Flying Solo

Today is my big travelling on my own day! Thankfully, I did one little trip on my own yesterday, getting back from the Skytree. Two whole stops. Today, I’m retracing my steps from yesterday. Getting from Asakusa via one train, then transferring to a different line to get myself to Shinjiku Basuta (bus station). 

Had to check out of the hotel by 11am. Bus not until 12:45pm. Just enough time to get to the bus station...and allowing for over an hour of getting lost!

Made it there without getting lost (more or less).

The bus took us south from Tokyo, into (and through) the hills. You could hear a gasp from those of us who had never seen Fuji San, before. The white cone, glimpsed between two hills. Once you see Mt Fuji, you cannot take your eyes off it. It truly commands your attention.

Mt Fuji

I was ferried from the station to the hotel...sort of. It is built up the side of a hill. One is dropped off at a glass reception hut at the base of the hill. Checked in, bags tagged. Then you are asked to look at the wall - it has small canvas back packs (NO! Not another back pack!!!) and choose your favourite colour. 

One of that colour is brought to you. Within it is a small bag of gifts (biscotti and a small refillable bottle), plus “glamping” accessories to borrow while staying here. Birding binoculars, headlamp (for getting to & from dinner) and...can’t remember the other thing.

Eventually, each reservation is taken up by a Jeep (4 door). Very steep, single lane. Past the “meeting area” - where we are to go if we request a lift down the hill or as an emergency gathering area, up to the...lobby? And diningroom. Reservations for dinner are made and time for breakfast box to be delivered to the “cabin” in the morning.

The cabin...a bit of a misnomer, but the rooms are long & narrow, aiming out towards the lake & Mt Fuji. 1/4 of the room is a balcony with its own small fire and a divan with  a heavy, heated duvet. Between the balcony & bedroom is wall to wall, floor to ceiling glass. The bathroom is a similar layout as the last hotel...although, the bathtub has a great view of Mt Fuji.

Must say, it is tempting to sleep outside, tonight!

The cabins are down the hill from the diningroom, so a medium climb up meandering stairs for 6pm. I was a little early, but...meh...dinner started with a clear soup, appetizers...enough for an entire meal! Very much like tapas...little tastes of things. The main was a little beef & venison. Finished up with gelato & tea. 

Then back to the cabin, where the fire had been lit while I was at dinner.

Enjoyed sitting out amongst the stars and perfect view of Mt Fuji.

Managed to stay awake past 9pm...just.