Japan Exploration - Part 3

 Day 9 - Mt. Fuji

Carly and I got up bright and early for our last full day in Japan togeather. Carly found a day trip to Mt. Fuji starting at 8:30 and ending around 6:30. This tour seemed the least strenuous, with an optional hike. It promised to hit all the famous photo spots but could not garrentee a sighting of the mountain. We both had low expectations because the weather app predicted cloudy and maybe rainy weather. Kebby decided he didn't want to join us, so Carly and I caught our bus with the tour group not too far from our hotel. 

After about an hour and a half of driving through Tokyo traffic and then mountians, we got our first sighting of Mt. Fuji. Our luck was strong and we had mostly clear skys. Our guide Anna quickly pointed out the mountain and demanded that we all take a photo right away as the weather around the mountian was unpredictable. 

First glimpse

Our first stop was at a small village that had a spring from the mountain water. The place was called Oshino Hakkai. Its water is said to have many healing properties, so of course I refilled my bottle. 

Just off the bus

Walking to the spring

Still walking

Part of the spring with a white fish 

more fish

another fish

A spring water fill up station

The center has the fill-up station and fish pond, and behind the tree you can sort of see the mountian

so clear! 

surrounding area

Carly and I love taking silly photos

Ok, here is a nice one... besides that car

    

We found some flowers

The next stop was for some lunch, that ended up being very dissapointing. I ordered the wagyu beef hoping it would be at least a bit tasty like what I had the previous night. However the entire meal was laking flavor, decent texture, and overall satisfaction. Our guide forgot to collect our money for lunch, so I'm glad I didn't end up paying for it. 

After lunch we headed to Lawson, a convinence store chain in Japan. This Lawson is a famous photography spot as you will see below. 

Can you see it?

Silly geese

Some pretty flowers

Did you know they have an ATM?

Next we headed to Lake Kawaguchi Oishi Park. We wondered around the flower garden and got lots of photo opportunites withe the mountian and the lake beneath. 

Arriving at the gardens

lots of flowers!

Our last stop was sort of two-in-one at a town called Fujiyoshida. After we parked the bus we walked to Timepiece store for a photo. This photo showed the streets of Japan with Mt. Fuji at the end, almost a road to the mountian. Next we were released to walk to Arakurayama Sengen Park. There was a temple at the top after lots of stairs for a beautiful veiw of the city and Mt. Fuji. 

Part of the temple

some train tracks

can you spot the cicada?

a small fraction of the steps 

small shrie alcove

the temple

there she is! 

teke your trash with you

so pretty!

about finished coming down

Some decoration on the top af another temple

Carly did not join me for the hike and after I returned the bus left for Tokyo. Unfortunately we hit traffic almost immediately and did not return home until almost 8 pm. We met up with Kebby, got some snacks for dinner from 7/11, and ate our food before packing up that evening. 

Day 10 - Fukuoka

Carly and Kebby lefter around 8 am to catch thier train to the airport, and I got to sleep in a little. I wasn't quite ready for the airport, as I was taking my journey to South Korea in Busan to visit my friend Nico. My bullet train left at 11 and was bound for Fukuoka, a port town in southern Japan. The train ride was about 6 hours in total. I enjoyed seeing all the country side and mountains. Below are just some photos from the train. 

I arrived at about 4:45 and made my way to my hostel. It was a little far away from any major buses so I had a lot of walking with my backpack and carry on bag. I made it to my hostel and set my things down in my bed. A quick google search pulled up a sushi restaurant with high reveiws. It was a bit far out, about 30 minutes in transportation, but I thought it must be worth it. 

My hostel

On the way to dinner

After arriving to the location on my map, I descovered it was a restruant in a mall. I was hoping it would be a cute store front, not some giant building. It was nearly 7 thought and I was already so tired so I decided to just try it anyways instead of wasting time looking for somthing else. The food was good and I didn't have to talk to any waiters. There was an iPad I could order from and it made things very smooth. 

Afterwards I head back to my room for some sleep before the next step of my journey. 

Day 11 - Camellia Line

Everything was packed and ready to go as I got up and checked out of my hostel. I started on my way to the international port to catch a ferry directly to Busan. At the time of booking I thought I would be saving money by going the ferry route, but after calculating my bullet train ride in it cost about the same as a plane ticket. I don't regret my choice though. It was still a fun if not sleepy expereince. 

The ride itself was about 6 hours, but the process took about 8-9. Getting through imigration wasn't so bad, but the waiting to get on and off the boat was the most painful. There was also no served food on the boat. There was some frozen food vending machines thought so I bought some noodles and a beer. I heated my noodles in the provided microwaves. After my lunch I headed to my shared room for a nap, and ended up sleeping almost the entire trip. There was no wifi on board so it helped pass the time. 

Some art near the port

From the boat

Bye bye!

My lunch

Each person got one of these sections

Busan

Busan

Busan

Busan

Busan

A larger look at the room, holds 12 people

There were only about 7 staying in this room. 

I arrived in Busan around 6:30, but didn't get out of the port until almost 8. I then navigated the metro system to Nico's apartment. It took about 40 minutes in total, but I met some nice people who helped make sure I got to the right stop and find an elevator. After arriving at Nico's and taking a shower, we watched a movie and enjoyed some fried chicken before tucking in for the night. 

Wishing for the best on your adventures, 

Cienna