Mount Fuji on the morning of our second day! Taken from the living room where we were relaxing while enjoying the view. The skies were clear only during the morning this day.

Mt. Fuji behind the clouds

Kawaguchiko Lake is a treasure trove of art, with art galleries, museums, and toy collection galleries full of individuality. At the “UKAI Kawaguchi-ko Music Forest,” there are on display one of the world’s largest dance organs, as well as an orchestrion which was apparently supposed to have been loaded onto the Titanic.

One of the world’s largest dance organs

The Kawaguchi-ko Music Forest consists of two art gallery buildings, restaurants, and a museum shop along the 15,000 m2 area along the Kawaguchiko Lake shore.

Middle age European style buildings with an attached garden

A small church

A rose garden, just like one which would have belonged to royalty in the middle ages

An “old rose,” loved by European royalty

Over one hundred different types of roses bloom in the garden

The area around Mount Fuji is home to many caves and uniquely formed terrains due to volcanic eruptions. The largest lava-formed cave is called the “Saiko Bat Cave” and has a general length of 386 meters.

At first we were told that we wouldn’t need to wear helmets, but we soon learned that without them it would be dangerous. They can be rented free of charge.

The cave entrance

After proceeding deeper into the cave, it becomes impossible to walk without crouching down and walking like a duck.

The inside of the cave was pitch-black, and I ended up smacking my head several times on the stalactites hanging down from the ceiling. It was a good choice to wear a helmet after all.

The last stop on our journey today was the Kitaguchi Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine. It is said that it was built in 788 to quell volcanic eruptions.

Along the road to the shrine were hundreds of years old Japanese cedar trees.

A solemn torii and front shrine stand to protect the safety of those who climb the mountain.

Spring water from the mountain flows through even here

Related Post
*Driving around the foot of Mount Fuji (Part1)
*Driving around the foot of Mount Fuji (Part2)
*Driving around the foot of Mount Fuji (Part3)
*Driving around the lake shores of Mount Fuji Part1
*Driving around the lake shores of Mount Fuji Part2