Seeking Advice: Lake Kawaguchi & Yudanaka or Matsumoto for our April Japan Trip?

Dear Redditors,

At the beginning of April, my girlfriend and I will be embarking on a trip to Japan, and we're hoping for some advice to help us finalize part of our itinerary. After spending some time in Tokyo, we plan to head to Lake Kawaguchi. From there, we’re deciding between two options:

Option 1: Spend one night at Lake Kawaguchi, then travel to Yudanaka for two nights in a traditional ryokan, before continuing to Takayama.

Option 2: Stay two nights at a ryokan in Lake Kawaguchi, followed by a night in Matsumoto, before heading to Takayama.

We’d love some input on the following considerations:

  • Mount Fuji Visibility: We’ve read that April might not be the best time for clear views of Mount Fuji. Would staying an extra night at Lake Kawaguchi significantly improve our chances of seeing it?
  • Snow Monkeys in Yudanaka: What are the odds of spotting the famous snow monkeys in early April? Is there still a chance they’ll be soaking in the hot springs, or have they mostly left by then? And if they’re not there, is it still worth visiting?
  • Matsumoto Castle: How does Matsumoto Castle compare to the temples and historical sites in Tokyo and Kyoto? Is it a unique experience worth prioritizing?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much in advance for helping us plan an unforgettable trip!

by First-Discussion7612

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