Top page Special Feature January February

Bring in the new year with the spectacular “Diamond Fuji Sunrise.”“Diamond Fuji” occurs when the sunrise or sunset peaks at the top of Mt.Fuji, creating a brilliant shine like a diamond in the sky. Throughout the year as the sun gets lower and lower in the sky, Diamond Fuji can be seen from different spots around the five lakes. The view from the ridgepoint at Motosuko Lake is considered to be the best, especially for the new years sunrise. Every year people begin the early morning ascent from the Lake Motosuko parking area, to view the first sunrise of the new year and view “Diamond Fuji.” We invite you to take part in this beautiful experience.

Wonderful Winter Events in Fujikawaguchiko

There are many events for the winter season to warm up your senses in Fujikawaguchiko. There are of course the annual winter weekend fireworks throughout January and February, and the natural snow and ice sculpture festival at Saiko Birds Park. New this year is “gairojyu” Winter illuminations at Oike Park (also the grounds of the fireworks). On the other side of the lake in Oishi Park, you can see the Niagara light and wave illuminations. Also new this year is the “AKB Houtou 8” noodle fair, where you can partake in various interpretations of the local delicacy. The Fujikawaguchiko Winter Art Festvial fuses art, culture, nature and entertainment, with various crafts, workshops and local concerts. The Winter Star Festival and praying at the local shrines for new years blessings are all things the locals partake of this season and are happy to welcome you to. Please see the events section of the website for more details.

Winter Weekend Fireworks Festival
As Fujikawaguchiko town lies 830-900m above sea level, the heart of winter brings a deeper but not unreasonable cold, offering a refreshing crispness and unique beauty. From the lakeside of Oike park, the annual Kawaguchiko winter fireworks provides the charming setting to capture the beauty of winter. From January 14th to February 19th, every Saturday and Sunday evening, the Kawaguchiko winter fireworks will be held. From 8pm, you can enjoy the beauty of fireworks in the clear winter night, and reflected on the clear and still lake. Another wonderful option is to view the fireworks from the comfort a lakeside hotel room or hot spring. For hotels from which you can view the fireworks, please contact the tourist information center (TEL 0555-72-0346).
Snow and Ice Festival
From the middle of January to the beginning of February, the temperature drops below zero during the night, and allows for the beauty of the Saiko Lake ice and snow festival. Coinciding with the winter fireworks festival, the snow and ice festival takes place at the Saiko Lake Bird Sancutary in Mori Park. The festival will be held from January 28th to February 5th. Various ice shapes and sculptures take over the park making it into a wonderful winter scene. As well there are local seasonal delicacies like grilled fish from the lake, arts and crafts, and beautiful New Years decorations to be enjoyed. The winter beauty is enhanced by the lighting up of the ice sculptures and trees at night.
Mt. Fuji Day celebrations
February 23rd is Mt. Fuji day. In Japanese, the character “FU” means 2, and “JI” means 3. Thus “FUJI” translates to February 23rd, where we celebrate the sacred Mt.Fuji with the final spectacular fireworks of the season. Come and enjoy the wonderful event and celebrate Mt.Fuji!

Mt.Fuji / Kawaguchiko movie festival
As Mt. Fuji is the cultural symbol of Japan, the annual Mt.Fuji / Kawaguchiko movie festival will be held on Febuary 18th and 19th, with a special commemorative on Mt. Fuji day, February 23rd. The two parts of the movie festival will include the screening of the film contest entrants and winner, whose screenplays are themed in the Mt.Fuji / Kawaguchiko area and aims to the cultural heights of Mt. Fuji. There will also be lectures and discussions about film technique and the muse of Mt.Fuji in the area of film, video and screenplay. The 4th annual film scenario contest features 5 films made mostly in the Fujikawaguchiko area.
Kawaguchiko happy winter days
Although it does not snow that often in Fujikawaguchiko, when it does, the charms of snow and ice and the crisp air, lingers throughout the season. January and February offer mostly sunny days and blue skies, where the snow capped Mt.Fuji can be viewed throughout the day. Whether viewed from around the lake, a local hiking route, a traditional Japanese hotel, or just about anywhere, you can enjoy the wonderful view of Mount Fuji. For a truly wonderful winter feeling, we recommend you head to “Iyashinosato” at Lake Saiko, a traditional Japanese thatch roof village, re-built using traditional methods after it was tragically destroyed in a mud slide half a century ago. It boasts an unforgettable view of snow capped Fuji amongst the ambience of tradition.
Of course, it being winter, the full range of winter sports such and skiing and sleighing at Fujiten resort, and ice-skating at FujiQ Hightland, are readily available.
For those traveling by car, please remember that the snowy and icy roads are extremely slippery, and winter tires and chains must be fitted to ensure a save trip for yourself and others on the roads.
There are still countless hidden locations to explore in the area. Although the Lake Saiko bat cave is closed in the winter months for the bats natural hibernation, the interesting gallery and nature tours of neighbouring Aokigahara forest, run 7 days a week throughout the year.
At lovely Oishi Park on the north side of the lake, there is the winter festival of “Niagara falls and wave” winter illuminations (from December 10theto January 31st) and the winter star festival (from January 1 to January 16). Please see the events section for more details.