Japan Adventure Day 4 – Mt. Fuji

We were out the traps at 0720h to get to the Tokyo Station for 0800h, to meet the tour guide for Mt. Fuji. A coach trip to all the best and iconic view points to see Japan’s highest mountain.

It was almost a 2 hour trip to our first stop; Lake Kawaguchi. Down on its shores I got views of Fuji and along a flower garden at the visitor centre. Huge crowds queued for the spot where the iconic image from the lake was taken.

But I found just as amazing viewpoints amongst the garden – which were practically empty. From there the coach took us to the ‘Lawson’ store, another iconic location.

Then it was time for lunch at Oshino-Hakkai, a quaint little village with views of Fuji, the location where it was pictured in a small pond.

The place was packed, restaurants brimming with people. I found a little stall that sold grilled squid, a local speciality.

Then the final stop was Arakurayama Sengen Park. This view point involved a 400 step climb to a temple. Hundreds of people were there and at the top, they took eons to pose for their Instagram.

They tested my patience as they made funny stances and spending ages to take one picture. When it was finally my turn, I had it framed and taken within 5 seconds – amateurs.

The last photo was in the town below, an iconic view down the road of the shopping area. Signs and power lines lead the eye to the mountain. Although my shot had cars and crowds in it.

From there it was back to Tokyo, where Pete and I returned to the hotel so he could change his trousers.

While at the Lawson spot, in an attempt to get a crowd-free picture, he hoisted Ellina on his shoulders. When he bent down, the sound of denim surrendering hushed the nearby tourists – he’d only gone and spilt his favourite jeans!

Once changed we found a Belgium beer bar just around the corner from the hotel. After those 400 steps, the crowds and the long coach ride back; a cold drink was in order.

For dinner we went to Kura Sushi. You order from an iPad at the table and the food arrived on a conveyor belt to the table. A good selection, not just fish available.

With bellies full we headed to craft beer pub, where they had a Spanish theme. Different ales brewed from different regions from the Iberian peninsula. Then subway back to the hotel.