Fuji with Lentils

We had the most magical day today.  We had not really planned this part of the trip as originally we were going to stay at Mishima but on the recommendation of Ko our hostess at the Ryokan in Nozawa, we booked a night in Gotemba as we couldn't get both nights in Hakone.  The view from the bedroom window of the very ordinary hotel in Gotemba with shoebox rooms was of Mt Fuji and that is what I woke up to this morning.  

We packed and were out of the hotel by 8.15 am and then took a local bus to Lake Kawaguchiko.  It travelled around Lake Yamanaka through some salubrious areas, a huge complex which was obviously a set for a James Bond film, a fun park with rides that would curl your hair and then to Kawaguhiko station.  

From there we took the sightseeing bus which allowed you to hop on and off at various stops around the lake.  There is a lot to see and we couldn't do it justice.  We did go up the ropeway/cable car for fantastic views of Fuji and the lake.  It must have been a very popular thing to do because lots of other people were out enjoying the sunshine.  They were having photos taken of themselves with fibreglass statues of the rabbit and racoon (need to research this as the rabbit looked from various things to be a bit of a nasty character), selfie sticks were in abundance and even a few tripods.  There was hot chocolate and buns to be had, a shrine to make some prayers.  

This shot was taken at the end of the red line, stop number 22 which had so we were told the best views of Mr Fuji.  It had these lenticular clouds on the top which covered the top in shade.  They were more defined earlier on. No blossoms were out but in a few weeks, particularly at sunrise there could be some very magical shots around the lake with all the cherry blossoms out.  Lots of things to think about if ever back in the area.

We then went back to Gotemba and collected our bags and got a taxi to our new hotel and are now ensconced in luxury up in the hills in Hakone. Lots of elderly Japanese are here.  We certainly ran the gauntlet going in to dinner.  It was an amazing dinner at that too but I find that the Japanese tend to eat fairly early.  We were the last ones there.  Unlike the bed in the shoebox last night, we are in soft luxury compared to the solid metal frame with car springs.  If you could see me, I look like one of the snow monkeys in their onsen.  And yes, there is an onsen here.  Ahhhhhhhhhh.

PS, we are on the move again tomorrow to Kyoto.  My apologies for lack of comments.  I have enjoyed reading all your comments and at some time I might be able to respond.  It is a little tricky when the days are long and there is not a lot of computer time so thanks for taking the time when I am silent.