Japan 2014: Kawaguchiko

Me and my love for mountains. While planning this trip, when it came to choosing between any Disney-related jaunt to checking out Mt. Fuji, I went for the latter. So it was really no contest between Tokyo Disneyland and a Fuji-san sighting. In fact, I’d pick a nature-related sojourn over any amusement park ANY TIME. So it was with so much excitement that I included a side trip to Lake Kawaguchi, or Kawaguchiko on my second day in Japan.

But Mother Nature showed me – and everyone – who’s boss.

I was able to score the Mt. Fuji Round Trip Pass promo, which covers train rides from Tokyo to Otsuki, then the Fujisan Limited Express train from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko Station, and the Fuji Climbing Bus from Kawaguchiko Station to the 5th Station. Climbing season is during the summer (July-August), so the 5th Station is the furthest you could get during this time (Fall-Winter).

I woke up early to catch the 7:00am Super Azusa 3 express train from Shinjuku to Otsuki. There was a very mild drizzle when I left the hotel, but I still pushed through. Stubborn, that’s me. When I arrived at Otsuki, I saw the announcement at the station. “Bus trips to 5th Station suspended due to bad weather”.

Bummer.

But, I was already halfway there, so I might as well push on. Besides, I’m not the only one, since there were other tourists and Japanese going there, some of them even pulling along their luggage.

When I arrived at Kawaguchiko Station at half past 9am, the mild drizzle was stronger.

A unique-looking station.
A unique-looking station.

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Sans umbrella and with only my hoodie and camera bag in tow, I jumped on the sightseeing bus (Red Line) to head to the Kachi Kachi Yama Ropeway.

kawaguchiko kachi kachi ropeway 25It was the 5th stop of the bus I got on. If you need a landmark, just get off across the Fujiyama Cookie shop.

kawaguchiko kachi kachi ropeway 23 kawaguchiko kachi kachi ropeway 24Walk up the road and you’ll see this. (It is actually highly visible from the road, so you won’t have any trouble spotting it.)

kawaguchiko kachi kachi ropeway 01 kawaguchiko kachi kachi ropeway 02

The tanuki (Japanese raccoon) and the rabbit greet visitors to the Ropeway.
The tanuki (Japanese raccoon) and the rabbit greet visitors to the Ropeway.

I actually thought the Ropeway would be closed, but it was actually open. I bought tickets for the Cable Car and the Pleasure Boat.

Adult: 720yen; Child: 360yen.
Adult: 720yen; Child: 360yen.

The cable car ride from below to the summit of Mt. Tenjo takes around 3-5 minutes (I wasn’t sure exactly). I shared the car with two others.

kawaguchiko kachi kachi ropeway 06kawaguchiko kachi kachi ropeway 07-1

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On a clear day, these would have been the views you’ll see.

On the way up, and when we arrived up there, I was really frustrated, because the fog was so thick, I couldn’t see anything, only a glimpse of the lake down below. Ergo, no Fuji-san sighting. *weeps*

Map of the area up there.
Map of the area up on the summit of Mt. Tenjo.

Still, there is a feeling of serenity being up there, with the rain falling down, no crowd of people, and the colored leaves.

kawaguchiko kachi kachi ropeway 08 kawaguchiko kachi kachi ropeway 09 kawaguchiko kachi kachi ropeway 10

I spent around 30 minutes up there, and I was tempted to try out their tanuki goodies, but I was still full from my onigiri breakfast (I FELL IN LOVE WITH ONIGIRI DURING THIS TRIP. Just sayin’.) so I didn’t want to be faced with a “problem” while in a strange land. Haha!

The lone cafe/store up top. The view deck is on its "rooftop".
The lone cafe/store up top. The view deck is on its “rooftop”.

There was also a small shrine to the left side of the cafe.

kawaguchiko kachi kachi ropeway 12
The Usagi Shrine…
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of course, there has to be an usagi (rabbit).

kawaguchiko kachi kachi ropeway 14At the viewdeck, there is a rabbit. From this angle, Mt. Fuji would have been visible in all her glory. Sadly, the fog won.

kawaguchiko kachi kachi ropeway 15 kawaguchiko kachi kachi ropeway 16After descending, I crossed the road to the dock where the pleasure boats are, well, docked. I got on the boat and waited for around 10 minutes. The Japanese really stick to schedule, which I truly appreciate, but since I am freezing my ass off, I wanted them to get it on already!

kawaguchiko kachi kachi ropeway 17 kawaguchiko kachi kachi ropeway 18kawaguchiko kachi kachi ropeway 19There was a group composed of around 10 older ladies from Indonesia, and other tourists from China who joined me. They filed inside the enclosed cabin; I and the Indonesian visitors stayed on deck – even if it was raining and it was hella cold. REALLY.

I wonder if the other boats were for hire.
I wonder if the other boats were for hire.
You can spot the Ropeway from here.
You can spot the Ropeway from here.

kawaguchiko kachi kachi ropeway 22 kawaguchiko kachi kachi ropeway 33 kawaguchiko kachi kachi ropeway 31The cruise took around 20 minutes.

After getting off the boat, I went to the bus stop, with 3 minutes remaining, to wait for the next bus going to the Kawaguchiko Station. I was aware there were other museums and places of interest around Kawaguchiko, but I didn’t go to any of them, because none of them really interested me that much. I just decided to head back early and see what else I could check out in Tokyo.

My ride back to Otsuki Station, the Fujisan Limited Express.
My ride back to Otsuki Station, the Fujisan Limited Express.
Lots of legroom and super comfy~!!!
Lots of legroom and super comfy~!!!

The Mt. Fuji Round Trip Ticket promo ran for the month of November, and is valid for 2 days. I was thinking, “if the sun shines tomorrow, I will ditch my Tokyo Disney Sea schedule in my itinerary and go back to Kawaguchiko”.

Unfortunately, it was not to be. Accuweather said the rain will actually be stronger the next day, so I thought I’d just stick to my original itinerary. There are some things that you simply cannot force into fruition, and this is one of them. Yes, I was resigned to the fact that I won’t see Fuji-san during this visit.

Lesson learned during this part of my trip: even the best-laid plans can go awry when nature makes her presence felt. Also, I got a taste of how “capricious” Mt. Fuji is. It doesn’t show itself to just anyone. 🙂 To be honest, a part of me was not too positive that I will spot it immediately. Remember my Mt. Pulag jaunts? It took me a second climb to be able to witness the sea of clouds; some people I know have been there two, three, times and have yet to see it.

I suppose this means I have to go back to have a proper look at it. Already in my future plans: go to Japan during the climbing season and climb Fuji-san. YES. I am resolved to do exactly that, say, 2016 or 2017?

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