Lake Kawaguchiko

Although our goal of this trip was seeing Mt Fuji, why not enjoy the lake while we're at it? We were headed for Osaka later that day, which would take about two also hours. With sunset at around 4:30pm and not wanting to trying to find our way around in the dark, we planned to take the bullet train to Osaka at around 1:30pm. The bullet train leaves from Mishima, which is about an hour or so from Kawaguchiko station by bus (tickets for the direct bus are ¥2,260, local buses are cheaper, but they do involve a interchange at Gotemba). However, the bus only comes once an hour so I bought tickets for the 11:20am bus which would get to Mishima at 1pm, giving us some time for lunch. Having done my research, these buses allow for luggage. 

With most of these plans in the morning, we all woke up quite early (breakfast started at 7am) and managed to catch part of the sunrise. Of course we had to take some snaps (even though it was so cold)! Although we didn't get to visit Fuji-Q Highland , we could see the amusement park from our balcony.

After taking enough photos, we headed down for breakfast. I also purchased breakfast buffet tickets with the hotel stay out of precaution (as it looked like we were in the middle of nowhere). The breakfast was a mixture of Western and Japanese style which I thought was very enjoyable. We were feeling slightly FOMO as we saw a huge tour of Japanese grandmas and grandpas that looked like they would wake up really early. And boy, were there a lot of them obaasans. We were about the latest people into the buffet and quite a few tables had already finished breakfast.

I really like these sectioned plates, especially at buffets. It makes choosing different types of food so much easier. Breakfast was nice, but it was more Japanese dominated, which you may wish to take into consideration.

After breakfast we checked out and caught the hotel shuttle to the station. We took our luggage with us because we wanted to head out straight to Osaka without having to call the shuttle again just to pick up our luggage. There is luggage storage at the station but it is quite limited so get in early! We got there at around 8:45am and there were only 2 large sized lockers left. Also, note that these coin lockers only take ¥100 coins so make sure you leave enough. The information centre does do coin exchange, but they open at 9am. My way around it was just to buy something at the souvenir shop at the station. But even when doing so, you have to do the calculations properly because all the change is given via machine. If you need ¥500+ in change, you will get a ¥500 coin and not give ¥100 coins and the shop attendants cannot do anything about it.

If you can't find a coin locker, the tourist information centre does luggage storage (after 9am) and many of the stores around the centre also stores luggage so it shouldn't be too much of a problem. It may be more expensive as prices are usually ¥500-¥700 per piece. We managed to fit all our suitcases (~27-29 inch) and bags into two coin lockers.

We headed towards the Kachi Kachi Ropeway which would give us a better view of Lake Kawaguchiko. You can catch a bus to the place, but it is only about a 15 minute walk and the walk is quite easy. The only thing is that this area isn't very big on sidewalks...half the time I'm fearing for my life as cars pass by me. There's like the only one way there so you probably wouldn't get lost but Google Maps is always there to save you (and won't send you into dodgy alleyways). If you're not going there in the morning, there should be plenty of tourists with you too!

And I present to you....LAKE KAWAGUCHIKO!

There is a river cruise that normally runs and tickets to the cruise can be bought along with other attraction (including the ropeway) tickets. But we didn't really have the time for it that day and it was closed for the day for maintenance.

We haven't yet seen snow yet on our trip and the temperature was yet to drop to subzero levels, surfaces did tend to get a layer of frost overnight.

Having had enough of frosty fresh air by the lakeside, we headed to the Mt. Kachi Kachi Ropeway. The ropeway opens at 9:30am so we waited in line for about 10-15 minutes for the place to open. There were about 40 of us lining up waiting for the place to open. We only bought a one way trip on the ropeway as you can make a 40 minute also walk from the top of the mountain to the lake. You can also walk in the opposite direction for a 3-4 hour hike up the mountain. 

What was most funny was that they managed to squeeze us into one carriage - we were squished like sardines like on a peak hour train. Cannot imagine the extent of this Japanese efficiency. 

As we were the first bunch up there, we were able to hog the place and get amazing shots with no people in it. But you need to be quick as the ropeway continuously sends up 40-50 people every 5 minutes. We were also blessed with excellent weather that day! Apparently if you come during the afternoon around sunset, you may get a shot of a floating cloud just above a golden Mt Fuji. 

And our mini-hike down the mountain begins! The path isn't fully marked like you'd expect in a national park, but there's only one way down. Parts of the descent does get quite steep but you'll be fine as long as you look where you're going. We saw a couple of mums with their kids making their way up the mountain....#respect

About 25-30 minutes on your way down there is monument/viewing spot/pitstop which gives an amazing view of Mt Fuji. It would be so much prettier if the trees weren't all bare.

From this place, it's only about 15 minutes until you reach the lake again. We got down back to the station with about 10 minutes to the bus departure time.

From there on, not much happened as we spent most of the time on the shinkansen to Osaka. Our first night at Osaka will be the next post. See you there!