Shy Fujisan

Today started early, as we met up with a tour group and boarded a bus headed toward Mount Fuji!

After a scenic two and a bit hour drive we arrived at Mount Fuji’s 5th Station to take in the majestic views only to be greeted by thick cloud cover. Mr. Fuji was feeling shy today, so we couldn’t see a thing! We still took a few photos and had a wander around before jumping back on the bus for our included buffet lunch, where, naturally, we ate too much. Because, well, buffets.

Next stop: the Hakone Ropeway. First, we hopped on the gondola up to Owakudani Station to see the famous Owakudani Plume. This is a bare, almost eerie area on the mountainside with no greenery due to the sulphur, and plumes of steam rising straight from the ground. It smelled very egg-y and sulphur-y (though still not as bad as Rotorua!).

From there, we took the cable car down to Lake Ashinoko and boarded what was essentially a pirate ship for a lake cruise. And just as we were soaking up the views, surprise! Our shy little friend Fuji decided to make an appearance, poking his head out from behind the clouds.

Now, we’ve already seen Mount Fuji in all his glory from the Shinkansen on the way to Hiroshima, but I don’t think you can truly understand the scale of it until you experience it in person. This sleepy volcano is genuinely impressive. We both have a new appreciation for why it plays such a big part in Japanese culture and is referenced so often.

After disembarking the ship, we were dropped off at the train station to make our way back into the city.

Back at the hotel, we recharged for a bit. Bec tried to soak away her illness in the bath, but we realized we hadn’t hit our step count yet, so we set off for a late night adventure.

We finally made our way to the famous Shibuya Crossing. And yes, it really is as chaotic and busy as it looks! From there, we wandered through some quirky side streets and stumbled upon a ramen shop, and ended up having the best ramen either of us has ever had.

We made our way back home for tea and much needed sleep.

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