Hikes Round Fujigoko 2: Around Lake Kawaguchi

After our somewhat over ambitious hike the day before, we decided to have a slightly more relaxed walk the following day, a mere stroll around Lake Kawaguchi. Well, so much for that plan. It was (thankfully!) very flat, but it turned out to be about 25km, including the walk to and from our campsite to the lake, and by the end of the day we were all knackered! Luckily, with the help of a noodle break half way round, and an ice-cream one near the end, and lots of sweets and chocolate along the way, we managed to make our way back in time to watch the sun set over Lake Sai.

As with the day before, there should have been gorgeous views of Mount Fuji at lots of points throughout the day, and, just as the day before, there were photos at strategic view points showing you what you should be able to see. Unfortunately, again, as the day before, we didn't get any of those views! Fuji did come out during the afternoon, but unfortunately by then we were on the wrong side of the lake to get a good view! Oh well, we did see it at least! Regardless of Fuji, it was still a lovely days walk, taking in the peaceful gardens of the northern side of the lake, along with the commercialised southern side.

Viewing a rice crop for the first ever time!

The peaceful north western edge of Kawaguchiko

Wandering through some gardens on the northern side

Wall of flowers

Fuji does exist, after all!

Bellringing lesson!

Towards the end of the walk, with very tired legs!

Sunset over Lake Sai...we made it!

Tokyo Trip 2: Keio Plaza

Despite what our Taiwan trip might have made you think, John and I don't usually bother with fancy hotels. We usually stay somewhere cheap, then spend our whole holiday (except for compulsory sleeping time) elsewhere. However, John's Mum does like nice hotels, and for our recent trip to Tokyo, she insisted on putting us up in the Keio Plaza, near Shinjuku station. Our (very nice) room was on the 33rd floor, and the view was gorgeous. No photos of the room, because I spent the whole time we were there gazing out the window! Plus, a bit of sweet talking on the part of John's Dad, and we all got complimentary passes to use the club room on the 34th floor, with drinks and snacks (including cheese, yummmmm) for the duration of our stay. Although we dragged ourselves away to explore Tokyo, I think it would have taken me a long time to get bored of this view!

View on the first morning, Fuji in the background. Apparently you can only see it about 100 days a year, mostly in the winter when it's clearer, so we were really lucky to get a view on 3 of the 4 days we were there.

View from the Club Room across central Tokyo to the Sky Tree

View from our room at night. Building on the left is where they filmed Lost in Translation, and the one on the right is the Metropolitan Building (which you can go up for a free view like these!)

Wine plus view plus cheese makes us happy! 

Fuji on our last morning

Scarlett Johansson, eat your heart out. 

PS - More variety next time, I promise!