On our second full day in Japan, Virg and I woke up so early to catch the Yokoso Japan Tour Bus at Shinjuku Center Building at 730am. Let me say that we got lost on our way to the meeting place twice, and for a moment there I thought that the only item on our itinerary that was a must-visit for me went poof. That must-visit place was Mount Fuji. I knew that we would not climb or do anything laborious that day but just stay on Mount Fuji 5th Station and do some sightseeing for half an hour. In hindsight, we could have picked a better tour, but it was what it was.
The tour bus left Shinjuku on time and headed out of the city center. The roads were filled with cars but we were constantly moving albeit at a slower pace at times. As we neared our first destination, Mount Fuji 5th Station, the anticipation inside the bus was building. Fortunately, the sky was clear and the majestic Mount Fuji showed its snow-capped tip. It was visible from afar and as our bus snaked its way through the zigzag roads up the mountain, we feasted on the now-you-see-it-now-you-don’t presence of Mount Fuji. The leaves of the trees that lined the roads have not turned into their spring colors yet, but there were a few that showcased their pink, yellow, and gold foliage.
As soon as we arrived at Mount Fuji 5th Station, we were ushered inside a building to claim our golden bell of luck. It took a couple of minutes, and we spent the remaining time taking pictures and marveling at the beauty of Mother Nature. Mount Fuji 5th Station is situated 2,300 meters above sea level and it gives visitors a panoramic view of the mountain. Its symmetrical cone reminds me of Mayon Volcano sans the powdery tip. The morning was not so biting cold and the breeze was just enough to caress our exposed skin and made our hair dance gracefully. So it was a perfect day to be outdoors.
Once we boarded the bus again our lunch in a cute bento box was distributed. We ate inside the bus. And like a growing child, I ate 95% of my food, including the cherry tomato.
Our second destination was Hakone Ropeway. It was a 16-minute cable car ride from Togendai Station to Owakudani Station. Togendai Station offers a wonderful view of Lake Ashinoko while Owakudani Station shows a 360-degree view of Owakudani, a volcanic area with active sulfur vents.
Eight to ten people fit inside one cable car comfortably. We were instructed to keep the door and windows of our cable car closed so as not to inhale the sulfur gas. The route was lined with towering trees and a top view of Lake Ashi was also visible.
There was a typhoon in Japan days before our visit, and it destroyed some of the buildings in Owakudani. We were not permitted to go out of Owakudani Station. Moreover, black eggs, which were normally offered in the area as local delicacy, were not sold in the station anymore.
Outside the station, the surrounding was blanketed in white smoke. For a fleeting moment, I thought I was in a Jurassic Park movie and a dozen carnivorous reptiles would appear out of thin air (well, thick white smoke is more appropriate), break the glass that divided us, and eat me whole. I thought of sacrificing TR, but I think the reptile would spit her out. Hehehe.
We returned to Togendai Station as soon as the rest of our group caught up to us. We boarded Queen Ashinoko pirate ship. For more information, please read this.
Our last stop was Gotemba Premium Outlets. Gotemba Premium Outlets has 210 outlet stores within its compound and is one of the largest centers in Japan. We had two hours to buy whatever our hearts desired and our wallets could afford.
I suggest that one take a photo of the shops and of the layout of Gotemba Premium Outlets before running around the area like a headless chicken. It helped us locate the stores we wanted to visit and it was useful to know where the nearest restrooms and dining places where.
Upon knowing the schedule that morning, Virg and I decided not to buy anything. We just looked for the Pokémon Store and stayed there for a while. But, with 30 minutes left, we saw a shop that caught our eyes. The store shall remain unnamed. I bought a bag (for work) and a long coat (for future travels), and Virg bought a long coat as well. I like the bag and I have used it a couple of times. Fingers crossed that it will last for a decade. Hahaha. The long coat is in my favorite color and is in storage. Hoping to wear it soon.
We returned to the bus at 630pm and arrived in Shinjuku around 930pm. I was famished and dog-tired but was elated. I finally saw Mount Fuji!
There were around 30 of us in the bus. At least 70% were Filipinos and all the passengers spoke English but we had a tour guide who spoke only Mandarin. She made up for the language barrier by writing English instructions on bond paper. However, she did not explain anything and we had a hard time knowing where to go and what to do. There were two people who spoke Mandarin and they communicated to us what limited instructions the tour guide gave while we were out of the bus. Virg and I decided to stick with the couple for a part of the tour. A plus for our tour guide - she was really nice and she kept on smiling the whole time.
*Tour cost: P5,241.00 (US $103.29)
*Exchange Rate: US $1.00 = P50.74