Birthplace of Power Spot

Mt. Fuji is the most obvious power spot. This UNESCO-designated World Cultural Heritage site nurtured the Fuji Five Lakes upon volcanic eruptions, when lava blocked rivers or split existing lakes. Lake Yamanaka was split from Utsuko; Lake Saiko, Motosu and Shojiko were split from Se-no-umi; while Lake Kawaguchi was a result of barrage formation by solidified magma.

Here is the top ten power spots in search of spiritual connection:

1）Mt. Taikan Observatory, Kanagawa (大観山スカイラウンジ)

Located at the end of “Anest Iwata Turnpike Hakone”, which is a driving course connecting Odawara and Mt. Taikan, the observatory offers a viewpoint between Hakone and Yugawara.

2）Fujisan Yumeno Ohashi Bridge, Shizuoka (富士山夢の大橋)

An overpass stretching across the Urui River of Fuji City. There is an adjacent walkway allowing the pedestrians to cross the river, where keen photographers take advantage of it for a best photo.

3）Asagiri Kogen, Shizuoka (朝霧高原)

Situated in the west of the Mt. Fuji, the highland  is not only a dairy farming, but also a site for gliding and paragliding. Its name originates from the morning and evening fog that occurs in summer.

4）Tatego-Hama Beach, Yamanashi (他手合浜)

Located in Lake Shojiko (精進湖), it is considered as the best view of Fujigoko. Mt. Omuro (大室山) seems to be embraced by Mt Fuji, even becoming a spot of the animation “Your Name.”.

5）Nagaike Shinsui Park (長池親水公園) and Hirano Beach (平野の浜), Yamanashi 

Lake Yamanaka (山中湖) is well-known for “upside-down Fuji (逆笹富士)” and “the sun setting on the top of Mt. Diamond Fuji  (ダイヤモンド富士)”, if visitors could secure a spot early.

6）Oshino Hakkai, Yamanashi (忍野八海)

Ranked as the national best spring water, its 8 ponds are the byproduct of historic eruptions and intense volcanic activity. Most of the pools are filled by melted snow that originated from Fuji.

7）Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi (富士吉田)

Beside the Fuji-Q Highland and the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, the Honcho Street (レトロ商店街) connects the city and Mt. Fuji, even Netflix filmed the Japanese series “The Hot Spot”.

8）Sengen shrines (河口浅間神社) and Fujimi Bridge (富士見橋), Yamanashi

Reach the sky with the “Tenku no Torii (天空の鳥居)” at the Kawaguchi Asama and Sengen Shrine; or observe how the Misaka Pass cross from the Kofu area in the Fujimi Bridge.

9）Saiko Nenba-hama (西湖根場浜) and Healing Village (療癒之里根場), Yamanashi

“Nenba-hama” is the only place to observe Mt Fuji. Savor the traditional vibe in healing village, or start an adventure in Fugaku Wind Cave (富岳風穴) or Narusawa Ice Cave (鳴澤冰穴).

10）Motosuko Observation Park, Yamanashi (本栖湖展望公園)

Visiting the park on a clear day allows you to observe Lake Motosu (本栖湖), which the reverse side of the 1,000 yen banknote in Japan has depicted the exact breathtaking view.