六天五夜：淺草、川越與河口湖之旅

歡迎來到 LeCollecteur，與我們一同踏上為期六天五夜的淺草、川越和河口湖之旅。

第一天：機場／東京 澀谷

今天，我們抵達東京，主要停留在澀谷。明日，我們將前往淺草，隨後自駕遊覽川越，最後駛向美麗的河口湖，圍繞著壯麗的富士山展開愉快的探索。

一抵達澀谷，自然要漫遊於如詩如畫的澀谷十字路口，此地無疑是澀谷的核心。人潮川流不息，讓人感受到震撼的都市魅力。與新宿相比，這裡的購物選擇更是無窮無盡，各式各樣的衣物與配饰，皆是香港難以尋覓的款式。而最引人注意的，莫過於大街小巷的街頭表演，展現出令人讚嘆的才華與熱情。

在這熙熙攘攘的氛圍中，您可以真切地體驗到日本年輕人彼此交流的生活情景。

遊覽結束後，我們隨意尋覓，來到了燒肉武田，早已被門口飄散而出的烤肉香氣所吸引。這裡提供簡單而又美味的自助燒肉，包含絕妙的和牛，店內瀰漫著獨特的燒烤香味，成為了許多日本人最愛光顧的小店。

第二天：淺草 雷門寺／原宿 表參道

清晨，我們便搭乘列車前往目的地。日本的鐵路系統令我著迷，無數精緻的設計使得旅程舒適無比。

抵達淺草後，我們馬上前往雷門。這座宏偉的門於公元628年建成，專為供奉「風雷神」而興建。進入雷門之後，便是仲見世街。在這裡，梅輪堂的名聲尤為響亮，以其獨特的人形燒聞名遐邇。新鮮出爐的人形燒散發著誘人的香氣，令人倍感懷舊，彷彿回到了昭和時代的簡樸與溫暖。

銀花堂則展現了琳琅滿目的水果串，並有著名的草莓大福。細緻的職人手工製作大福，還有白草莓版本可供選擇，每一件都精緻無比，草莓控絕對不容錯過。

漫步之中，我們來到了淺草寺本堂，這歷史悠久的寺廟吸引了眾多善信前來祈福。那一百日元的求籤點，更是吸引情侶與學生們前來，希望能獲得安慰與祝福。如果抽到不吉之籤，只需將籤文綁在專用架上，以求化解厄運，轉而迎來好運。

在這熙熙攘攘的人群中，許多人穿著和服，停下身影讓攝影師捕捉其美。寺廟周邊的公園與五重塔本就是如詩畫的美景，尤其在秋天，金色的銀杏樹更是為景色增添了幾分浪漫，恰是與摯愛漫步的好時光。

參觀完本堂後，我們又前往附近的老街，發現了這家充滿鮮豔色彩的小店 Orangeel，雖然買到的橙汁味道平平，但可愛的橙子造型卻讓人忍俊不禁。

接下來，我們追隨著陣陣香味，來到了鳴門鯛魚燒本舖。這裡保留著傳統的製作工藝，親眼目睹師傅用模具緩慢製作，剛出爐的鯛魚燒暖洋洋的，令人倍感治癒。咬上一口，甜度正好，內餡中的卡士達與香草籽令人愉悅。於這寒冷的天氣中，品嚐鯛魚燒，幸福感油然而生。

同一條街上，還有一處令少女心狂潮的仙境——Sanrio Gift Gate。在這裡，連蘋果也變身為小雙星，整間店鋪滿是可愛的公仔精品，Hello Kitty、Cinnamoroll、My Melody，應有盡有，更有期間限定的珍品。步入此間，彷如身處夢中的樂園，心中充滿無限喜悅。

遊覽結束，我們的電量也該充充了！這家在淺草廣受本地人喜愛的炸牛排店，往往需要排隊半小時，但絕對值得。金黃酥脆的外皮薄而不油，搭配山葵、岩鹽及醬油三種醬汁可隨意挑選，將多汁的牛排放在熱石上烤制，內裡的肉質依然保持著嫰粉紅色，調味恰到好處。這裡的炸物真可謂一絕，雖然店面略顯狹小，但那吱吱作響的烤牛排，無疑是一種無法抵擋的治癒體驗。

隨後，我們來到了表參道，意外遇見了狗達人森部先生，他無疑成為了這條街的「移動景點」。但因為我們還有行程，未能久留，目的地是充滿童趣的Chikawa Land，這裡簡直是可愛的天堂，角色精品和文具琳琅滿目，讓人心中充滿喜悅。

第三天：新宿／川越 小江戶／新富町

在清晨的微光中，我們抵達了新宿西口的Nissan Rent-a-car。雖然並非GTR，但這將是我們未來幾日的座駕。整個租車流程流暢無比，熱心的工作人員細心檢查每一個細節，並耐心地為我們講解導航的使用。終於，我們可以隨心所欲地駕車遊覽。

今天的目標是川越，這個被譽為「小江戶」的城鎮。川越的古老建築洋溢著江戶時代的韻味，讓人仿佛穿越回到那個年代。

首先，我們來到了知名的Kawagoe Cheese Cake，這是一家人氣十足的甜品店。它的芝士蛋糕散發著濃郁的奶香，微焦的表面更添一抹焦糖的香氣，入口之時，芝士的味道濃厚卻不過於甜蜜，帶來特別的味蕾享受。

接著，我們造訪了Miffy Kitchen & Bakery。這裡除了各種可愛的商品和期間限定的精品外，還是一家專業的烘焙店，提供多款造型各異的麵包與曲奇，皆 adorned with Miffy的圖案。我忍不住選購了兩個Miffy麵包，心中充滿了喜悅。

講到川越的當地食材，便一定不能錯過蕃薯。我們前往COEDO HACHI，他們用窯來炭燴蕃薯，並在蕃薯上覆蓋類似Crème Brûlée的焦糖表層，火槍燒製後發出撲鼻的香氣，甜而不膩。此外，他們的限定蕃薯吉士酥也相當美味，令人回味無窮。

午餐我們決定嚐試MARUYA的炭燒親子丼。雖然店內空間不大，但氣氛卻十分舒適，彷彿可以放鬆心情細細品味。炭火燒製的雞肉帶有淡淡的焦香感，搭配滑嫩的蛋液，入口之間，幸福感瞬間湧上心頭。我們還點了一份煙鴨胸蓋飯，三文魚子、蛋黃與鴨胸的融合，味道更顯高雅。

用餐後，我們漫步至菓子屋橫丁，整條橫丁散發著懷舊的糖果與零食香氣。玉力製菓的傳統糖果更是獨具特色，讓人忍不住一試。

行至腳軟，我們走進了一家木質的小咖啡店。無論是選擇的舊建築還是擺設裝飾，淡淡的輕音樂及飄散出來的咖啡香氣交織在一起。我便忍不住品嚐了店主親手沖泡的咖啡，香醇的滋味令人倍感療癒。

川越之美，非但在於它的古老建築，更在於這裡的風土人情和友善的當地人，總讓人難以忘懷。

夜幕降臨，我們對晚餐的選擇陷入沉思，最終決定離開熱鬧的小巷，勇敢地探險進入民區。我們逐步走向越來越暗的街道，最終在民居附近發現了一家鰻魚專門店——德川。

走進店內的那一瞬間，我們有些不安，懷疑是否走錯了地方。幸而，熱情的老闆娘很快從地窖中走出，親切相迎並引領我們到一間寬敞的包廂。

菜單極為簡單，主要為鰻魚飯，有醬燒、白燒及二色款，還有各類小食及飲品供選擇。點完菜後，前菜是一盤醃漬的蘿蔔，從未品嚐過如此清甜可口的味道。我們還增點了一份蛋卷，或許是因為選材的講究，蛋香濃郁，軟硬適中，搭配少許醬油的蘿蔔絲，清新怡人。

主菜終於登場，一碗簡約的味噌湯和散發香氣的二色鰻魚丼。燒製出來的色澤美麗至極，吃下去不僅僅是湯汁的味道，更有微微的炭燒芬芳與魚油的鮮香。此外，我們還可以按照自己喜好選擇淋上醬油或Wasabi，甚至變成茶漬飯，讓味蕾感受三種不同的風味。

最後，綠茶和新鮮水果作為結尾，整餐的價格為九千九百日圓。擁有獨立包廂、優質的鰻魚飯以及和藹可親的老闆娘，讓這一餐十分滿意。

餐後，我們又前往鐵路近旁的新富町，享受著轉蛋的樂趣與麥當勞的宵夜，圓滿結束了這充實而美好的一天。

第四天：川越 王子酒店／角川 武藏野博物館／山中湖／河口湖 7C Villa

第四日的清晨，我們整理行囊，毅然告別了川越王子酒店。值得一提的是，酒店提供免費泊車，非常適合自駕遊的旅客。

隨後，我們的旅程來到了角川武藏野博物館，這座由隈研吾設計的建築令我驚嘆不已，猶如一座巨大的石山，擁有各式各樣的切割面，隨著光影的變化而呈現不同的面貌，宛如一件隨時變換姿態的藝術品。

當天恰逢莫奈的沈浸式光影展在此舉行，展覽入口處特意設計了一個小巧的後花園，吸引遊客前來拍照。我忍不住在橋上留下了一張照片，彷彿置身於名畫之中。

在展覽中，莫奈及印象派的畫作被製作成動畫，配合空間中的吊床和豆袋，讓人感受到前所未有的放鬆與沉浸。接著，我們來到四樓的「本棚劇場」，這是YOASOBI紅白演出的拍攝地點。高聳的書牆包圍著我們，伴隨光影秀的變幻，猶如走進了一個魔法圖書館。無論是建築的美感，還是展覽的設計及本棚劇場，角川武藏野博物館都值得一遊。

隨著時間推移，我們必須趕路，於是便簡單地享用昨日購買的Miffy包作為午餐，口感依然不錯。

我們正式展開了富士山之旅。自駕遊的便利就在於能夠舒適觀賞沿途的美景，天橋、隧道、山川水淺皆吸引著我。經過約兩個小時的車程，終於在車窗外看到了那巍峨的富士山！

在前往酒店之前，我們決定前往山中湖欣賞日落。雖然富士山頂被雲層籠罩，但首次目睹的震撼仍讓人心潮澎湃。當前的景象令人目不暇接，忍不住不斷拍照，完全忘記了時間的流逝。心中幻想著雲層會隨時間散去，緊靠著欄杆，用心感受山、雲與天空之間的變化，這真是一種賞心悅目的享受。

隨著日落，氣溫逐漸降低，加上並未用餐，我們只能先返回酒店辦理入住，明日再戰！此次我們預訂了一間全新的酒莊別墅——7C Villa & Winery。好在店方在這寒冷的日子裡，提供了自制的茶和雜果酒，讓人感到無微不至的關懷。

7C Villa於2024年7月開業，房型不多，僅有Suite Room與Twins Room，總共約10間房間。我們選擇了較小的Twins Room。踏入房間的瞬間，兩張大床與開放式衣櫃便給人留下了深刻的印象，設計感十足。精心準備的外套竟是Uniqlo:C的，睡衣和便服也均已備妥。客廳中有舒適的三人沙發，半露天的露台及日式私人花園相映成趣，更有天然的富士山溫泉水浴池，令人堪稱奢華。

洗漱區域寬敞明亮，兩人一同使用無需擔憂，還備有北儷草水的清潔用品與Dyson吹風機，乾濕分離的設計讓廁所與淋浴間空間開闊。此外，還為我們準備了本地花茶以及手沖咖啡的器具。但我最喜愛的，莫過於這套為我們準備的便服，既美觀又舒適，正好適合我今晚赴Villa的晚餐。

今晚的晚餐是八道菜的精緻盛宴，我們選擇少量的紅白酒，因此未進行配餐，取而代之的是他們自家的Sparkling Wine。

前菜是麵包搭配蔬菜與燒牛肉，湯品為昆布鰹魚湯，所有食材皆選自新鮮的當地材料，帶來獨特的美味。隨後端上的是時令本土蔬菜沙拉，上面點綴海膽泡沫與抹茶醬，色香味俱全。

接著，現場炭燒的鹽燒魚獨具風味，主菜則是甲州葡萄酒燉煮的和牛以及香煎本地農場放養的走地雞，搭配各式調味配菜，兩道主菜皆肉味濃郁，肉質嫩滑，煮得恰到好處。

此後來了一碗清爽的茶漬飯，洗去濃郁的肉香，整個人頓時感到暖和無比。最後以柿子肉配上奶油起司，再加上葡萄乾餅乾與一杯熱咖啡，回味無窮，心中滿足。

第五天：河口湖 天空神社／不動餺飥／下吉田／大石公園

清晨醒來，心中充滿喜悅，漫步在這充滿詩意的環境中，隨後品味了別墅為我們精心準備的早餐。我特別喜歡別墅以餐盒方式呈現的早餐，讓我們能夠在如此優美的氛圍中，愉快地享受一餐。

早餐的食材雖然簡單，但卻精選自新鮮的當地食材。湯品、剛出爐的麵包、新鮮沙拉、果撻、蛋批、生果與果汁，每一樣都透露著自然的味道。儘管形式樸素，卻因環境與包裝的巧妙設計而顯得格外高雅，讓人倍感愉悅。

用餐後，我們出發前往淺間神社。由於別墅與神社的距離不遠，因此我們選擇徒步而行，沿途欣賞河口湖的民居風光，富士山在我們的視野中如影隨形。

抵達神社的門口，我們並未急於進入，因為我們的第一個目的地是富士山的遙拜所。沿著神社左側的山道，我們提升初心，開始攀爬，大約20至30分鐘後便抵達目的地。在半路上，我們遇見了一個露營地，雖然上面寫著「僅限客人」，但在友善的氛圍中，也許稍微打個卡是可以的。

雖然可以開車前往，但徒步上山的過程讓我們看到的風景是再無法比擬的。

到達遙拜所後，眼前兩座鳥居矗立，守門的叔叔需收取200日元的入場費。在繳費後，你便能親眼目睹鳥居下的富士山之美。雖然我慢慢地走著，但這裡的過程卻是令人期待的，不斷排隊拍照，想要捕捉鳥居下的富士山，必須靠近地面，由下而上才能拍出完美的角度。

拍完照片後，我們慢慢地欣賞紀念品，享用一杯咖啡，靜靜地感受周遭的美景。

下山後，我們再次回到河口淺間神社。這裡令我震撼不已的是那些高大的杉樹。神社建於865年，旨在鎮住活躍的富士山，這裡的環境十分寧靜。不論你有沒有宗教信仰，都能在此找到一片靜謐，思索自己的心靈，讓思想在此短暫歇息。

感到肚子餓，我們前往河口湖北本店，品嘗當地的傳統美食——餺飥。店內古色古香，員工們忙碌地在間走動，最終，我們的餺飥端上桌來。以蔬菜為主的湯底濃厚而溫暖，冬天食用特別合適。此外我們還點了一份腐皮壽司，味道也相當不錯。這裡的餺飥煙韌有彈性，恰如其分地滿足了我們饑餓的胃。

吃飽了，我們沿著路返回別墅，準備開車前往下一站。

接下來，我們來到了下吉田二丁目商店街的日川時計店。這裡的遊客似乎總是對過馬路充滿好奇，經常瘋狂拍照，甚至冒險穿越馬路，時常面臨交通的威脅。為了安全，這裡給大家一些過馬路的建議：當聽到車輛接近時，應回到人行道上，切忌站在路邊；若再遇到車輛，千萬不要心急，耐心等待，確保兩側無車方可過馬。

經過一番努力，當我們終於順利過到對面時，夕陽的金色光芒照亮了這裡的富士山景。

隨著夜幕降臨，我們急匆匆地前往大石公園。此時，太陽已然下山，然而富士山的園中景致依然美不勝收。我們目不轉睛地凝視著富士山，直至公園被夜色吞噬。

或許在照片中你們無法感受到，但公園的氣溫僅有1度，寒風吹拂，我們不得不尋找最近的餐廳暫避寒意。我們點了一碗天婦羅丼，還有和牛壽司，兩樣菜品皆是不容錯過的水準。而最讓人感到暖心的，是那一鍋熱氣騰騰的咖喱和牛鍋，驅走了全身的寒意！回到別墅後，我們再享受一泡溫泉，心如止水，皆大歡喜！

第六天：河口湖 7C Villa／富士 Lawson／機場

天空依然晴朗，我們沉浸在7C Villa的最後一份早餐盒中，心中感慨萬千。

這次的早餐仍然有湯品、新鮮水果與果撻，而今天，我們還特意品嚐了7C的紅酒，香醇的滋味讓人愉悅，非常可口。當地的新鮮蔬菜沙律，風味獨特，讓我們於清新中感受到自然的朝氣。

我心生勇氣，根據別墅的指導，嘗試自己動手沖泡咖啡。那香氣四溢，細膩而帶有堅果的風味，讓我沉醉其中。

隨後，我們在電視上欣賞最後一期的逆富士，然後蓄勢待發，準備離開別墅，重返東京。

途中，我們途經富士Lawson，怎能不打個卡留念呢？

這段旅程中，有幸目睹如此壯麗的富士山，真是讓我覺得此行絕對值得。

6 Days and 5 Nights: Asakusa, Kawagoe, and Lake Kawaguchi

Welcome to LeCollecteur! Join us as we embark on a 6-day, 5-night journey through Asakusa, Kawagoe, and Lake Kawaguchi.

Day 1 - Tokyo Shibuya

Today, we arrive in Tokyo, primarily staying in Shibuya. Tomorrow, we will explore Asakusa, followed by a scenic drive to Kawagoe, and finally, we'll head to Lake Kawaguchi to enjoy the majestic views of Mount Fuji.

Upon arriving in Shibuya, a visit to the iconic Shibuya Crossing is a must. This bustling intersection truly serves as the heart of Shibuya, where the vibrant flow of people is both breathtaking and overwhelming. Just like Shinjuku, the shopping here is endless, with countless styles that are rarely found in Hong Kong. The street performances add to the charm, showcasing an impressive level of talent.

As we wander through the streets, we search for a local eatery and come across Yakiniku Takeda, where the enticing aroma of grilled meat wafts through the air. The simple yet delicious all-you-can-eat menu features a range of meats, including delightful wagyu. This cozy spot is a favorite among locals, filled with the enticing scent of barbecue.

Day 2 - Asakusa / Omotesando

On the second day, we take a train to our destination. I have a fondness for Japan's rail system, admiring its meticulous design that makes for a comfortable experience. Upon reaching Asakusa, we head straight to the iconic Kaminarimon Gate, established in 628 AD and dedicated to the “God of Wind and Thunder.”

Behind the gate lies Nakamise Street, renowned for its traditional eateries, including the famous Meirin-do, known for its delightful Ningyo-yaki (doll-shaped cakes). The freshly made cakes bring forth a nostalgic aroma, reminiscent of the Showa era.

Silver Flower Hall offers an array of fruit skewers and their famous strawberry daifuku. The artisan-crafted daifuku, including a version made with white strawberries, is exquisitely delicate—a must-try for strawberry lovers.

As we stroll, we arrive at the main hall of Senso-ji Temple, a historic location where many visitors come to pray. A simple 100-yen fortune slip attracts couples and students alike. Should one draw an unfavorable fortune, tying it to a designated rack is said to transform misfortune into good luck.

Throughout our walk, we notice many wearing traditional kimonos, pausing for photographers to capture their beauty. The surrounding park and five-story pagoda offer picturesque views, especially stunning in autumn with ginkgo trees adorned in gold—perfect for a romantic stroll.

After visiting the temple, we explore the nearby streets, discovering the delightful store Orangeel, with vibrant decor featuring fresh orange juice. Though the taste is a bit ordinary, the presentation is charming.

Following our nose, we find Narumi Taiyaki, where traditional techniques are still proudly employed, watching as chefs slowly prepare taiyaki in molds. The freshly baked treats are warm and comforting, each bite sweet yet balanced, filled with custard and vanilla seeds—truly a blissful indulgence in the chilly weather.

On the same street is the enchanting Sanrio Gift Gate, a treasure trove of character-themed merchandise. Here, even apples are adorned with Little Twin Stars! This paradise for fans of Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and My Melody brings pure joy, as the shop is sprinkled with limited-edition goodies.

After a day of exploration, it’s time to re-energize. We head to a highly regarded fried steak shop in Asakusa, popular among locals. Expect a half-hour wait, but it's undoubtedly worth it. The crispy yet thin batter is delightfully non-greasy, served with a choice of wasabi sauce, rock salt, or soy sauce. Placing the succulent steak onto a hot stone grill keeps the meat perfectly pink and seasoned just right. The sound of sizzling is truly a healing experience.

Next, we make our way to Omotesando, where we stumble upon Mr. Morimbo, a dog-walking expert—without a doubt, an "in-motion attraction" in the area. However, we cannot linger long, as we have plans to visit Chikawa Land, an adorable paradise brimming with character-filled merchandise.

Day 3 - Shinjuku / Kawagoe "Little Edo" / Shin-Fukucho

On the third day, bright and early, we head to the Nissan Rent-a-Car at Shinjuku West Exit. Though it's not a GTR, we collect our vehicle for the next few days. The entire process is smooth, with staff carefully checking the car and explaining the navigation system. Finally, we are ready to set off freely!

Today, our destination is Kawagoe—a charming town known as "Little Edo." The vintage architecture, reminiscent of the Edo period, greets us warmly.

Our first stop is the popular Kawagoe Cheese Cake shop, where the rich aroma of their cheesecakes fills the air. The slightly caramelized surface complements a rich, creamy interior—an indulgence that leaves a lasting impression.

Next, we discover Miffy Kitchen & Bakery, offering not only a variety of adorable merchandise but also freshly baked goods—each decorated with Miffy designs. Unable to resist, I purchase two Miffy bread treats.

Speaking of local ingredients, sweet potatoes reign supreme! COEDO HACHI serves roasted sweet potatoes in a clay oven, topped with a brûlée-like layer of caramelized sugar, while their limited edition sweet potato custard is a flavor sensation.

For lunch, we decide to try MARUYA's charcoal-grilled oyakodon. The cozy atmosphere invites diners to take their time, savoring every bite. The chicken, grilled to perfection, is accompanied by creamy eggs—each mouthful is pure bliss. We also order smoked duck breast over rice, whose sophisticated flavors elevate our meal.

Afterward, we explore the nostalgic Kashiwa Yokocho alley, filled with traditional candies. On the way, we stumble into a quaint wooden café, whose décor and soft music create a relaxing ambiance, inviting us to enjoy a cup of the owner’s meticulously brewed coffee—each drop is pure delight.

Kawagoe is truly a beautiful place—not only for its old buildings but also for the warmth of its local culture and friendly people, leaving a lasting impression.

As night falls, we ponder our dinner options and decide to venture off the beaten path into a residential area. We find a quaint eel restaurant, Tokugawa. Upon entering, we briefly wonder if we’ve wandered into someone’s home, but the owner quickly greets us and leads us to a cozy dining room.

With a simple menu showcasing grilled eel rice in various styles, we eagerly place our orders. As an appetizer, we try pickled daikon—a refreshing and sweet contrast, accompanied by a fluffy omelet that is perfectly seasoned.

When the main event arrives—a beautifully presented two-color eel rice bowl and a simple miso soup—it’s everything we hoped for. The subtle charred aroma and savory flavors are truly divine. Each bite offers a delightful surprise, and as we enjoy the dish with soy sauce or wasabi, we experience it in different ways.

As our meal draws to a close, we are presented with the final touches: a refreshing bowl of green tea accompanied by fresh fruit, all for the modest sum of 9,900 yen. The fine eel rice, the cozy ambiance, and the cheerful demeanor of the proprietor left us thoroughly satisfied with our dining experience.

Afterward, we traveled to the vicinity of Shin-Fukucho, where we indulged in some egg gumball machines and picked up a late-night snack from McDonald's, capping off a rich day filled with delight.

Day 4 - Musashino Museum / Fuji Mount / 7C Villa

On the fourth day, we rose early, departing from the Kawagoe Prince Hotel, conveniently equipped with complimentary parking, perfect for our self-driving adventure. Our next destination was the Kawagoe Musashino Museum, a stunning architectural masterpiece designed by Kengo Kuma. The design is so breathtaking that it left us nearly speechless—a structure reminiscent of a grand mountain, its multiple facets reflecting light in varying ways, creating an ever-changing facade.

At the museum, we encountered the immersive light exhibition dedicated to Monet. The entrance, thoughtfully designed, featured a whimsical back garden perfect for capturing memories through photographs, resembling scenes from famous paintings.

The light and shadow exhibition transformed Monet’s and other Impressionist works into vibrant animations. Guests were invited to relax on hammocks and bean bags, creating a wonderfully soothing and immersive experience.

We later visited the 'Hondana Theater' on the fourth floor, a venue reportedly featured in YOASOBI's performances. Surrounded by towering walls of books and an enchanting light show, the ambiance felt like stepping into a magical library. The aesthetic beauty of the architecture, the thoughtful design of the exhibitions, and the charm of the theater all come together to make the Kawagoe Musashino Museum a site not to be missed.

In a rush to continue our journey, we settled for a simple lunch of Miffy-branded bread purchased the previous day—it was surprisingly delightful.

Now, we embarked on our much-anticipated expedition to Mount Fuji. The advantage of self-driving is the opportunity to revel in the surrounding landscapes—bridges, tunnels, mountains, and rivers, all equally captivating.

After about two hours on the road, we were greeted with the majestic sight of Mount Fuji through the car window. Before heading to our accommodation, we made a spontaneous decision to visit Lake Chūzenji in hopes of witnessing a picturesque sunset. Although clouds crowned the peak of Fuji, seeing it for the first time was an awe-inspiring experience. We found ourselves entranced, snapping photos and gazing with wide eyes, losing track of time. In a moment of longing, we wished for the clouds to part, but leaning against the railing and observing the shifting scenery of mountains, clouds, and sky was a pure pleasure.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the temperature dropped, prompting us to check in at our lodging. We knew there would be more adventures awaiting us the next day.

Having secured a reservation at the newly opened 7C Villa & Winery, we were welcomed with homemade herbal teas and chilled fruit wines, a thoughtful touch on a chilly day.

The villa, which opened in July 2024, offers just two types of rooms—Suite Rooms and Twins Rooms—each meticulously designed, housing around ten rooms in total. We opted for the more compact Twins Room.

Upon entering, we discovered two spacious beds flanking an open wardrobe, exuding a sense of contemporary elegance. The villa provided cozy outerwear from Uniqlo, with pajamas and casual garments ready for our stay. A comfortable three-seater sofa adorned the lobby, complemented by a semi-outdoor terrace and a private Japanese garden, complete with an outdoor bath filled with natural hot spring water from Mount Fuji.

The bathing area was spacious enough for two people to use simultaneously without complaint, furnished with high-quality bath products and Dyson hairdryers. The separate wet and dry areas of the bathroom, along with the ample space for the toilet and shower, were thoughtfully arranged. We were also provided with local herbal teas and equipment for hand-dripped coffee.

However, the highlight for me was the beautifully prepared casual wear, perfect for tonight’s dinner at the villa.

Our evening meal was an exquisite eight-course affair. With a light focus on the wines, we opted for the villa's own sparkling wine instead of pairing it with red or white.

The first course featured bread accompanied by roasted vegetables and grilled beef, while the soup was a delightful kombu and bonito broth. Each dish was crafted from fresh ingredients, delivering unique flavors.

Next came a vibrant local vegetable salad, elegantly garnished with sea urchin foam and matcha sauce—an artistic presentation.

Following this was a dish of fish grilled with rock salt, prepared on-site, highlighting the freshness of its ingredients.

The main courses included Wagyu beef braised in Koshu wine and pan-seared free-range chicken from local farms, served with various condiments. Both main dishes boasted rich flavors, the beef tender and perfectly cooked.

Accompanying the meal was a tea-infused rice, cleansing and enriching our palates after the hearty flavors.

For dessert, we indulged in persimmons paired with cream cheese, along with raisin cookies and a steaming cup of coffee, leaving us thoroughly satisfied.

Day 5 - Kawaguchi Asama Shrine / Wasabi Shokudo / Nikukawase Clock Store / Oishi Park

On day five, we rise with joy, soaking in the environment before relishing the breakfast arranged by the villa. I particularly appreciate the thoughtful presentation in bento style, allowing us to enjoy a simple yet fresh meal in such a beautiful setting.

After breakfast, we depart for Asama Shrine, as our villa lies conveniently close. We choose to walk, taking in the scenery of Lake Kawaguchi’s residences—Mount Fuji always by our side.

Upon reaching the shrine, we first visit the Fuji Viewing Point, ascending the left mountain path for around 20-30 minutes. Along the way, we discover a charming campsite; although it's labeled "Guests Only," everyone is friendly and inviting.

While driving is an option, the sights observed on foot are irreplaceable. Once we reach the viewing area, two torii gates await, along with a friendly attendant who collects an entrance fee of 200 yen. The stunning view of Mount Fuji from beneath the torii is simply breathtaking, rewarding our efforts despite the need to wait for the perfect shot.

After capturing our moments, we browse through souvenirs and sip coffee while admiring the scenery.

Descending, we visit the nearby Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, where the towering cedar trees make a profound impression. Established in 865 AD to calm the active Mount Fuji, this peaceful shrine invites contemplation, offering a serene escape for thoughts to settle.

Feeling hungry, we seek out a local delicacy at the nearby Wasabi Shokudo, known for its traditional wasabi dishes. The ambiance is rich with history, yet the staff are lively and bustling. Finally, our meal arrives, featuring a vegetable-rich broth—perfect for the cold winter day. The texture of the udon-like wasabi noodles is delightful, just what we needed.

After our meal, we return to the villa to prepare for our next adventure.

Next, we head to the Nikukawase Clock Store in Nakagawachi. Here, tourists are curious, eager to cross the streets and snap photos, sometimes risking their safety. Allow me to offer a few tips on street crossing etiquette!

If a vehicle approaches, always return to the sidewalk—it's essential for safety! As we make our way across the street at dusk, our carefulness rewards us with stunning views of Mount Fuji.

As night falls, we rush to our next destination—Oishi Park. Although we arrive after sunset, the garden's beauty is striking. We can’t tear our eyes away from Mount Fuji, a captivating sight until the park is cloaked in darkness.

You may not notice in the photos, but the temperature dips to just 1 degree, with gusty winds. Resorting to survival instincts, we find a nearby restaurant for warmth, indulging in tempura rice bowls and local beef sushi—both exquisite. The best part is the hot curry beef stew, which drives away the chill and comforts the soul. Returning to the villa for a relaxing soak in the hot spring is pure bliss!

Day 6 - 7C Villa / Fuji Lawson / Airport

On our final day, the skies remain clear and bright. We enjoy the last breakfast box provided by 7C Villa—simple yet full of fresh ingredients, including soup, fruits, pastries, and refreshing juices.

Today, we also sample 7C's red wine, delightfully smooth and flavorful. The local vegetable salad is fresh and unique, adding to our farewell breakfast.

Emboldened by the villa’s instructions, I even attempt to brew a cup of coffee myself, featuring delightful nutty notes!

As we relax while watching the last glimpses of the reverse Fuji on television, we prepare to depart the villa back to Tokyo.

En route, we encounter Fuji Lawson, and of course, stop to take a photo.

This journey has allowed us to witness the magnificent Mount Fuji—truly a rewarding experience.