Mount Fuji - 4th - 5th May
Travelled to Kawaguchi, a lake in the Mount Fuji region. First sightings of Japan's most familiar symbol were pretty impressive. The mountain stands 3776m high, is capped with snow and has a picture-postcard perfect volcanic cone. It is said to be a shy mountain, often covered in cloud, but we were very lucky during our visit.
Travelled to Kawaguchi, a lake in the Mount Fuji region. First sightings of Japan's most familiar symbol were pretty impressive. The mountain stands 3776m high, is capped with snow and has a picture-postcard perfect volcanic cone. It is said to be a shy mountain, often covered in cloud, but we were very lucky during our visit.
Unable to climb Mount Fuji due to the snowy conditions, we trekked to Mitsu-toge-yama, which gave us fantastic views of Fuji-san and led us back to Kawaguchi-ko through the 'dark forests'.
Above: Fuji-san from our hotel and Buddha found on hiking trail. Little girl strikes typical Japanese photographic pose at mountain top, whilst trying to sell us one of those green squidy things.
After a very satisfying day of hiking we had a small delay getting back to our hotel. We hopped on a bus, which we believed to be the bus that would transport us 10 minutes around the lake to our hotel. However, instead of heading around the lake, the bus started to head for the hills. Unable to communicate with the driver, or anyone else on the bus, we decided the best strategy was to stay put until we reached civilisation. We didn't want to get off half way up a mountain and be stuck. One and a half hours later we arrived in civilisation. Ohhhps. We found an info centre and enquired the best way to get back to Kawaguchi. We were pointed to a bus stop and you guessed it, the same bus driver came around the corner and could not believe his eyes when we boarded again. The driver let us off our fare which was so nice of him. What a way to spend 3 hours, particularly when bursting for a pee.
This was followed by our first Japanese bath, or onsen, experience. Not quite sure of the etiquette, I headed for the baths dressed in my kimono gown. First error wearing my Japanese slippers into the changing room, umm, got a few looks and hid them in my bag. Next step, strip off and go into the shower area. Scrub body from head to toe with giant flannel, and I mean scrub, whilst sitting on a tiny stool. My second error was that I did not have my giant flannel. I did wonder what it was back in the hotel room. I then washed my already clean hair accidentally with soap, which created a giant tangled mess, so washed it again with shampoo, which added to the bird nest. After feeling I could not be any cleaner, I lowered myself into the bath and after approximately 10 seconds had palpitations from the heat, get me out of here. I managed to hang out a bit longer and then observed that many of the women were stillllll washing. They certainly are a clean lot. After realising that the flannel that I had forgotten should then be placed on your head whilst in the bath, I headed for the outside bath. Two little girls kept pointing at me and laughing, which was a little off putting, what had I done now. The outside bath was fantastic and my throbbing head cooled in the crispy cool mountain air. After a hard day hiking, and a very long and unnecessary bus journey, this is just what that ishi ordered. My next onsen will be easy-peasy Japanesey!!
This was followed by our first Japanese bath, or onsen, experience. Not quite sure of the etiquette, I headed for the baths dressed in my kimono gown. First error wearing my Japanese slippers into the changing room, umm, got a few looks and hid them in my bag. Next step, strip off and go into the shower area. Scrub body from head to toe with giant flannel, and I mean scrub, whilst sitting on a tiny stool. My second error was that I did not have my giant flannel. I did wonder what it was back in the hotel room. I then washed my already clean hair accidentally with soap, which created a giant tangled mess, so washed it again with shampoo, which added to the bird nest. After feeling I could not be any cleaner, I lowered myself into the bath and after approximately 10 seconds had palpitations from the heat, get me out of here. I managed to hang out a bit longer and then observed that many of the women were stillllll washing. They certainly are a clean lot. After realising that the flannel that I had forgotten should then be placed on your head whilst in the bath, I headed for the outside bath. Two little girls kept pointing at me and laughing, which was a little off putting, what had I done now. The outside bath was fantastic and my throbbing head cooled in the crispy cool mountain air. After a hard day hiking, and a very long and unnecessary bus journey, this is just what that ishi ordered. My next onsen will be easy-peasy Japanesey!!
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