive, so the children were also trying it out quite a bit.

In the morning, there were still few people, making it a perfect time to closely observe the swans floating on the tranquil lake surface.

The adults returned to their childhood, and the whole family was able to spend a heartwarming time together. The parking lot and restrooms are well maintained, creating a safe environment for families with children to enjoy.

AM10:30 Arrival at Fuji Subaru Land, play in activities surrounded by nature

Departing from Lake Yamanaka at 10:15, it takes about 20 minutes by car. We have arrived at Fuji Subaru Land. In this vast nature, activities are waiting for both children and adults to enjoy to the fullest.

Exciting rides for both adults and children

First, we head to "Fujinosuke's Buggy Land." The thrilling attraction of racing through the foothills of Mt. Fuji in off-road buggies has the children greatly excited. The feeling of playing fully with your body can also be a fantastic experience for adults.

While walking around the park, I heard the whistle of an SL train from amidst the dappled sunlight.

The "SL Forest Railway" is the most leisurely attraction in the park, allowing even small children to enjoy it with peace of mind. Although I didn't ride it this time, just watching the retro vehicle pass by was exciting. The sound of the whistle echoing in the quiet forest enveloped the entire area in a warm atmosphere, making me feel naturally joyful just by walking around.

Wood splitting experience at a workshop in the forest

In the following "Juka Forest," I participated in a nature workshop.

Children who challenged wood splitting and carrying bamboo earned wooden coins as a reward for their efforts. This coin can be used to exchange for marshmallows and jelly. While roasting marshmallows on sticks over the nearby campfire, I savored them.

Mastered miniature golf and jumbo slide as well.

After that, the whole family had a mini-golf showdown. We rented putters and balls for everyone at the reception and challenged ourselves to a 9-hole course. Watching the kids seriously set up their putters on the grass made the adults get into the competitive spirit too. It felt casual, like an extension of outdoor play, but aiming for a hole-in-one brought out the excitement—a unique fun that only family trips can offer.

Furthermore, we took on the 50-meter jumbo slide. The 50-meter course is for elementary school students and above, while the 30-meter course is available for kids aged four and up. The children repeatedly went down the 30-meter course dozens of times. The adults also returned to their childhood and slid down the 50-meter course. The exhilarating feeling of sliding down the artificial grass slope on a sled is simple yet addictive fun that you can enjoy over and over again.

Before we knew it, it was evening, and there were still plenty of activities to enjoy.

At "Pump Riders," filled with adventure elements, we dashed up and down on kick bikes,

and finally, we headed to the nature experience base “Acorn Course.” Throughout the forest, tree houses and tree decks were scattered, where kids tried their hand at wooden ring toss and took a break swinging in hammocks.

Before I knew it, it was evening. Just as I was about to head home, I discovered a large trampoline set up in the square.

"I want to do this!" the children exclaimed with shining eyes, heading for one last play.

We moved our bodies until the very last moment before closing time, making it a day fully spent playing in nature.

Fujisubaru Land
6663-1 Tsurugawauchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Business hours / April to November: Weekdays 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, December to March: Weekdays 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed / Every Wednesday and Thursday (excluding GW, holidays, summer vacation, year-end and New Year, spring vacation)

After 5:00 PM, we refreshed ourselves with a hot spring and dinner.

After playing hard, it would be a waste to just go home. After imagining the rush of preparing a bath and dinner once we got home, we decided to stop by "Fujisan Lava Spa Sensui," about a 10-minute drive from Fujisubaru Land.

Soaking slowly in the natural hot spring, the warmth of the water gradually seeped into my tired body. I felt the cool air outside while my mind seemed to unwind.

Fujisan Lava Spa Sensui
4261 Kamiyoshida, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Rates / Adult (middle school students and above) 900 yen
Business hours / 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM (last entry at 10:30 PM)

After taking a bath, we toasted with “non-alcoholic” beer at the restaurant in front of us. It was a reward for our hard work.

19:30 Leisurely driving back home

At 19:30, the children finished brushing their teeth in the car, and we were all set to put them to bed. They slept soundly on the way home, allowing for a calm drive back to Yokohama. It turned into a fulfilling night, where I naturally thought, “I want to spend another day like this.”

Enriching family holidays with a free-spirited drive

On a day trip route like this, the destination can be decided based on the mood of the moment, which is one of the great things about traveling by car. Since you don’t have to worry about luggage, it also creates opportunities to stop by interesting sights with the kids.

No need for an elaborate plan. Just spending time in nature turned out to be a day more fulfilling than I expected. Why not enjoy carefree moments with your family on a free-spirited road trip?

Search Driving supplies on Amazon