Fuji-San

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We have moved on from Tokyo to the Hakone region that is the home of Mt Fuji. Mt Fuji is notoriously "shy", and is known not to come out of the clouds for weeks at a time.
Our first morning we went on a circuit which included cable cars, 'rope cars', and a boat trip around Lake Ashi. As we were approaching the first peak of a mountain on the rope car the smell of sulphur gas became very evident. As we reached the peak on one side we could see sulphur gas bursting from the ground, on the other side their she was in all of her beauty.....Bronwyn with Mt Fuji in the background.
It was the start of a great day which also included walks through gardens, a fascinating walk around part of Lake Ashi, and at most times with Mt Fuji in the background.

The following day we went to Yunessun amusement spa zone, where the queue to get in bought back nightmares of Disneyland. Once inside though it was great, and a very amusing experience. The complex had lots of spa baths all with different themes. The most interesting was the Dead Sea spa, which had an equivalent buoyancy of the Dead Sea. The floatation was eery, and any cuts/abrasions really stung due to high salt levels.
Other themed (and appropriate colored) spas included the green tea spa, red wine spa, coffee spa, Japanese sake spa, charcoal spa and the chocolate spa. Most of these were outside, and as it was a cold and drizzly day a quick dash from one hot spa to the next was in order. An enjoyable day was had by all and it was lucky we had a good view of Mt Fuji yesterday as today you woudn't have seen her.

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Photos

Mt Fuji
Isn't she beautiful on a clear day

Mt Fuji
View from Ropecar

Is That the Lukes
Motorised pandas. What a hoot!

Red wine spa
Into the wine early

Dead sea spa
High concentration of salt makes floating easy