Konichiwa, Fuji-san!
I’ve finally achieved one of my lifelong dreams - to see Mt Fuji, or Fuji-san as the locals call it. I had heard it is rare to see Mt Fuji without any clouds around, so I wasn’t actually expecting too much to begin with. But as with everything here in Japan, I was pleasantly surprised.
I got off the train and started walking in what I thought was the right direction. However, after two hours of walking in the complete wrong direction, I stumbled across an amazing view of Fuji San, free from clouds or mist. Hurrah for getting lost! Hence "Lost Abroad"!
My hostel is by Lake Kawaguchi in the shadow of Mt Fuji. The room is simple and barely furnished except for a tiny television and a rolled up tatami mat to sleep on. However it does have a fantastic balcony with views of the surrounding mountains.
Tomorrow I plan to take the bus to station 5 on Mt Fuji - I cannot climb it as it is WAAAAY too big and dangerous this time of year. Station 5 is an hour from here and 7,560 feet up, so just high enough to see snow but without the dangers of avalanche. Mt Fuji is actually 12,385 feet high all together, and is actually two volcanoes that merged into one thousands of years ago after erupting. Interesting, huh? The last time it erupted was 1707, so I think I should be ok…
