HACHI Taro's Reviews

Fuji Shibazakura Festival

The weeks from mid-April to late May each year bring Fuji Shibazakura Festival, the largest spring flower event in the Tokyo metropolitan area to Fuji Motosuko Resort at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The season rings in with 500,000 moss phlox plants bloom in a stunning shimmy of color that frames perfectly with Mt. Fuji just behind. The festival designs a unique theme each year to showcase the vibrant hues of all seven varieties of shibazakura, including McDaniel Cushion and Autumn Rose.

Yamanashi
Spring festivals & Events

11 May 2026 See More

Visited in late April. The view of Mt. Fuji and the moss phlox was even more beautiful than I imagined.

I also enjoyed the Peter Rabbit English garden, shop, and cafe that were open for a limited time.

Since you can see it for over a month, I recommend going on a sunny day if your schedule allows.

Tenseien

Tenseien is a hot spring inn conveniently located within walking distance from Hakone-Yumoto Station. The inn has four abundant, natural hot spring sources on its premises, flowing into the open-air bath, indoor bath, guest room open-air bath, and family bath.

Hakone
Inns

11 May 2026 See More

The Japanese garden on the grounds is absolutely beautiful, and with two waterfalls and a shrine, it’s enjoyable just to stroll around.
The hot spring baths were also very spacious and relaxing.

Lake Yamanakako Pleasure Boat “Swan Lake”

Yamanakako, the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes. Once known as the “Princess Odette”, the newly revamped sightseeing boat cruising Lake Yamanakako is now operating as “Swan Lake”. The full route takes 20 minutes, offering a cozy ride as you gaze upon the gorgeous lake scenery and Mt. Fuji above.

Yamanashi

9 May 2026 See More

The weather was great, and we had a clear view of Mt. Fuji from the boat.
Inside, there were cozy seats with a warm wooden feel, which made the ride comfortable and a little luxurious.
We also got to see wild swans.

Ariake “Yokohama Harbor Double Marron”

A marron cake known for its original packaging by popular illustrator Ryohei Yanagihara, with an eye-catching shape inspired by ships docked at Yokohama Port. Wrapped in fluffy, soft castella sponge is an original marron bean paste made with gently sweet white bean paste, plus candied chestnuts and chestnut paste.

Yokohama
Snacks

9 May 2026 See More

A sweet treat with a gentle chestnut flavor. The matcha version also has chopped chestnuts in it, and it’s really delicious.
It keeps well, so it’s great as a souvenir.

Fujiten Snow Resort

Fujiten Snow Resort is located within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and offers winter sports with Mount Fuji as a scenic backdrop.

Yamanashi
Outdoors

3 Mar 2026 See More

I got to enjoy skiing with some absolutely stunning views.
The lifts had been upgraded and felt brand-new.
Sounds like you can ski here until early April.
They also have rentals for clothing and gear, so it’s a great option for beginners too.

Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchi-ko)

Lake Kawaguchi is known as one of the five Fuji lakes and is a popular spot because of its spectacular view of Mt. Fuji. The lakeside is filled with cherry blossoms in the spring, purple lavender in early summer, and autumn leaves in the fall, making each season a different and beautiful sight. Lake Kawaguchi is also known for having the only "island" and "bridge" in the Fuji Five Lakes.

Yamanashi
Nature Spots

23 Feb 2026 See More

I visited on the day of the winter fireworks, so I could see a beautiful show from the hotel where I stayed.
Since February 23 is considered “Mt. Fuji Day” every year, it seems like there are events happening in different places.

Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple　

This is an ancient temple of the Soto sect of Buddhism located at the midpoint of Myojinga-dake in the Hakone Gairinzan (Outer rim of a crater). The temple was established in 1394 in the middle of the Muromachi period and has a history of about 600 years. It is the one of most prestigious Soto Zen temple after Eiheiji Temple in Fukui Prefecture and Sojiji Temple in Tsurumi, Yokohama, and has more than 4,000 schools nationwide.

Hakone
Shrines & Temples

27 Jan 2026 See More

To get to the Okunoin, you climb 354 stone steps.
With the tengu legends too, it feels like a kind of training.

Odawara Castle

Odawara Castle once served as the base of the Hojo clan during the Sengoku period before becoming the Okubo clan residence during the Edo period. Today this beloved symbol of Odawara keeps a revamped castle grounds that’s redeveloped as a park centered around the reconstructed main keep.

Kanagawa
Tourist Attractions

27 Jan 2026 See More

Since it’s known as an impregnable castle, it feels like it could bring you some good luck.
There are also places to eat, so you can take a break while looking out at the castle.

GOTEMBA PREMIUM OUTLETS

GOTEMBA PREMIUM OUTLETS was established in 2000 and is the largest outlet mall in Japan. It is easily accessible from famous tourist spots such as Hakone, Izu, and Mt. Fuji, and is a popular spot to stop by during sightseeing.

Shizuoka
Commercial Buildings

27 Jan 2026 See More

It’s huge—so big you can’t possibly see it all in one day.
The weather was nice, so we got a great view of Mt. Fuji.
There’s also a mini amusement area, so kids can have fun too.