We woke up to the picturesque sight of Lake Yamanaka, its tranquil waters reflecting the colorful swan boats floating gracefully. Eager to start our day, we returned to the same diner from the previous evening to indulge in a very simple but nice breakfast. With boiled eggs, fluffy pancakes, and steaming cups of coffee, we fueled ourselves for the adventures ahead.

Setting off once again, we only had a short drive ahead of us before arriving at Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park. This charming park is a haven of beauty and relaxation showcasing the natural splendor of flowers in many forms.

📍 Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park

The entrance fee for Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park is ¥800 per adult and ¥400 for children (aged 3 to 15 years), As for the parking fee, it is ¥500 for regular-sized vehicles, which we thought to be really reasonable.

The park offered a plethora of activities and sights to explore. We strolled through vibrant gardens, marveling at the diverse array of blooming flowers. While May wasn't the peak season for all flowers, we still delighted in the ones that had come to life.

One of the highlights of our visit was renting a four-seater bike/car for ¥1,000, allowing us to leisurely traverse the entire park for 30 minutes. It was a delightful way to take in the picturesque scenery and create lasting and fun memories as a family.

As midday approached, our appetites led us to a charming restaurant within the park. The name of the restaurant escapes me, but its traditional ambiance transported us to an old era.

We headed to the entrance of the restaurant, where a handy food-ordering machine awaited us. With a few quick selections, we chose two hearty bowls of ramen and a tempting bowl of fried rice, all for an incredibly wallet-friendly price of ¥2,000. The kitchen was bustling with activity, and we caught glimpses of the skilled staff working their magic as they prepared our meal.

i calculated about 40 orders before ours, but only After a short wait of less than 20 minutes, our number was called by the kitchen chef, and we eagerly sat down to dig into the delicious dishes before us. The flavors were simply irresistible, and we happily savored each mouthful, thoroughly enjoying this satisfying simple meal.

The park also had a really great playground, perfect for our little one to enjoy. Laughter filled the air as she gleefully played and explored.

In the midst of our wander, we stumbled upon a greenhouse with a cozy coffee shop inside. Indulging in their yummy ice creams, we found respite from the warm weather while surrounded by the fragrant blossoms.

from any side of the park, we were treated to an awe-inspiring sight that demanded our attention - the majestic Mount Fuji. Its grandeur and proximity were simply breathtaking.

We found a cozy spot on the lush green grass, where we spent nearly an hour basking in the tranquil ambiance and gazing at the towering beauty before us. It was a moment to cherish, one that seemed to freeze time.

Captivated by the enchanting view, I couldn't resist capturing the scene with my camera, attempting to preserve the magnificence of Mount Fuji from every possible angle. Yet, it was the experience etched in my memory and the joy reflected in the smiles of my daughter and husband that truly made this moment unforgettable.

Watching our little one run freely, her laughter resonating through the air, and witnessing the hapiness on my husband's face, I couldn't help but feel so grateful for everything in that moment.

These cherished moments of peace and happiness reminded us of the true essence of travel - the opportunity to disconnect from our hectic lives, immerse ourselves in nature's wonders, and create lasting memories with loved ones.

the Park not only provided us with a kaleidoscope of floral beauty and great activities, but it also gifted us with precious moments of tranquility, laughter, and a front-row seat to the majesty of Mount Fuji.

We spent approximately three hours immersing ourselves in the beauty and tranquility of the Park. From the vibrant blooms to the joyful laughter of children, the park exuded an enchanting ambiance that captivated us.

With our hearts full and spirits rejuvenated, we decided it was time to get… even more relaxed!

📍 Yoshinoike Onsen in Fujiyoshida

After enjoying a few hours at Hananomiyako Park, we embarked on a roughly 20-minute drive through Fujiyoshida to reach our daily onsen destination. Seeking a more intimate and authentic experience, we naturally decided to visit Yoshinoike Onsen.

it is a charming and intimate hot spring retreat. With just one bath for men and one for women, this hidden gem accommodates a maximum of 5 people at a time.

It is a rare find in Japan, especially considering that tattoos are accepted.

Guests can even sleep on-site, enjoying a cozy bed and breakfast experience, Indulging in a delightful meal and savor local flavors during their visit.

Yoshinoike Onsen offers a serene escape, perfect for those seeking an authentic and tranquil onsen experience near Mount Fuji.

the price for One day bath for 2 hours is ¥600, Unlimited stay until 17:00 is ¥1200, and a Room without meals is ¥6000.

📍 dining at McDonald's and park for the night

That evening, we decided to keep things relaxed and easygoing. For dinner, we skipped fancy options and went straight to McDonald's in Fujiyoshida. We didn't want to spend too much time searching for a local Japanese restaurant and preferred to keep our expenses low for the rest of the day.

When it came to finding a place to spend the night, we headed straight to our first destination for the following morning. We wanted to secure a parking spot early and be one of the first to arrive. After just a 10-minute drive, we found a perfect parking spot in a quiet residential area.

With the peaceful surroundings, we quickly fell asleep, ready to be among the first visitors in the morning.