On a super duper clear day we can see Mt Fuji from our Balcony! It has to be super duper clear- so much so that we didn't realize we would be able to see her for the first 2 months we lived here. Turns out the heat and humidity of summer = hazy skies and not a clear view of Fuji san. But we start each morning out the same way- looking south towards the bowling pin to see if Fuji san is there.
With the increasing threat of the germs! We altered our adventuring strategy- looking to hit places that make more sense to get to by car than by train. Fujiyoshia fit that bill perfectly! What was a relatively easy 3 hour drive would have been a tortuous 5+ hour train ride with multiple transfers. With the weather looking clear that weekend we booked a glamping spot and set off!
Driving and listening to our favorite podcasts (Wait, wait don't tell me. Star Talk and 538) we turn the corner and all of the sudden there she is, up close and personal in all her glory: Fuji San!!!
With the increasing threat of the germs! We altered our adventuring strategy- looking to hit places that make more sense to get to by car than by train. Fujiyoshia fit that bill perfectly! What was a relatively easy 3 hour drive would have been a tortuous 5+ hour train ride with multiple transfers. With the weather looking clear that weekend we booked a glamping spot and set off!
Driving and listening to our favorite podcasts (Wait, wait don't tell me. Star Talk and 538) we turn the corner and all of the sudden there she is, up close and personal in all her glory: Fuji San!!!
Winding our way through the mountains getting closer and closer. Our first destination: a famous view of Fuji san. Our timing is perfect! The Cherry Blossoms are in full view and the weather is gorgeous! We drive closer and closer, until all of the sudden there is a uniformed man holding a sign with words we can actually read! CLOSED.
Working to control the spread of the virus they are beginning to close off all the beautiful busy parks. Disappointed to be robbed of a most amazing view, we turn back towards town. Following the best rule of driving till water then turning right (this time at the lake in the middle of the city) We park and begin exploring the town at the bottom of this amazing peak!
Working to control the spread of the virus they are beginning to close off all the beautiful busy parks. Disappointed to be robbed of a most amazing view, we turn back towards town. Following the best rule of driving till water then turning right (this time at the lake in the middle of the city) We park and begin exploring the town at the bottom of this amazing peak!
Japan likes their ropeways: cable cars stretched up mountain and for the small fair of a few hundred Yen you climb aboard to get whisked to the top! Excited to see this is still open we climb aboard and watch as the view of Fuji san gets better and better!
We wander around the top of this smaller mountain, admiring the different views of Fuji san. Laughing as we pose for funny pictures. Watching the clouds roll and change around the famous peak.
After a few more hours of wandering through beautiful parks with amazing views we head to our glamping spot! A dome with our own personal view of Fuji san!
After a slight confusion regarding google translate and our limited Japanese we realize that we can rent a grill to cook our own food! A quick trip to the grocery for easy grilling things and we settle in to relax for the night.
Back home, grilling was the easiest answer to the lack of inspiration for what to make for dinner. While we have access to many amazing restaurants here (including our favorite chicken sticks on the grill!) we don't have space to have our own grilling setup. It was a nice change of pace to be able to cook our own food over the hot grill.
We were given a rather in depth tutorial about how to put the starter button to light the grill, wait for it to warm up, then how to cook the food easily with many reminders of turning off the gas when finished. We nodded politely while chuckling to ourselves. Wondering what our tutor would have thought of our previous grill that we had to stick a lighter inside to get the fire going. #startersdiequicklywhenthegrillgetsrainedon #grillingexperts
After a slight confusion regarding google translate and our limited Japanese we realize that we can rent a grill to cook our own food! A quick trip to the grocery for easy grilling things and we settle in to relax for the night.
Back home, grilling was the easiest answer to the lack of inspiration for what to make for dinner. While we have access to many amazing restaurants here (including our favorite chicken sticks on the grill!) we don't have space to have our own grilling setup. It was a nice change of pace to be able to cook our own food over the hot grill.
We were given a rather in depth tutorial about how to put the starter button to light the grill, wait for it to warm up, then how to cook the food easily with many reminders of turning off the gas when finished. We nodded politely while chuckling to ourselves. Wondering what our tutor would have thought of our previous grill that we had to stick a lighter inside to get the fire going. #startersdiequicklywhenthegrillgetsrainedon #grillingexperts
A most scrumptious dinner while watching sunset dance through the clouds.
Sunsets are one of our most favorite things, taking time to pause at the end of the day whether it's from our Balcony in Japan, our Front Porch in Columbus or one of the dozens of other places we've been...taking time to pause admiring the colors dancing across the clouds as the end of the day fades into darkness. And watching sunset alongside Fuji san- incredible.
Then after a most comfy night of sleep in our dome, opening the curtains to this crystal clear view!
A few more hours of watching the clouds dance around Fuji san and eating another scumptious meal in the bright sunshine.
What a relaxing weekend!
What a relaxing weekend!
Goodbye Fuji san, can't wait to see you next time from an even closer perspective!!!