[JAPAN] Visiting Fuji
February 24th, 2010
It was sad to leave Tokyo Bay, simply because of the fun we had at Disneyland/sea, it was like a little escape from reality! We took our last look of Tokyo, and set off for another little escape, into traditional side of Japan. First stop, was to pay visit to Mt Fuji.
Originally we were 50/50 about going to see her, because it is winter still and people said it’s like taking a risk with weather and all to be able to see her or not. So initially going for a boat ride down Lake Ashi, a local friend had convinced us that our 2nd alternative to Lake Kawaguchiko would be worth it, as it is at the base of Mt Fuji, so it increased chances of seeing her.
One long train ride, and a bus ride later we finally found ourselves almost at the bottom of Mt fuji, It felt fairly close, that we were only divided by, well, a lake. We went to Natural Living centre on the (free) Retro Bus, to sit down for coffee and blueberry & vanilla soft serve (yumyum!).
As you can tell, Fuji is still a little shy hiding amongst the fog. I admit, I had to use some photoshopping to make her stand out better in this photo (which was taken with really quick shutter speed, high apperture etc.) But I did not touch the burn tool, honest.
The place itself was beautiful over viewing a lake, even in winter. I can imagine it in summer, alot prettier – what we saw on the brochures. It’s winter now so the lavender surrounding it, isn’t in bloom. I would totally recommend this viewing spot! Especially if you are going during warmer seasons.
Our next stop was for our traditional Japanese escape, Hakone – home to hotsprings and traditional ryokans!
We had to take several buses, just to get there and it took us about 2 hours or so from Kawaguchiko – yes quite a detour! Does not help when you are lugging suitcases too.
See what we came across? SNOW! It was really nice with the sun setting behind these bare naked trees 
Feels like I’m kinda in winter wonderland.
I’ve never ever set foot in snow before, sad eh? I’m still looking forward to the day when I witness snowing
We were a little late for dinner at the ryokan we were staying at in Hakone, Hoeiso ryokan. It is run by a lovely old couple, who took care of us during our overnight stay. The old lady, whom we refer to as the ‘bell lady’ (because she has bells hanging off her obi/belt, and we know when she is coming haha), is so lovely n adorable! Service, is great so would really recommend it!
We quickly changed into our yukata, we all looked forward to dinner – we expected a feast, and we love a feast! 
Everything was sooo yummy! (a few little things tasted interesting to our taste buds, lol), other than that it was a piece of artwork to look at! couldn’t bare eating them! for Y19,000 a night we got baby abalone, crab claw etc in our meal. It was actually quite filling too.
After resting our tummy for a little bit, we had booked the open air hot spring to ourselves that night. Prior to the trip were iffy about bathing naked infront of each other – would create some akwardness later no? But, we did it anyways! in a manner that not much was clearly exposed haha… was funny
But, I have to say, the hotsprings would be my best experience in Japan, after a whole week of tiring travel, it was the best way to relax the tension in our bodies Yes we snuck a photo haha.
It’s enough for about 6 people in there, and just on the left side it overlooks a streaming river, and theres a mountain just next to it. Listening to the river streams at night (it was really cold, so it was great sitting in a giant hot outdoor bath 
), and just absorbing the atmosphere is wonderfull
Ryokan garden at night, it’s sooo beautiful I’m so happy we got to see somee cherry blossoms in Japan!
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