Japan part 9

 August 5, 2026

A view of Mt. Fuji in the very early morning. 

I loved listening to Wing's dad play piano. This day we took to relax and went out in the afternoon. 

The day before, when we were eating at the restaurant at Lake Shojiko, Wing saw an advertisement for a 10,000 firework show at Lake Kawaguchi. 🎆 This was the Kawaguchiko Kojosai, which is the final and largest of the traditional five-night Fuji Five Lakes fireworks sequence. So cool we got to see it! 

We arrived a few hours early to get a seat. Then we took turns walking around looking at the food and drink trucks.

Very delicious fries

 Octopus takoyaki  

Nikumaki onigiri (meat-wrapped rice ball)

Fireworks are my favorite thing to watch, and I'm so grateful we got to experience this in Japan. :)

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. :)