Our trip on the shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto began with a sighting of some sumo wrestlers! Dressed is airy summer yukata they waited for a train on the other side of our platform! As always when travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto make sure to sit in seats D & E to try and get … Continue reading Japan 2010: Day 8 Kyoto- Kinkakuji and Gion
Many people visiting Japan want to see the elusive and beautiful Mount Fuji. Climbing Mount Fuji is popular with guests from acorss the world, but you don't get to experience the true beauty of Mount Fuji from up close. Often the best views of Fuji can be seen from off of the mountain itself, and … Continue reading Climb majestic Mount Mitsutoge for perfect views of Mount Fuji
All you need to know to plan your own trip to see the beautiful Mount Fuji
History of Asama Jinja Mount Fuji has been worshipped in Japan for hundreds of years, initially by the Ainu, then Shinto, and finally Buddhism. Fuji is worshipped as a Goddess, giving fertile soils and clear water. To keep her happy eight Shinto shrines were erected around the base of Mount Fuji, with numerous smaller shrines … Continue reading Tenku no torii; Mount Fuji and the torii in the sky
After 23 days in Japan, driving over 2,700km by car, and travelling 1,420km by shinkansen we had visited 9 prefectures. I have written about each day we were in Japan here, so if you want to get the whole story you can! I thought it would be good to write about my favourite spot in … Continue reading Autumn in Japan – my favourites
We were up for dawn at Hotel JAL City Haneda Tokyo West Wing (The West Wing bit is important as there are two separate JAL City hotels on the same road). There was an all you can eat breakfast, but first we wanted to take a walk around the neighbour hood and hit up an … Continue reading Japan 2019 Day 23: Flying home from Haneda
How likely are you to see Mount Fuji? When is Mount Fuji most visible? What time of day is best to see Mount Fuji?
Our last full day in Japan, and our last morning in Kawaguchiko started with a blanket of clouds covering Mount Fuji. Not to be put off we were at Oishi park by 5:40am patiently waiting to see if Fuji would grace us with a view. The clouds weren't as thick as previous days, and we … Continue reading Japan 2019 Day 22: Goodbye Mount Fuji, Hello gluten free feast!
Exploring the stunning Itchiku Kubota Museum & seeing Mount Fuji
Another cloudy morning, another missed sunrise! Kawaguchiko was under a blanket of cloud when we woke up, so we didn't head out of K's house until 6:30am. We drove over to Oishi park, a good base to park and explore that section of shore. We went for a walk but the sky was still looking … Continue reading Japan 2019 Day 20: A misty morning with Mount Fuji & a trip to Shosenkyo Gorge
My Nihon 