While in the process of booking our Japan adventure months before the flight, I have considered the Fuji trip as the highlight of the whole trip. After missing the flight to Haneda on our first day (find the story here on how we amazingly did it), we strategically toured around Tokyo and gave the best that we can on the 2nd day. The first packaged tour we had was the Nikko tour, which we did on the 3rd day. Then Fuji, here we come!
In April of 2016, the Filipino word kilig was officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary. This word can best describe me when we were getting closer and closer to meet Fuji. Plus the giggle. ☺
Except for the famous, almost perfect cone-shaped peak from afar decorated with ice caps, I have no other expectations from this trip. I probably wanted to surprise myself.
| Date | Place | Preview |
|---|---|---|
| April 29 | Airport Tour = Missed flight! |  |
| April 30 | Tokyo Tour Tokyo Prefecture |  |
| May 1 | Nikko Tour Tochigi Prefecture |  |
| May 2 | Mount Fuji Tour Shizuoka and Kanagawa Prefecture |  |
| May 3 | Osaka Tour Osaka Prefecture |  |
| May 4 AM | Todaiji Temple in Nara Nara Prefecture |  |
| May 4 PM | Kyoto Tour I Kyoto Prefecture |  |
| May 5 | Kyoto Tour II Kyoto Prefecture |  |
| May 6 AM | Himeji Tour Hyogo Prefecture |  |
| May 6 PM | Kobe Tour Hyogo Prefecture |  |
| May 7 | Hiroshima Tour Hiroshima Prefecture |  |
Just like the pre-booked Nikko tour that we had, we were aboard a coach to witness the majestic Mount Fuji. Basing on our experience from the Nikko tour a day before, we have learned how to maneuver ourselves in the Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal, which is the starting point of all tours, to get confirmation on our bookings and bus assignments. Because of my negligence, the Japanese people were able to show their honesty and here’s the story how.
Activities or Places Visited
May 2, 2016
Tips and Notes
May 2, 2016
Mount Fuji
I was so restless in the bus the moment we saw Mount Fuji from a distance. The volcano lies at the border between Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures. It is located on Honshu island and it is the highest mountain peak in Japan at 3,776.24 meters (12,389 feet).
The goal was to reach the fifth station via the Fuji Subaru Line and to enjoy the breathtaking views on the way while chatting with the clouds. And indeed, we were not disappointed. I was still kilig on our ascent. ☺
We had a warning that during extreme weathers, this Fuji Subaru Line could be closed but yes, we came in during the Golden Week, it should be just the great time, at least for the road. Our tour guide highly recommended for us to take photos of Fuji as much as possible while in the bus because when Fuji decides to be shy, it would hide in the clouds in the next 5 minutes, even during summer, due to its height. So, rat-a-tat-a-tat went the cameras.
This is it! With Fuji up close and personal, I was just in awe, especially the snow cap and black slopes! Must be hardened lava, I thought. But I just found myself staring at it for a while. Then I was suddenly reminded that we were only given around 40 minutes to bond with Fuji, take photos, buy our souvenirs, receive our free tiny bell token, and take more photos. We spent at least 10 minutes with Fuji and quickly headed to the souvenir shops.
Here is a little shaky 360-degree view around one side of Mount Fuji’s peak:
In the shop, I inspected the place and found an area with a short queue. I went to investigate and the corner boasts freshly-baked replicas of Fuji. I was so motivated to buy for me to taste and for photo opportunities. The top was showered with chocolate and confectionery and the bread was so soft it can become one flat disk when fully compressed. It was not that sweet, which was my preference, and tasted delicious, too.
I roamed around in the shop some more but nothing really interested me. Most products such as chocolates and cakes were replicas of Fuji and some were, of course, flavored matcha (green tea). Five minutes before deadline, we headed back to the parking area to find our bus.
Then it was time for lunch. A Japanese trip should have a Japanese-style lunch. One can request for a vegetarian menu which we did during booking for one of our friends and confirmed again upon meeting our tour guide in the bus. But before that, I would like to show you how sharp the road curves were after leaving the fifth station:
I had a first taste of this Sashimi when I was already working. Probably my first raw “meat”, too. I thought that to eat Sashimi especially in a restaurant was a luxurious thing to do, and it still is. Then I met Mr. Wasabi Sauce. At first, I was not a fan. After underestimating its taste, I dipped my whole Sashimi in as if it was just a regular soy sauce and there I felt the smoke from my nose and ears (I think) just like a train. Chut! Chut! Wow, it was overwhelming when you don’t know how to eat it.
But then wasabi sauce is an acquired taste. I started liking it after a while and sometimes, it feels like it was even refreshing, but with the right amount.
When I travel, I don’t normally shop a lot of souvenirs except for some magnets or local snacks so instead of going down to the souvenir shops below the lunch place, I went out to enjoy the breeze and the view from the parking lot.
