Celebrate the New Year at the foot of Mt. Fuji! Enjoy the first sunrise and sightseeing in the area
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If you want to experience "Japan," the New Year's holidays are a treasure trove of experiences! Why not experience the "first sunrise of the year," "first shrine visit of the year," and "playing in the snow" at Lake Kawaguchiko, at the foot of Mount Fuji, the symbol of Japan? This time, we will intr...
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Table of Contents
- What is New Year's?
- What is the first sunrise?
- What is Hatsumode?
- Celebrate the New Year at Lake Kawaguchiko, near the foot of Mt. Fuji!
- Recommended spot for watching the first sunrise #1: Oishi Park, Lake Kawaguchiko
- Recommended spot for watching the first sunrise 2: Lake Kawaguchiko North Shore Walking Trail
- Recommended spot for watching the first sunrise 3: Arakurayama Sengen Park
- Recommended spot for watching the first sunrise #4: Lake Yamanakako Panorama-dai
- Recommended spot for watching the first sunrise #5: Momijidai Tenbo Rest House
- Sengen Shrine (Asama Shrine), a shrine with a long history near Mount Fuji
- Recommended New Year's Shrine Visit Spot 1: Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine
- Recommended New Year's Shrine Visit Spot 2: Arakura Sengen Shrine
- Recommended New Year's Shrine Visit Spot 3: Kawaguchi Asama-jinja Shrine
- Recommended New Year's Shrine Visit Spot #4: Fuji Omuro Sengen-jinja Shrine
- Recommended New Year's Shrine Visit Spot 5: Oshino Hakkai Sengen Shrine
- Recommended sightseeing spot to visit together 1. Experience "playing in the snow" at Fujiten Snow Resort
- Recommended sightseeing spot to visit together 2. Experience the Japanese culture of "onsen" at Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen
- Recommended itinerary for touring Lake Kawaguchiko in 2 days and 1 night
What is New Year's?
"Shogatsu" is the first month of the year. In Japan, on New Year's Day (January 1st), families decorate their homes with "Kadomatsu decorations", "shimenawa ropes", and "kagami mochi" to welcome Toshigami-sama, the god who brings happiness, bountiful harvests, and other prosperity, and pray for happiness in the coming year.
In contrast to "New Year's Day," "Omisoka" refers to the last day of the year, December 31st. On this day, people eat "Toshikoshi soba" (toshikoshi noodles), listen to the ringing of the bells at the end of the year, and prepare to welcome the new year.
Toshikoshi soba noodles are easy to cut, so they are eaten on New Year's Eve to "cut off the bad luck of the year." In addition, "Joya no Kane" is a bell rung at temples from New Year's Eve (12/31) to New Year's Day (1/1), and is rung with prayers to get rid of and overcome the 108 earthly desires that each person has.
In Buddhism, "bonno" refers to "minds that torment oneself," and it is said that each person has 108 of them. The bonno that are particularly known to torment people are the "three poisonous bonno" (desires): "Tonyoku(greed)","Shini(anger)", and "Guchi(grumble)". Greed represents bottomless desire, Shini represents anger, and Guchi represents feelings of envy and jealousy.
By the way, New Year's Day and New Year's Eve are Shinto, while the ringing of the bells on New Year's Eve is Buddhist, so be sure to experience Japan's New Year holidays, where different religions mix together.
What is the first sunrise?
It refers to the sunrise on January 1st (New Year's Day), and the custom of worshiping the first sunrise began as a New Year's Day ritual for the Emperor called "Shihohai", which then spread to the general public. It is said that the custom of worshiping the first sunrise as we know it today spread during the Meiji period (1868-1912).
What is Hatsumode?
It refers to the first visit to a shrine or temple in the new year, and is done to give thanks for the past year and to pray for safety and peace in the new year. Originally, it was a custom for the head of the household to stay at the local shrine from the night of New Year's Eve to the morning of New Year's Day to make prayers, but this custom split into two: "Joya Mairi" on the 31st and "Ganjitsu Mairi" on January 1st, with the Ganjitsu Mairi becoming the origin of the modern-day hatsumode.
Celebrate the New Year at Lake Kawaguchiko, near the foot of Mt. Fuji!
Here at the foot of Mt. Fuji, there are many power spots, including Mt. Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes (Lake Yamanakako, Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, Lake Motosuko), shrines and temples, natural sites, hot springs, and nature, making it a very auspicious place to welcome the New Year. It is possible to make a day trip from Tokyo (about 90 minutes from Shinjuku), but it is impossible to visit all the attractive power spots in a day trip. Why not take your time and stay around Lake Kawaguchiko over the New Year holidays, experience Japanese culture, and go on a journey to find your own power spot?
Recommended spot for watching the first sunrise #1: Oishi Park, Lake Kawaguchiko
Oishi Park, located on the south shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, is a park with a great sense of openness where you can see lavender fields in the summer, flowers such as kochia in the fall, the majestic Mt. Fuji, and Lake Kawaguchiko all at the same time. The Lake Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center in the park has a cafe and a souvenir shop, but please note that they will not be open when you come to see the first sunrise of the year. There are toilets and free parking available 24 hours a day.
Recommended spot for watching the first sunrise 2: Lake Kawaguchiko North Shore Walking Trail
A promenade along the lakeside in front of the Lake Kawaguchiko . In spring, the Cherry Blossom Festival is held, and in autumn, a Autumn Leaves Festival is held at a nearby venue. This is a popular promenade that is also a walking course for locals and dogs. It is also a recommended spot for viewing the " Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks" held in winter. There are also toilets next to the Lake Kawaguchiko Circular Hall for your peace of mind.
Recommended spot for watching the first sunrise 3: Arakurayama Sengen Park
A park where you can see Mt. Fuji and the five-story pagoda(Chureito pagoda) right in front of you, and Fujiyoshida City below. There are over 600 cherry trees in the park, and in spring it is crowded with many tourists from both Japan and abroad who come to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The grounds also contain Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, making it a recommended spot to experience both the first sunrise and the first shrine visit of the year.
Recommended spot for watching the first sunrise #4: Lake Yamanakako Panorama-dai
If the weather is good, you can see all the way to the Southern Alps from this scenic spot. With Mt. Fuji right in front of you and Lake Yamanakako below, you can enjoy a fantastic view at sunrise and sunset. Lake Yamanakako is the highest of the Fuji Five Lakes, and the Lake Yamanakako Panorama-dai is over 1000m above sea level, so please wear warm clothes.
Lake Yamanakako Panorama Viewpoint
*Unavailable until the end of November 2024 due to construction work
Recommended spot for watching the first sunrise #5: Momijidai Tenbo Rest House
A recommended spot from which you can see all the way to the base of Mt. Fuji.
There is an admission fee to go to the observation deck on the second floor of the rest house, located at an altitude of 1,100m. From the observation deck you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the magnificent Mt. Fuji, the Aokigahara Jukai forest spreading out below, Lake Motosuko, Lake Saiko, and the Southern Alps.
Sengen Shrine (Asama Shrine), a shrine with a long history near Mount Fuji
There are many "Asama Shrines" at the foot of Mt. Fuji. "Asama Shrines" are shrines that worship the Asama-no-Okami (Konohanasakuyahime), who is the deification of Mt. Fuji based on the belief in Mt. Fuji. A notable feature is that many of them were built to quell eruptions of Mt. Fuji.
Konohanasakuyahime is a goddess who appears in Japanese mythology, and is said to bring good fortune in love, marriage, and fertility because she gave birth to three children.
Recommended New Year's Shrine Visit Spot 1: Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine
Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine , one of the Component Parts of World Heritage of the Mount Fuji World Heritage Site, is an ancient shrine with over 1,900 years of history. After passing through the solemn and fantastical approach to the shrine and the large torii gate of Mount Fuji, you will be greeted by a large cedar tree that is over 1,000 years old.
This is a famous shrine that is visited by many tourists as well as locals, so if you plan to visit, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time.
Recommended New Year's Shrine Visit Spot 2: Arakura Sengen Shrine
This shrine is located within Arakura Sengen Park, which was also introduced as a recommended spot to see the first sunrise of the year.
Located on the middle slope of Mount Arakurayama, it has an excellent view of Mount Fuji and is famous as a viewing spot for Mount Fuji. It is registered as one of the Component Parts of World Heritage of the Mount Fuji World Cultural Heritage Site and is a historic shrine with a history of over 1,300 years.
Be sure to take a photo of the combination of the bright red torii gate, the five-story pagoda, and Mt. Fuji.
Recommended New Year's Shrine Visit Spot 3: Kawaguchi Asama-jinja Shrine
This shrine is located on the north side of Lake Kawaguchiko and is easily accessible from the North Shore Walking Trail and Oishi Park. It is a 1200-year-old shrine, and is characterized by the large cedar trees called Shichihonsugi within its grounds. The sacred tree, Futahashirasui, is known as a cedar of love, as it is made up of two cedar trees whose roots have been together for 1200 years.
Recommended New Year's Shrine Visit Spot #4: Fuji Omuro Sengen-jinja Shrine
It is the oldest shrine on Mount Fuji, said to have been enshrined at the second station of Mount Fuji in 699. In 1974, the main shrine was moved from the second station of Mount Fuji to its current location in this village shrine, and two shrines, the main shrine and the village shrine, are enshrined within the grounds. Every spring, special rituals such as the "Yabusame Festival" are held, attracting many tourists.
Recommended New Year's Shrine Visit Spot 5: Oshino Hakkai Sengen Shrine
The guardian deity of Oshino Hakkai, located a 5-minute walk from Oshino Hakkai. This shrine has a history of over 1,200 years, having been founded in 807. As it is located in the direction of Mount Fuji's demonic gate, it is said to ward off evil spirits.
Recommended sightseeing spot to visit together 1. Experience "playing in the snow" at Fujiten Snow Resort
Fujiten Snow Resort is a ski resort located at the first station of Mt. Fuji. You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and even sledding. In addition to playing in the snow, you can also take a ski lift to the observation deck at the top of the mountain, where you can see the majestic snow-capped Mt. Fuji directly ahead and Lake Kawaguchiko below. You'll definitely be amazed at the sheer size of Mt. Fuji.
The facility is convenient for sightseeing as it also has a restaurant, a shop, and lockers. At the restaurant "Yodel" on the second floor of the center house, you can enjoy Fujiten's specialties such as "Mt. Fuji Curry" and "Beef Sukiyaki", while at "Koln" on the first floor of the center house, you can enjoy ramen and other noodle dishes and rice bowl dishes.
Recommended sightseeing spot to visit together 2. Experience the Japanese culture of "onsen" at Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen
A 10-minute drive from Fujiten Snow Resort, the Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen is a day-trip hot spring facility that also operates a free shuttle bus from Kawaguchiko Sta. . In addition to two types of open-air baths with a direct view of Mt. Fuji, there are a total of 16 types of baths, including carbonated springs and cave baths.
In addition to the baths, there is also a restaurant called "Fujizakura" where you can enjoy dishes made with an abundance of local ingredients, a private dining room called "Okariba" where meals are delivered by a mini steam locomotive train, a paid rest room where you can relax after a bath, and massages to soothe your travel fatigue. You can also use the restaurant and massages only, without using the baths.
The spacious 20-tatami Japanese-style room and the additional indoor bath with natural hot spring water, the "Guest Bath," are also recommended for families and groups.
Recommended itinerary for touring Lake Kawaguchiko in 2 days and 1 night
8:00 Departing Shinjuku
10:00 Arrive at Lake Kawaguchiko
Take the sightseeing bus to Oishi Park!
10:30 Oishi Park
To get to Kawaguchi Asama-jinja Shrine, you will need to transfer to the K2-LINE at "KUKUNA-mae."
11:00 Visit to Kawaguchi Asama-jinja Shrine
20-minute walk
12:30 Lake Kawaguchiko Walking Trail
From Lake Kawaguchiko Museum of Art, use the Red-LINE or P-LINE to return to Kawaguchiko Sta.
14:30 Kawaguchiko Sta.
Take the hotel's free shuttle bus to the hotel
15:00 Hotel check-in
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5:00 Depart from hotel
5:26 Take the train from Kawaguchiko Sta.. Get off at Shimoyoshida Station.
5:40 Arrive Shimoyoshida Station
6:00 Watch the first sunrise at Arakurayama Sengen Park and visit Arakura Sengen Shrine
6:50 Sunrise
8:00 Breakfast at the hotel
9:00 Take the bus bound for Fujiten from Lake Kawaguchiko Station
Advance reservations are required to use the shuttle bus to Fujiten.
9:30-13:30 Enjoy playing in the snow at Fujiten
15:00 Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen
Advance reservations are required for the free shuttle bus.
19:00 Depart for Shinjuku
21:00 Arrival in Tokyo
Let's spend the New Year's holiday at Lake Kawaguchiko, at the foot of Mt. Fuji🎵
Written by
Yamanashi
The northern foot of Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture is a stunning area of Japan that has plenty to offer visitors. At the foot of Mt. Fuji, including ”Arakurayama Sengen Park”, which offers a view of Mt. Fuji and the iconic five-story pagoda, "Chureito." The Kawaguchiko Momiji Corridor is also a must-visit during the autumn season when visitors can see the colorful leaves. Our company, based in Lake Kawaguchiko, operates various facilities that utilize the natural resources of Mt. Fuji. These include the theme park "Fuji Subaru Land," which offers a range of exciting rides and attractions, and the Fujiten Snow Resort, where visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Visitors can also sample the world-famous "Fujizakura Heights Beer," made using natural water “Fujizakura Meisui” , or relax in the natural hot spring, "Fuji Chobo no yu Yurari," . We will clearly communicate the charm of Mt. Fuji, which changes with the seasons, from the base of Mt. Fuji in Kawaguchiko.
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