Fujikawaguchiko - 4th-5th day

Yesterday we spent the entire day on the road, faced with the decision of what to do next. We knew we wanted to slowly head towards Kyoto, yet there was an option to get even closer to Fuji. It was the city of Fujikawaguchiko. Originally, it wasn't in our plans. We thought we knew the Alps 😊, but we had no idea of the beauty that awaited us.

However, yesterday it was a tough decision. The journey to the city of Fujikawaguchiko was not simple, even though it is only about 100 km from Hakone, where we were before, the trip takes about 3 hours. The bus and train alternate, and overall it involves crossing mountains. Only local transport operates here, which stops every few meters at all stops. Moreover, we even boarded the wrong train! We were about to give up when we found out we had to wait for the next train for another hour. Then the train arrived, and we realized we were going exactly where we wanted. So, we went. We arrived after dark and headed out for dinner. It was cold, dark, and it started to rain. Well, this is off to a lovely start; hopefully, it will pass by tomorrow. Is it possible for it to clear up that quickly?

We had dinner in a Japanese style, at a mini restaurant run by two elderly Japanese ladies in their home. We sat on the floor at small tables, and they gave us a little paper on which we were to write our selection. Everything was prepared on the grill and skewered. There was everything imaginable to choose from, or even some things one wouldn't want to imagine.

Early in the morning, I got up with the intention of exploring what it looks like there and whether I might catch a glimpse of the sunrise. We lived right on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi, and indeed!!! The sky cleared, and in the distance, I saw Mount Fuji in all its glory for the first time. The sun had not yet risen, but the sky was slowly starting to turn pink.

Alongside me waiting for the sunrise were several photographers; it was an incredible sight. Right after breakfast, we set out to explore the surroundings. Nearby the city is the Chureito Pagoda. We headed towards it; the path leads uphill, and one needs to conquer 400 steps. We were rewarded with a beautiful view of the entire area. The panorama with Fuji and the pagoda is one of the most photographed spots in Japan. We lingered there for a long time, strolling around and not managing to take our eyes off the beauty.