Fuji Shibazakura Festival is a spectacle not to be missed. Set in the scenic vicinity of Lake Kawaguchi, near the majestic Mount Fuji, the festival commences in mid-April, showcasing one of the largest displays of moss phlox in the greater Tokyo area.

Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from an observation deck, towering like a two-story building above the floral extravaganza.

This vantage point offers a unique opportunity for memorable photographs, with the added luxury of feeling as though one has the entire landscape to oneself, thanks to thoughtfully placed partitions.

Moreover, the festival features a selection of exclusive merchandise, enhancing the experience and providing visitors with unique souvenirs.

Within the same venue as the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, the "Peter Rabbit™ English Garden" opened its gates on April 16, 2022. This garden, the largest of its kind in the metropolitan area, brings to life the world of the beloved British character Peter Rabbit, featuring approximately 300 types of plants and flowers from spring to early autumn.

As you meander through the garden, you'll come across Peter Rabbit's family and friends hiding in various spots, inviting visitors to enjoy a leisurely exploration amidst the charming characters.

The garden boasts a British country-style house restaurant, offering menus inspired by the tales of Peter Rabbit and traditional British cuisine. On sunny days, the terrace seating, with its liberating sense of openness, comes highly recommended.

Inside the restaurant, the high ceilings and botanical ambiance create a serene dining experience, complemented by views of pink moss phlox through the glass walls.

Delight in dishes inspired by Peter Rabbit's adventures, such as "Jeremy Fisher's Butterfly Sandwich (with salad)" for 1,800 yen and "Mr. McGregor's Fresh Vegetable Bouquet Salad" for 1,700 yen, each dish exuding elegance and charm.

The "Colorful Roast Beef Plate" for 2,800 yen is a feast for the eyes and the stomach, featuring thick slices of roast beef encircling a Mount Fuji-shaped rice mound, accompanied by a vibrant salad and broccoli soup for a well-rounded nutritional balance.

Don't miss the onsite bakery, perfect for grabbing some bread on the go during drives or mid-journey snacks.

Make sure to visit the shop & gallery as well. Alongside Peter Rabbit original merchandise, you'll find local specialties from the surrounding area.

Exclusive items such as embroidered towels for 940 yen, mini baskets with rice crackers for 880 yen, and lunch bags (available in two designs) for 1,350 yen each, are among the unique finds at this location.

The Kawaguchiko Pleasure Boat Appare is a service that provides 20-minute tours of Lake Kawaguchi.

The Appare is inspired by the Atakebune, a Japanese naval warship that belonged to Takeda Shingen's army during the Warring States Period. The authentic Japanese-style hull features the Takeda clan family crest, giving the craft a majestic and bold appearance.

On sunny days, ride atop the deck for a fantastically overwhelming view of Mount Fuji from the calm, peaceful lake.

You can also stay inside and enjoy the view from the windows. Costume rentals are also available so that you can take a commemorative photo as a member of the Takeda army!

A full-scale ninja show on the water is scheduled for May 13-14. Don't miss this masterpiece performance by the ninja performance group, 'Raifu-jin'! (*Extra fee required.)

The Kawaguchiko-Mount Fuji Panorama Ropeway runs between Kawaguchikohan Station and Fujimidai Station at an altitude of 1,075m. From the observation square, you'll see an incredible panoramic view of Mount Fuji.

Take in the expansive view of Lake Kawaguchi and the surrounding, lush green mountains that stretches out right before your eyes!

Once you get off the ropeway, head to the summit. There, you'll find the observation deck at Takeda Shingen Sengoku Square, which sits at an altitude of 1,100m!

The yagura, or observation deck, resembles a bridge jutting out from the cliff, and offers an amazing, unobstructed view of Mount Fuji.

Next to the tower is a life-size cardboard panel featuring Takeda Shingen, which you can include in your photos of Mount Fuji to really feel like part of the Takeda clan!

If you're planning a visit to the ropeway's observatory this spring, you won't want to miss the scenic 'Mt. Kachi Kachi View Swing'! For 500 yen, you can ride a swing (about 3.5m off the ground) with a fabulous view of Mount Fuji right before your eyes!

If you're not a fan of swings or heights, don't worry. This swing has a safety belt, making it safe for anyone to ride! Swing to your heart's content as this thrilling experience brings you back to your childhood.

There's also a shop at the mountain observatory called Tanuki Chaya. Here you can purchase swing tickets or take a break as you enjoy the view of Mount Fuji from inside. You'll also want to try the local specialties!

The Tanuki Dango is a traditional mitarashi dumpling, and the Usagi Dango contains kuromitsu (black honey) and kinako. They sell for 400 yen each and are a great snack to munch on as you continue to take in the gorgeous Fuji views!

Next to Tanuki Chaya is the Usagi Jinja (Rabbit Shrine), a shrine dedicated to the rabbit from the Japanese folktale, Kachi Kachi Yama.

The votive wooden plaques, shaped like fall leaves and flowers, are made from thinned wood from Mount Fuji and painted by local charities, exuding the warm touch that only comes from a handmade treasure.

The Narusawa Ice Cave is a lava cave located in Fuji Hokuroku Park’s Aokigahara Forest. The cave formed during Mount Fuji’s volcanic eruption in 864, and is now designated as a natural monument by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology.

As its name suggests, the average temperature inside the caves is a frigid 0-3 degrees Celsius, all year round! In the summer, the caves can reach temperature differences of up to 32 degrees from the outside!

The inside of the cave is so narrow, you'll have to crouch down in order to pass through. From there, it's an exciting journey to the end of the tunnel!

A breathtaking view of gigantic icicles awaits you at the end of the cave. These icicles reach their biggest size around April, forming from the water droplets that seep through the ceiling and freeze over time. The magical blue lighting only adds to the fantastical atmosphere!

Fuji-Q Highland's popular rotating attraction, Tondemina, returned in 2022 after a long-term closure.

Tondemina is a large, 50-seater frisbee ride with seats that swing as it rotates. The name comes from its resemblance to a pizza spinning in mid-air.

After closing down last year for the construction of a new roller coaster, it has returned to a new, prime location facing Mount Fuji. And what could be more thrilling than looking out at the mountain while flying in mid-air?!

Right next to Tondemina, you'll find "Pizza-La Express Fuji-Q Highland." Besides their regular menu, you can't miss their original pizzas like the "Fujiyama Pizza" (1,000 yen), where the peak is coated with cream cheese, and the "Tondemina 1 Piece" (650 yen), inspired by the Tondemina ride itself. These unique offerings add a flavorful twist to your adventure at Fuji-Q Highland.

Next to Fuji-Q Highland is Fujiyama Museum, a museum that displays collections of Mount Fuji paintings by modern and contemporary artists.

Enjoy the innovative architectural design as you walk along the sloping corridors and admire the paintings on the walls. The light coming in from the glass ceiling above only adds to the space’s beauty.

The view of Fuji-Q Highland from inside the museum is even framed to look like a giant canvas painting!

The museum ran its Spring Collection Exhibition until May 29, 2022, where 70 popular works from the collection featuring Mount Fuji were on display.

Fuji-Q Highland's official hotel, Highland Resort Hotel & Spa, also offers a super-popular themed guest room based on the world of the equally popular children's show, Thomas the Tank Engine. And in Spring 2022, the hotel opened two new Thomas Rooms!

The first new room is the 'Thomas and the Rescue Team' room. You'll be greeted by the Hero of the Sky, Harold the Helicopter, as soon as you step inside. The room's design features the Rescue Center's thematic red color, and a replica of Harold you can pilot yourself!

The second room is 'Gordon's Special Guest Room,' designed with relaxing hues of Gordon's signature blue color, and dynamic decorations of Thomas and Gordon bursting through the walls!

Even the bathrooms feature elements from the world of Thomas, making bath time fun for the entire family!

Kids will also love the original Thomas-themed toiletries and goods, only available here! Guests will receive a decorative gift bag filled with a random assortment of original goods. Tote bags, drawstring pouches, and handkerchiefs are just some of the possible gifts you can get. What's in your bag? Open it up and find out!

The Fujisan View Express is a unique scenic train that runs along the Fujikyuko Line between Otsuki Station and Kawaguchiko Station. The train features a beautiful view of Mount Fuji from the windows!

This special train, known for its exclusive first car, features a relaxing interior that utilizes wood materials, adding an elegant touch to your travel experience.

But the highlight is the "Sweets Plan" available only in this special car, where you're treated to three types of sweets curated by a hotel patissier. The lineup includes a "Fujiyama View Express-style Eclair," a delightful "FUJIYAMA Chocolat" combining chocolate mousse with pistachio cream, and a soft, chewy "Cloud Bread" infused with cream cheese, all of which are as visually appealing as they are delicious.

The area around Mount Fuji is brimming with unique experiences, from breathtaking views to gourmet dining, souvenirs, and hotels, offering content that's quintessential to the Fuji area. Why not spend a day fully immersing yourself in all it has to offer?

(*Information in this article was initially gathered in April 2021 and has been updated in February 2024. For the most current details, be sure to check the official websites.)