5.11.2016 – 5.11.2016  18 °C

Relaxing start today (actually felt a little dusty after our Robot Restaurant + drinks).

Our main goal for the morning was to pack up and head into Shibuya to see the world famous crossing. The Shibuya crossing is an intersection of 5 or 6 roads (didn’t count them). When the pedestrian lights go green you can go in any direction across the intersection.. so i’m guessing it could be mayhem! We went in the middle of the day and so the intersection was busy but not quite the “amazing must see site” that my lonely planet described it as!

Breakfast consumed at the Starbucks (overlooking the crossing) and it was time to head back to the hotel, pick up our bags and board the Shinkansen to Kawaguchiko (Mt Fuji). We’ve got two nights near the famous mountain so here’s hoping we get at least 5mins of clarity!

The train trip was quick and wound its way through the mountains outside of Tokyo— the leaves on the maples are starting to change so really pretty ride! On arrival at Otsuki station we left the Shinkansen and boarded the Fuji Express! A beautiful old train that has been lovingly restored- it winds its way around the Lake (Kawaguchi) and we are told we should get some great shots of the mountain… We got great glimpses of the foothills! The actual peak was surrounded by cloud!! 🙂

I bought a bottle of water on the train and was pleasantly surprised to see my nephews favourite friend plastered on the water bottle.. apparently we are riding on Freddie Fujisan and that his friends Thomas join us every once in awhile to say hi– today they joined us on the water bottle! 🙂 One for Evan!!

Kawaguchi is the town that surrounds the lake and is at the base of Mt Fuji. A really pretty part of Japan- in fact i’m writing today’s blog sitting in my massage chair (there is one in the room) overlooking the lake– very pretty. On arrival at the hotel (there is a free shuttle bus from the train station) we were shown up to our Ryokan room. Resplendent with the obligatory Tatami mats, low tables and floor chairs and our outdoor spa! We ordered the deluxe room so that we could have our very own onsen (water comes out of the hot spring apparently).

First job was to go and check out the other offerings in the hotel– upstairs is a rooftop onsen- the ladies overlooks the lake. So I was in! Butt naked and all but in!! For a grand total of 5mins—– water was damned hot!! Straight out of the hot spring and geez louise— HOT!

Dinner was traditional fare, served in our room on the low slung tables. A real treat as we were served by a kimono covered lovely Japanese lady. She laid out the dishes in order and then we began! Steak, sashimi (of course), rice, an assortment of vegetables + plenty of gelatinous delicacies… Gelatinous texture and Di aren’t going well together so there were some parts of the meal that didn’t get tested out but the majority was simply tasty!!!

Dinner over and we retired to our floor beds for a hoped to be good night sleep (mental note for tonight– need another floor mat added!)