Japan part 8

August 4, 2026

This morning we woke up and left early to tackle driving around all 5 lakes of Mt. Fuji.  

First stop, Chureito Pagoda at Arakurayama Sengen Park. 

The pagoda is a peace memorial built in the 1950s–1960s. We could see Fujiyoshida City spread out below.

Lake Kawaguchi. 

This lake was screaming my name to swim but neither of us brought swim clothes. 

There's not much to say about each spot because we literally just drove to each one, walked, took pictures, and left. At this lake Shojiko, we saw a small resturaunt, Mizuumi, and ate lunch there.

Lake Motosuko. 

This view of Mt. Fuji from this lake's location is used on Japanese currency. Because of the spectacular views, Lake Motosuko is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. 

I saw this story on a bathroom door. lol.

This is a water fountain. Pure delicious water.

This is Yamanakako Flower Park, near Lake Yamanakako. 

Mt. Fuji

We thoroughly enjoyed ice cream at this park.

Then we drove to the Lake Yamanakako, parked, and walked for a long time down the sidewalk. 

We saw a bunch of swans and some people were feeding them.

Duckling

These swans were trying to mate - well the male was, the female didn't seem interested. 😅

And that concludes our tour of the 5 lakes. :)

Japan part 7

 August 3, 2026 part 2

In front of the crystal fountain, except the waterfall wasn't on.

This is really interesting. Groundwater carrying dissolved silica moves through the buried wood. Silica can come from volcanic ash or weathering of rocks.

The silica-rich water enters the tiny pores and spaces within the wood's cellular structure.

The dissolved silica precipitates (comes out of solution) as minerals, filling those spaces. Some of the original organic material can also be replaced by silica.

Over a very long period, the mineral material can crystallize into forms of silica such as quartz, chalcedony, or opal, while preserving the microscopic structure of the wood. 

When you look closely, you can see the tree's annual rings. This is said to be a stone of happiness and one that helps you achieve your goals through strong willpower. 

Old phone booth

Sengataki Waterfall

Ishimon Stone Gate

Kakuenpō - the signature rock formation of Shōsenkyō.

Well we got to the end of the trail and walked on the main road back up the mountain for more than an hour. We were super tired and so were the legs. lol

On the way driving down the mountain, we peeked into this honey shop that was about to close for the day.

Then afterwards stopped by this bakery to get the most delicious cream puff ever.

At Wing's house we drank the anti-inflammatory drink again and ate amazing dinner.