Japan Trip – Mt Fuji

We got back on the horse and rented a car again. We got off the ship first thing again with David and Judy and caught a cab to our car rental. Cory did great getting us all the way to Lake Ashi. It was about an hour and 15 minute drive. We got out of town just fine and then it was highway driving. I was worried about seeing Mt. Fuji because it’s only visible 80 days out of the year! We saw it as we pulled into port, although it was pretty cloudy at the bottom and misty. On our drive, we could see the snowy top through clouds, but that was it. However, the further we drove, it cleared up and we had amazing views from the lake!

We found the free parking lot no problem and walked straight out to Hakone Torii gate in the water. There was a big line and we waited about 45 minutes. We met the couple in front of us who were from Australia. Dale was a bass player so him and Cory had lots to talk about. When our turn came we took their picture and they took ours. The people behind us asked if I could do theirs and then three or four more behind them asked me as well. It was quite funny. Cory was laughing as he heard people oooohing and ahhhing as I directed people around in poses.

We walked along the shore and then found a secret hidden spot above the lake for more of a view of Mt. Fuji. We hiked up there and it did not disappoint. No one was there! We had lunch at the bakery along the lake shore that also had a foot bath!! How awesome to soak our feet while eating baked goods. We walked around and did some shopping before heading back to drop the car and get back to the ship.