I went to Kawaguchiko without knowing how difficult it can be to see Mount Fuji. I mean, it’s a huge mountain and you see photos of it all over the internet. Why wouldn’t I be able to see it? I had a clear view of Mount Fuji against the bright blue sky on the day I arrived! And although it was a little cloudy the following day, I still had a full view of it.
It was only after a little research online that I realised most people aren’t as lucky. I even chanced upon a local event in a park by Lake Kawaguchi. It was magical. And the food trucks were great.
Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the most famous of the five lakes with a good view of Mount Fuji, and I could see why. Despite it being a touristy area, I felt like I had a lot of space to myself when I completed my 20km-ish walk around the entire lake on a weekend. I believe it’s because most people head to the ropeway and Asama Shrine for the iconic views they see on the internet. I noticed, however, biking and running club members passing me by now and then.
The one thing that really bothered me though were the flies. The flies! Every time I stopped to take a photo, they crowded around me and my camera. It baffles me why there are so many of them along the entire stretch of my walk, but I learned to ignore them.
There is not much to do or eat in Kawaguchiko, but I found solace in the town’s peaceful atmosphere. The large convenience stores provided some of my meals, and waking up to the sight of Mount Fuji made me happy.
The tempura store near Kawaguchiko station often has long queues, but in my honest opinion, it was not worth the hype nor the price.
*All images shot and edited on iPhone 12 Pro Max with the native camera and photo editor apps.
