Fuji Lakes was our last stop in Japan. We took a bus from Tokyo Station to Kawaguchiko Station in the Fuji Five Lakes region. Journey by bus is about 3 hours including 1 quick stop at R&R. Bus fare for return ticket per adult is ¥3000. The Fuji Five Lake region lies at the northern base of Mount Fuji about 1000 meters above sea level around the lakes Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko and Motosuko. It is one of the best places to view Mount Fuji from a close distance and a good base for climbing the mountain.
Among the lakes, Lake Kawaguchiko is the easiest to access and offers the most things to see and do for the average foreign traveler. The four other lakes are less developed than Lake Kawaguchiko and are not as easy to access by public transportation. We stayed in Plaza Inn Kawaguchiko, walking distance from Kawaguchiko Station within 5 minutes.
We arrived at 10:40pm and we walked straight to our accommodation in a cold weather. Although at night, we still can see the majestic of Mt Fuji illuminated by the moonlight. That night the temperature was too cold and we couldn’t stay outside for too long. We did quick stop at nearest mini market and bought some snacks and breakfast for tomorrow.
Note: This trip was in January 2014. The Conversion rate: ¥1000 = RM32
First day, we had breakfast in our room before start our own tour around Fuji Lakes. We bought the 2 days unlimited bus ride for 2 lakes, Lake Kawaguchi and lake Saiko. You can get the tickets at the Kawaguchiko Station. There are several types of ticket to choose according to your itinerary. Just ask them for recommendation and information. Don’t forget to bring along the bus map, so you know where to make a stop for sightseeing spot.
First day in Fuji Lakes, we ride the retro bus around lake Saiko.
In the afternoon, we were back to Lake Kawaguchiko to catch sunset.
There’s a mini market near the lake kawaguchiko where you can buy your grocery. We bought some of seafood and added to our ramen for dinner that night.
On day 2, we woke up early to catch early bus. We did survey where is the best spot to shoot a mirror effect of Mt Fuji from yesterday. So, we catched the bus from the station and stop at no19, Sannide mae Nagasaki Koen Iriguchi. Here’s the best view of Fujisan.
At Noon, we had lunch at chinese restaurant, Then we continued to Fugaku Fugetsu (Wind Cave). The Fuji Fugaku Wind Cave is surrounded by the abundant greenery of the Aokigahara Jukai forest. Once you enter the cave, it is pleasantly cool even in summer, with an average temperature of 3℃. Up until the beginning of the Showa era, it was used as a refrigerator to store the eggs of silkworms. The cave has also been designated as a Japanese natural monument.
We took bus express back to Tokyo at 5pm after spends last few hours at Lake Saiko.
Chiba
We reached Tokyo around 8pm then fetched the luggage at locker room in Shinjuku station and went straight to Chiba by train (30mins).
We stay at very nice hotel but rather small room at level 35 with nice view of Tokyo bay. Hotel name is APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Makuhari. Very comfortable room, clean and had wonderful views of the harbor. This hotel located very near to Tokyo Disneyland but we didn’t visit there, maybe next time. Who ever wants to stay nearby Disneyland, this is very good place to stay. No activity for the night, we just had dinner & drink at nearest restaurant.
Last day in Tokyo, we spent time in the hotel. We went to in-house public bath and onsen. That’s what i like about this hotel, nice public bath with nice harbor view. Not to forget, they have shuttle bus to Narita Airport with a cost.
We take the shuttle bus in the afternoon directly to Narita Airport.
TRAVEL BITE LOVE 