Weekend Get-away to Fuji

1.26 to 27.08

On January 24^th, I came home from work to a house filled with good smells and great people. Lauren’s mother flew into the Narita Airport today and will be staying for some time—she will be in Japan for three weeks and will stay with us in the Tokyo area for two of those three weeks. Minsoo, who had picked her up from the airport while Lauren and I were working, had also decided to stay for dinner. We all chatted and enjoyed the evening together.

Lauren and I always joke about how we were separated at birth. We have a lot of things in common, including the fact that are both of our mother’s are basically the same person.

On the morning of January 26^th, the three of us—Lauren, Lauren’s mother (Julia), and me—woke up bright and early to catch a rapid train into Tokyo. Our destination? We were going on a short weekend trip with Hiroko and Peggy to Shizuoka! The Shizuoka prefecture is famous for none other than Mount Fuji. Before meeting up with Hiroko and Peggy we picked up some food and eki bentos for the 2.5 hour bus ride. On the way there I was lucky to have two seats to spread out and enjoy the scenery passing my slightly tinted window. It was so interesting to drive through the highways of downtown Tokyo on a bus since I usually either take the train or walk on foot. As we got closer and closer to our final destination, there was a distinct change in weather and scenery. There was much more open space, greenery, and snow (a good 6 inches/12 cm on the ground) outside of the city. Lauren and I also noticed that the spacing of the homes reminded us of American style neighborhoods.

When we got to the Fuji View Hotel, we checked into our room and explored the area in and around the hotel. Our room was a little hot, so we decide to go exploring outside. Lauren’s mom didn’t stay outside long but Lauren and I enjoyed the snow and quietness of the great mountains surrounding us. Lauren built a snowman and I decided to find the walking path that went along the lake behind the hotel. It was so quiet and peaceful walking along the path. I looked out at the lake encircled by gigantic mountains and could hear the water splashing against the rocks in rhythmic patterns while the sound of screeching hawks echoed in the distance. Nature is wonderful.

Hige looking out the window as we leave from the Tokyo Station.

The back entrance of the hotel after my lakeside walk.

This is what I saw as I walked around the lake behind our hotel.

This is the view on January 27th from the balcony of our hotel room. I woke up, opened the curtains and saw this breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji.

Evidently, John Lennon and Yoko Ono stayed at the Fuji View Hotel in 1978. I wish I knew what the question mark inside of Mt. Fuji meant. :/

The whole gang from left to right: Peggy, Julia, Hiroko, Lauren and me.

Waiting to leave Shizuoka from the train station.