There was one place I had wanted to visit ever since I came to Japan. It was the place with that “perfect Japanese landscape” I had seen so many times on the internet. The majestic Mt. Fuji, a beautiful five-storied pagoda, and cherry blossoms in full bloom—a dream-like spot where you can capture them all in a single photo: Arakurayama Sengen Park in Yamanashi Prefecture.
When I told my host family about it, they said, “The cherry blossoms are at their peak right now, so let’s go this weekend!” and offered to drive me there!
From the park entrance to the observation deck, there’s a long staircase with 398 steps, a number apparently related to the goddess “Sakuya-hime.” As I climbed each step, catching my breath, the view gradually opened up, and my heart swelled with anticipation.
And the moment I finally reached the observation deck, it took my breath away.
Right before my eyes stood the magnificent Mt. Fuji. In front of it, the beautiful vermilion five-storied pagoda (the Chureito Pagoda). And framing it all were cherry blossoms, blooming in all their glory. It was a scene far more grand, far more vibrant, and unbelievably more beautiful than any photograph I had ever seen.
There were so many tourists from all over the world, all frantically clicking their camera shutters. I handed my camera to my host family and had them take countless photos of me with this spectacular view in the background. This one picture is the greatest treasure of my time studying in Japan.
I also saw many other exchange students and foreigners on the deck. Even though we spoke different languages, everyone was moved by the scenery before us, their eyes shining in the same way. There was a sense of unity in that moment that made me very happy.
It was a day that made me realize once again that there are so many beautiful places in Japan that I still don’t know about. At the top of that long staircase, an emotion beyond imagination was waiting. In a way, that might be just like the study abroad experience itself.
I’d love to come back again during the autumn foliage season. I’m sure it will show me a completely different, yet equally beautiful, face.
