A throwback to our much-anticipated road trip with our extended family felt like a long-awaited reunion after the trials of the Covid era. As 2023 unfolded, it seemed that travel was on everyone’s agenda, with “revenge travel” plans in full swing. The prospect of returning to Japan, a place we hadn’t visited since 2019 when our kids were merely 5 and 2 years old, was filled with excitement. We knew that now, four years later, they would be able to truly appreciate and treasure the experiences that lie ahead.
Choosing an early morning flight over a red-eye journey was a deliberate decision, based on past experiences that had taught us the value of starting the trip well-rested and ready for adventure. The dawn departure symbolized a fresh beginning, setting the stage for a journey filled with new discoveries and shared moments with our loved ones. Anticipation ran high as we ventured forth, eager to create lasting memories and immerse ourselves in the beauty and wonders of Japan once more.
Day 1 – 3 ( Tokyo – Hotel Wing International Select Ikebukuro)
On Day 1, we touched down at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, it was already quite dark at 4pm and we booked a private transport to check into our hotel Hotel Wing International Select Ikebukuro located at Ikebukuro, Toshima City. We choose this hotel due to its close proximity to a kids shopping mall Sunshine City where they have a roof top aquarium, Pokémon shop, observation deck, indoor museums and theme parks. It is also located near the Ikebukuro JR station where there are lots of eateries and shopping malls. The room is relatively big by Japan’s standard and we are grateful that we managed to find a family room that could fit in all 4 of us. Our kids were happily having Pokémon doughnuts from Mister Doughnut and you can literally find Pokémon stuff like everywhere you go.
On Day 2, we took the opportunity to take their public train during office hours to avoid the crowd and visited some of their famous tourist attractions like Ueno Park and Asakusa. Ueno Park is one of their oldest public park where a zoo is located inside and you could see very beautiful spectacle of red, yellow and gold leaves throughout the park as autumn is coming to an end. Asakusa contains several important cultural landmarks, including the iconic Sensoji Temple and its imposing Kaminarimon Gate. Nowadays, we do not really have a fixed itinerary on our travels and we prefer to explore the place as we slowly go along and soaked in the Christmas Festive season.
On Day 3, we went to the rooftop Sunshine Aquarium in Sunshine City and I would say we were quite impressed by how they managed to have quite a variety of animal exhibits within the top of a building. They have the world biggest Gashapon shop “Gashapon Department Store Ikebukuro Sohonten” and our boy was bewildered with the number of machines they have (trust me this place is like a labyrinth and we were wondering how logistically challenging if they were to replenish their almost 3000 machines day in day out). Lastly, we went up to the rooftop viewing deck for a nice evening panoramic view of the entire city before calling it a day.
Day 4 (Yamanashi – GLANSTELLA CABIN Fujiyamanako)
On Day 4, we collected our rental car and went towards Yamanashi prefecture in the direction of the majestic Mount Fuji. We struggled trying to drive out of Tokyo city as we lost our GPS signal once we are underground and their tunnel networks are notoriously complex (our MPV even gotten some minor scratches as we were lost in one of their narrow residential streets) After this incident, I think we will plan to collect our car from outside the big city next time!
It was already nightfall when we reached our accommodation – GLANSTELLA Cabin at Fujiyamanako close to Lake Yamanaka which is the largest among the Fuji Five Lakes around Mount Fuji. They have an interesting check in process which is fully automated in one of their cabin and fully secure with number locks. The accommodation is like a bigger version of the tiny house concept with a bunk bed ensuite with toilet and shower facilities, BBQ pit with a deck, a front pouch area for you to do some outdoor activities and park your car. The cabin is supposed to have a direct view of Mount Fuji but we did not managed to see it as the sky is a bit overcast.
Day 5 and 6 (Fujiyoshida City – Villas Asama No Iori)
On Day 5, we went to their famous attraction Oshino Hakkai which is part of the Mount Fuji UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. They have eight ponds which are fed by snowmelt from the slopes of Mount Fuji that filters down the mountain through porous layers of volcanic rock over a period of several decades. This makes the mineral-rich pond waters remarkably clear and pristine filled with beautiful Japanese Koi fishes. We finally managed to see Mount Fuji on a clear day during our visit to Oshino Hakkai which is just the beginning of our multiple sightings of the sacred mountain in different directions over the next couple of days.
Then we went to the Fujisan World Heritage Center to learn about how Mount Fuji was formed and the different views of Mount Fuji with very interesting cloud formation at different times of the year. We went to the second floor to enjoy some coffee in a nice cafe where you have a beautiful view of Mount Fuji.
We arrived at our next accommodation Villa Asama No Iori which is literally located next to the famous Arakurayama Sengen Park where you could take the hike up to take one of the most Instagrammable photo shoot in Japan with the Chureito Pagoda and Mount Fuji together. The “Muji” look alike accommodation is a 2-storey villa with 3 bedrooms (6 single beds) on the ground level and a living and dining area on the 2nd level with toilet, shower and a kitchen.
On Day 6 morning, we went to the Arakurayama Sengen Park and climbed 398 steps to reach the observation deck that overlooks the breathtaking cityscape of Fujiyoshida City with the majestic Mt. Fuji towering above. We did some further hiking beyond the observation deck and the kids managed to reach more than three quarter of the entire hike before they became too tired and cold to push for the summit of Mount Arakura which is about 1500ft increase in elevation from the observation deck. I must really applaud my kids for the effort to push through their limits.
** I managed to hike up to the summit on the next morning on my own and its really not that easy due to the strong winds and steep elevation. It took me close to two hours for the entire hike up and down and click on this link to find out more about the hike up Mount Arakura)
Subsequently, we ventured to Lake Kawaguchiko for a traditional Japanese lunch at Tsujiya with is rated well on Google Maps. Alongside the serene lake, a bustling shopping strip awaited, showcasing a variety of intriguing traditional shops. Noteworthy among them was the Kawaguchiko Cheesecake Garden, renowned for its delectable cheesecakes. The surrounding landscape was adorned with vibrant red and yellow trees, heralding the arrival of winter as we meandered along the lake’s edge. As daylight waned, we stopped by the Forest Mall Fujikawaguchiko to procure fresh fruits and snacks before making our way to the nearby Chateraise, where we indulged in an array of delicious pastries which is much cheaper as compared to when you buy in Singapore.
As we wrapped up our first part of our time in Japan, lookout for our second part of our journey where we will go to Shizuoka, Kanagawa and lastly Chiba – Disneyland. Stay tune!