Our 100th (wow!) entry in this blog is our trip to Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center in Yamanashi, Japan.  This is my second visit here but it is Ate Rei and Sai’s first.  I’m not sure with Papa Dave.  He claims to not have reached this place yet. hehe… The place is very relaxing.  With all the flowering plants around the area, good view of the Mount Fuji (unfortunately it’s cloudy today so the view is not so nice), and a good sip of hot choco, any day will be perfect. 🙂

It is going to be Autumn soon here in Kawaguchiko, and some of the trees and plants are already starting to change colors.  And for this month October, the Kochia plants are turning red.  This plant is grown as an ornamental for its red fall foliage.  They look so big from our photos but they are just knee-to-waist sized shrubs.

Aside from the gardens, they also have this mini play ground with swings and slides.  And a very good way to relax is to sip your hot chocolate and get a bite of their tasty pastries while looking at the view.  Here is Ate Rei and Sai analyzing the map and made sure every place is covered. 🙂  It is actually a very big place but we just stayed near the souvenir shops and cafes since we are going to catch a bus for our next place of interest.

While waiting for our bus, we strolled around the other side of the park and got a closer look of the plants.

Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center is located in an ideal spot surrounded by Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. You can find many items here, including blueberry-related souvenirs and gifts. Among the most popular items are the hand-made blueberry jam and the blueberry soft ice cream. They’re both sweet and delicious!  I think the best place to visit here is in Spring.  I bet lots of flowers will bloom and weather is perfect for Mount Fuji viewing.

And that was our quick stop at Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center.  Hopefully we can go back someday. 🙂