in-all-places: Japan travel: Kawaguchiko, within sight of Mount Fuji!

Kawaguchiko

Our first stop after leaving Tokyo on our Japan travel was in this cosy town of Kawaguchiko, located in the Fuji Five Lakes area within sight of Mount Fuji

and therefore offering a spectacular panorama of the most loved peak in Japan.

We left Tokyo by bus, joining a day-tour to mount Fuji; we departed from Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal downtown Tokyo, and while driving along the highway towards Mt. Fuji we enjoyed some amazing views of the surroundings and caught one or two fugitive sights of mount Fuji.

Arriving at the Fujinomiya 5th Station (2305 m) we had a bit of bad luck with the weather, as the amazing looking mountain choose to cover itself with a layer of light fog.

We had lunch at the base of the mountain, at the Fujiyoshida Highland Resort, a fancy hotel located right next to Fuji-Q Highland amusement park.

After lunch we left the group and took a taxi to Kawaguchiko railway station (which was actually only one short train station further) where the pick-up van from our host onsen-resort for the next three days was waiting for us.

With plenty onsen-type resorts on the side of the lake, Kawaguchiko has many attractions like museums, day trips, lake cruises; however we choose to just enjoy the nature and take in the beautiful mount Fuji views by simply strolling around. To add an extra to our plenty of Fuji san pics we took the ropeway Kachikachi up to the mount Tenjo; we sunbath up the hill and walk all the way down to the city.

Our stay here was a bliss: we were served beautifully elaborated dinners and delicious breakfasts. Plus, we went for hot out-bath every evening as we will do for rest of our three weeks.

All of these within sight of Mount Fuji!