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Published: October 17th 2007
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While Katie was in Japan, I wanted to show her one of my obsessions about this country. I think now she understands!
We took a small road trip in our hire car around the base of Mt Fuji and the five lakes. We were VERY lucky for such nice weather as we were able to see the great mountain which is very rare in summer.
First we went to Fuji Safari Park. It was so cool, we got to drive our own car around the park while the uncaged animals casually walked past us on the road or gazed at us from only a few metres away, with only our car separating us from them!!! Take a look at the pics! After our drive through the park, we then walked around another part of the park where there was a petting zoo, monkeys, hippos and even several kangaroos! But the best part was holding a lion cub!!!!! Oh my god it was so cute and fluffy and soft! I really wanted to take it home...and am now considering changing my profession! Just kidding, but it really made my day!
Katie and I made another stop at a Uniqlo (clothing
shop), then found our accommodation right next to Lake Kawaguchi. We set out to find somewhere to eat for dinner. It wasn't so easy but we did stop at a drum festival by the lake, the music was great but we were still starving. After about an hour of driving around, we took a wrong turn and somehow found a tiny local bar in a dark backstreet. We decided to go in and drink and eat with the locals! It was funny trying to have conversations with my little knowledge of Japanese, Katie's few words (which she managed to use quite humorously!) and their basic English. The more than tipsy group were all very friendly and one woman even adopted us, making us call her "Japanese Mother"! This same lady also very kindly invited us to her restaurant for lunch the next day!
I don't usually, actually ever, wake up so early but with great views of Fuji at our doorstep, I just couldn't resist! I woke up at 5am and went for a drive by myself, leaving Katie asleep! The main thing I was wondering about was the weather, if it would be clear or not! If
you read my other blog about Fuji Five Lakes, it really is true that the sky can be completely cloudless apart from a thick mass covering and hiding the mountain. Anyway, much to my delight, the sky was pretty perfect and I spent a while snapping away (incase Fuji wanted to play hide-and-seek later) and gazing at Fuji-san during sunrise.
Of course, when I got back to our room, Katie was still in bed!
After my already perfect morning, we drove around the lake, ate some yummy icecream and went on the cable car to the top of one of the small mountains next to the lake. The views of the lake were beautiful and the view of Mt Fuji from the top was spectacular. I was also very excited that I could see Fuji-Q Highland below!
For lunch, Katie and I decided to take up our "Japanese Mother's" invitation and go to her restaurant. The food was great and Katie's first time eating cold soba and tempura cooked to perfection! Our Japanese mother was a little quieter than the night before, but insisted that lunch was on her!!! So nice! After lunch we saw a monkey
A parking area stop on the way
You can just see Fuji on the top right show, it was quite funny, but I felt sorry for the monkeys 😞
On our way home we passed the other four lakes and stopped at Shiraito Waterfall, very beautiful!
And so our perfect 2-day trip ended, but we had a big Friday night party to look forward to! Next blog coming soon...
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Pinkdaisy
Rebekah Fahey
Fuji Lover!!
Fantastic pics....soon we will alot more of Fuji now its getting cooler, yeah!! It took Amy and I awhile to work the lolly pops out, apparently a mushroom and a peach but I think the dirty version is better!!!