Mount Fuji for a Day

Hello! I'm back after hibernating for a month. I have accepted a new role in the corporate world which made me busy as a bee. Now where was I? Oh, there are still some stuff I'd like to share with you about the trip to Tokyo.

We visited Japan's highest and most sacred mountain: Mt. Fuji.

We took the touristy route this time because we only have a week to explore the city and booking a day tour will save us time and energy. It is also economical. I booked the tour online in advance from Japanican. I made sure to check the weather forecast before booking the exact date of the tour because it doesn't make any sense to visit Mount Fuji on a rainy or cloudy day. It usually likes to hide its peak in a bed of clouds.

We assembled at Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku together with other people who booked the tour. Our transportation was a giant motorcoach. The seats are comfortable that can be reclined. There is no bathroom on board but we made stops every few hours. Despite areas with heavy traffic, we were able to make it on time. We were also taught how to sing the Mount Fuji song and the Sakura song while traveling on the road.

The road to Mount Fuji's 5th Station is closed due to heavy snow but that's OK. It had been the tour's disclaimer even before we signed up because the weather can really be unpredictable. What matters most is we got to see the gorgeous snow-capped peak at the nearest distance possible.

Next stop, Oshino Hakkai. It is a small picturesque village with beautiful ponds with spring water that came all the way from Mount Fuji's melted snow.

Look at the size of this ancient tree!

Next stop, Lunch at Lake Kawaguchi. We were served a Japanese-style set lunch. There's nothing special about it but it was filling.

After a hearty lunch, we went straight to Shiraito Falls. It's a waterfall from melting snow falling down Mount Fuji.

Our last stop before the tour ends was Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine. A Shinto shrine that has been around since ancient times.

The tour was efficient! We managed to see a lot of beautiful sceneries in such a limited time. The tour guide is pleasant, entertaining and knowledgeable about the sights. We were even able to squeeze in an origami lesson on the ride back to Tokyo. The tour has an option to take the shinkansen back to the city but we chose to take the cheaper option. It was time and money well spent!

Photos taken by Canon 550d and iPhone5