Michi-no-Eki, Fujiyoshida
This roadside station always ranks near the top, which is a wonderful spot to view Mt.Fuji straight ahead.
A lot of drivers stop here for a quick break. There are outdoor shops and an indoor play area for kids. You get a really clear view of Mt. Fuji from here.
Komoro Castle Ruins / Kaiko-en Park
During the Warring States Period, Takeda Shingen ordered Yamamoto Kansuke, an important vassal and a master castle builder, to design the original Komoro Castle. After Toyotomi Hideyoshi united the country in 1590, Sengoku Hidehisa, a feudal lord of Komoro, undertook a major renovation of the castle and the castle town, and built the castle into the solid castle seen today.
The cherry blossoms here are absolutely breathtaking. I was really moved by how beautiful they were.
Zenkoji Temple
This historical large-scaled temple is about 59,000 square meters (about 5.9 ha) and was founded 1400 years ago. Many Buddhist facilities fill the compound. Some of them are; Daikanjin and Daihongan (they are also independent temples), and guests' quarters. This temple was founded at a specific time before the various subsects of Buddhism came into being. Some of the worshippers were those with power at the time, such as Minamoto no Yoritomo and Tokugawa Ieyasu , as well as the common people.
There are tons of shops to check out along the Omotesando street.
Saiko 'Iyashi no sato NENBA'
The Nenba area, once home to rows of thatched-roof buildings, is located along the shore of Lake Saiko, overlooking Mt. Fuji and Aokigahara Forest. However, there was terrible damage from the typhoon of 1966, which destroyed most of the town.
Walking among these old houses, you really get to see the beauty of traditional Japan. This place is thoughtfully designed.
Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
This tour route goes through the Northern Alps, lined with mountains over 3,000m above sea level, stretching 37.2km, and the difference in altitudes from the foot to the top is up to 1.975m.
The mountain scenery is stunning, no doubt about it. But our guide kept rushing us the whole time, so it felt like we were being herded along. Honestly, it was a bit stressful, almost like we were running away from something.
Chibi Maruko-chan Land
Japan’s one and only museum dedicated to the beloved manga “Chibi Maruko-chan” is located in Shizuoka, the hometown of the series’ creator Momoko Sakura. Inside you’ll find 3 different zones to explore.
The admission fee is pretty expensive. After visiting once, I don't think I'd come back.
Mishima Skywalk
Opened in 2015, the 400m long suspension bridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Japan. It spans the Hakone Seiroku at an altitude of about 415 meters, with a drop of 70 meters. From the bridge, you can see Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan, and Suruga Bay, the deepest bay in Japan, so together with the longest suspension bridge in Japan, you can see the 3 tops of Japan from one place.
We got super lucky—the view of Mt. Fuji was totally clear! What an amazing sight!
Mt. Rokko (Rokkosan)
Mt. Rokko (Rokkosan), the prominent peak of the Rokko Mountains, is 931 meters above sea level. With easy access by cable car to the top of the mountain, the mountain is full of various facilities that offer physical activities, romantic nightscapes, and more.
GO! GO! Mt. Rokko, here I come!
Dōgo Onsen Honkan
Boasting a history of roughly 3,000 years, Dōgo Onsen is considered by many to be Japan’s oldest hot spring. Its iconic symbol, the Dōgo Onsen Honkan, was rebuilt in 1894 as a public bathhouse and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. After six years of extensive preservation and restoration work, the wooden three-story bathhouse fully reopened in 2024, offering a renewed experience designed to soak in the historical beauty up close.
Japan's oldest hot spring, and the main building is full of history. Even if there are long lines and it's super crowded, you absolutely have to try soaking here.
Kankakei (Ropeway)
Kankakei is a gorge in Kagawa Prefecture’s Shodo Island. It is located in the heart of Setonaikai National Park. The valley of Kankakei was formed over thousands of years as volcanic andesite and agglomerate were thrust upward via shifting of the earth’s mantle and eroded by rain and wind, creating a spectacular scene of sheer cliffs and rock formations.
Absolutely stunning! The whole mountain is covered in vibrant red leaves—autumn at its best.