Not literally cycling up in the mountain, as the title might suggest, but rather, at the lake near the majestic ice-capped mountain.
After departing from Hammamatsu, we took the Yokohama metro line to a station near Mt. Fuji, and changed trains, after some confusion. We squeezed into the Fuji Express, a short train with vivid paintings of Mt Fuji as a caricature, with a lovely smile and two button eyes, with other tourists (mostly Caucasians). 10 minutes into the ride, we saw the real McCoy in the distance, standing there tall, bathed in a dreamy white top.
When we reached the train station, we could see the entire mountain in its glory. Some people had told us that being able to see the mountain is a matter of luck. The very next day, when we returned to take the train to Tokyo, the place was shrouded in such thick fog that the huge mountain was wiped out from the sky. It looked as if it was never there.
Since it was nearly Summer and the ice was melting, it was considered unsafe to climb the mountain, or rather a dormant volcano. So we didn’t. Instead, we embarked on a stress-free cycling trip round one of the five lakes near the mountain for that day. No hassle, no city sights, no rushing. It was just us, the rental bikes, and a large volcano in the background.
In the evening, we went to the Onsen (hot spring) near our hostel, K House Mt Fuji. Having spent 10 days with each other already, we were quite comfy at the Onsen, even if it means having to see everybody (by everybody I mean females) naked.
Yes you read it right. But don't get any funny or dirty ideas. It's really liberating. After you've seen the 10th, 20th, 30th naked girl around, you're so used to it that you'll probably find it strange if someone walks in with clothes on. It makes me wonder how Singapore might have been if there is ever an "onsen" here. Maybe censorship laws will relax. Maybe everyone will relax.
We spotted the most famed Japanese volcano in the train. So pretty.
And we reached Mt Fuji Station. See cute train behind.
This is K's House Mt Fuji. A very, very nice hostel. This is the common area.
We went cycling!
And threw rocks. So happy.
Next up, look out for our Tokyo Hostel Horror. Ok, it wasn't much of a horror, but it is a traveler's top nightmare. Choosing a WRONG hostel.
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