There was a lot of driving today. We went first to see Mt. Fuji from Oishi Park. Too bad Mt. Fuji was totally snow-covered and shrouded in clouds—the pictures were not that great. Mt. Fuji is surrounded by five lakes; we drove around Lake Kanaguchi to get our “views.”

Next, visit Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, showcasing 29 of his famous kimonos – pictures not allowed – some details @ https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6912.html – The properties grounds could be photographed.

Our lunch stop was for a local favorite of Yamanashi -Hoto – soup filled with flat wheat noodles, vegetables, and meat in a miso-based dashi broth.

Our last stop of the day was at Matsumoto Castle – one of the oldest in Japan – built in 1594. The castle looks like 5 stories on the outside, but it is 6 on the inside – we decided to climb to the top on the steepest and narrowest stairs I was ever on.

Topping off the day, we had some horse for dinner, a local specialty.