Fuji Motosuko Resort | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

When I think of Japan’s most representative spiritual symbol, it has to be Mount Fuji, the sacred mountain in the hearts of the Japanese people. This perfectly shaped volcano is not only an iconic sight for countless people, but also the first classic image that comes to my mind whenever I think about traveling to Japan.

I remember my first trip to Japan. I was riding a long-distance bus through the mountain roads, and while everything inside the bus was quiet, the driver rounded a bend and the enormous, snow-covered Mount Fuji suddenly appeared outside the window without warning, in all its magnificence. Ever since then, whenever I have the chance to visit Japan and know that I’ll be able to see Mount Fuji, I can’t help finding a quiet place to stop and admire it in silence.

This trip to Japan could be called a pilgrimage made especially for Mount Fuji. Hoping to witness the legendary morning reflection of Mount Fuji and Red Fuji with my own eyes, I specifically chose to stay by Lake Kawaguchi and got up in the dark before dawn to head out. The lake was perfectly still that morning, and the surroundings were so quiet that I was completely absorbed in the moment. As the sky gradually brightened and the light and shadows shifted, a perfectly clear reflection of Mount Fuji appeared on the water, and I couldn’t take my eyes off it. Then, unexpectedly, the dreamlike Red Fuji appeared in the morning light as if it were an added bonus. The breathtaking view made me gasp inwardly—it was all so beautiful that it looked just like a painting.

I sat quietly on a rock beside the grass, greedily watching every change in this sacred mountain in the light of dawn. But every journey has its little unexpected incidents. It wasn’t until I had finished enjoying the scenery and was about to leave that I realized I had unknowingly been bitten by an insect near the grass. My ankle had swollen so badly that I could barely put on my original shoes. Although I had to urgently change my itinerary and search everywhere for a pharmacy to buy medicine, when I think back on how incredibly lucky I was to witness Red Fuji with my own eyes, even this small accident became an unforgettable part of the trip. With a heart full of emotion and memories of a close call, I returned safely to Taiwan.

I never imagined there could be such a dreamlike place in the world, where you can take in a vast, romantic sea of shibazakura and majestic Mt. Fuji at the same time. This is a limited annual event. Just before leaving for Lake Kawaguchi, I happened to see some photos online and was instantly captivated, so I decided right then that I had to add it to our itinerary.

It takes about an hour to reach the festival grounds on the dedicated bus from Kawaguchiko Station. As soon as you enter the park, you’re completely mesmerized by the dreamlike sea of flowers stretching out before you like a giant pink and purple carpet. And when you turn around, the magnificent Mt. Fuji, Japan’s sacred mountain, rises behind you. The blue sky, white clouds, snowcapped peak, and gradient carpet of flowers come together like a breathtaking landscape painting that you can never take enough pictures of.

There were also lots of lively food trucks around the festival grounds selling all kinds of authentic sweets and savory foods. We casually picked up a few things to eat, found a comfortable bench, and quietly gazed at Mt. Fuji in the distance while enjoying our food. At that moment, I was truly filled with an indescribable sense of peace and emotion.

This is definitely a breathtaking place that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. If I hadn’t happened to come across that photo online, I might have missed this beautiful encounter. I sincerely hope that by sharing my experience, more people will have the chance to come and personally experience the wonder and beauty of this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

I once tried LeTAO’s Original Double Fromage cheesecake in Taiwan when a friend brought one back especially from Japan. I fell in love at first bite with its light, smooth texture and the fact that it wasn’t overly sweet at all. It melted in my mouth like ice cream and left a lasting impression of this Hokkaido dessert brand.

Later, when I traveled to Japan, I discovered that it was available at many airports. If you have the chance, I really recommend packing one in an insulated bag and carrying it back to Taiwan yourself—it tastes just as delicious. What’s even more exciting is that you can try different limited-edition flavors depending on the season. This time, I was lucky enough to get the mango flavor, and the biggest surprise was the thin layer of mochi inside the cake. It added even more layers of texture, making every bite memorable. This is a dessert I’ll definitely want to buy again whenever I visit Japan.