Escape Tokyo’s hustle and explore Yamanashi’s stunning spring landscapes with this compact 2-day itinerary. You’ll enjoy flower-filled parks, jaw-dropping Mount Fuji panoramas, refreshing lava caves, and the famed Fuji Shibazakura Festival.
- Day 1 Morning | Flower Paradise at Lake Yamanakako
- Day 1 Lunch | Local Flavor at “Shofū” in Narusawa
- Day 1 Afternoon | Chill Out in Lava Caves
- Day 1 Evening | Sunset Views at Arakurayama Sengen Park
- Day 2 Morning | Fuji Shibazakura Festival
- Day 2 Afternoon | Majestic Waterfalls: Shiraito & Otodome
- Summary: Why This 2-Day Itinerary Works for Spring Travel
Day 1 Morning | Flower Paradise at Lake Yamanakako
Start your trip at Hana no miyako Kouen (Flower City Park) beside Lake Yamanakako. With vibrant tulips and baby-blue nemophila in bloom opposite the snow-capped Mount Fuji, it’s an early-morning photographer’s dream.
- Hours: Approx. 8:30 AM–5:30 PM (seasonal variations)
- Admission: From ¥500
- Access: ~10 min drive from Yamanakako IC
- Pro Tip: Visit at opening for serene light and fewer crowds.
Day 1 Lunch | Local Flavor at “Shofū” in Narusawa
Drive ~40 minutes to Narusawa for “Shofū” casual dining. Try their renowned venison curry—tender deer meat in a fragrant spice mix, with a side view of Mount Fuji.
- Budget: ¥1,000–¥1,500
- Pro Tip: Limited availability—early lunch recommended.
Day 1 Afternoon | Chill Out in Lava Caves
Head toward Lake Saiko and explore the Fugaku Wind Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave, both naturally chilled to around 0 °C year-round. Remember, the ice cave can be slippery—sneakers are a must.
- Hours: 9 AM–5 PM
- Joint ticket: ¥1,000
- Pro Tip: Broad-angle lenses capture the stark cave beauty best.
Day 1 Evening | Sunset Views at Arakurayama Sengen Park
End Day 1 at Arakurayama Sengen Park with a climb up 398 steps to witness the iconic sunset pairing of Mount Fuji and the five-storied pagoda. The golden hour effect is simply magical, and the crowds are thinner than midday.
- Location: Fujiyoshida, Arakurayama
- Parking: Free (overflow lots available)
- Pro Tip: Sakura season sees more visitors—golden hour is prime for photos.
Day 2 Morning | Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Rise early and drive to the Fuji Shibazakura Festival. You’ll step into a fairy-tale carpet of pink moss phlox beneath the towering Mount Fuji—breathless beauty in the morning light.
- Mid-April to late May (annual)
- Admission: ¥800–¥1,200
- Buses available from Kawaguchiko Station
- Pro Tip: Try the “shibazakura soft-serve”—an Instagram must!
Day 2 Afternoon | Majestic Waterfalls: Shiraito & Otodome
On your way back, stop by Shiraito Falls (a gentle, curtain-like cascade) and Otodome Falls (raw power and roaring flow)—both celebrated as part of the Mount Fuji World Heritage site.
- Location: Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture
- Parking available (paid)
- Pro Tip: Visit near midday for rainbows forming in the mist.
Summary: Why This 2-Day Itinerary Works for Spring Travel
- A perfect mix of flower fields, iconic views, underground caves, and natural wonder.
- Smart timing (early mornings and evenings) helps you evade crowds and capture stunning light.
- Just 2–3 hours from Tokyo by car—ideal for quick getaways.
- Highly Instagrammable spots all along the route.
