Mount Fuji

En route to the coveted spot of Mt Fuji after the wasabi experience, we put a night at Matsumoto.

In Matsumoto, we were introduced to the oldest castle in the prefecture of Yamanashi. Well, to me it is so alike the castles in Korea as they are neighbours and carry architecture similar to each other.

With a moat around it, the castle is the most visited spot for tourists I guess but the hot afternoon with its strong breeze took a toll on my umbrella. It overturned and I lost it ! This is what I remembered of the town.

The evening though was quite authentic as we got to experience to dress ourselves in their different forms of kimono known as montsuki? It was truly a chance of a lifetime to be in them. They were placed at the hotel we stayed for the night.

The futon bed together with the tatami mat was a final touch to our Japanese experience. But I am afraid that I have to confess that it was not altogether comfortable as getting up in the night to ease was a challenge. Given a choice, I would still go for the conventional bed. But nevertheless an experience I would hate to miss.

The Japanese Koi was a friendly lot; at least they like dad. He loves the species and has never stayed in a house without them. Yes, dad must have fishes wherever he puts up a home. So, it was a mutual affection.

This was the group that travelled together throughout the 8 days. All 29 of us come from all sorts of background but there were at least 3 teachers among us. Most travelled as families taking the Hari Raya break reason to be together. It was nostalgic as I recalled the days when dad and I travelled with our girls. Now it is getting extremely challenging to make a trip together. Truly challenging.

We dressed to the night for the group shot; didn't we?

We jolly well sleep well.

For the next day we went up the most talked about place in Japan.

Mount Fuji is graced by different levels according to heights.

Many have scaled it but never try to venture it alone.

Clement told us that an Ipoh young student lost himself and his remains to be found only many years later to the agony of his parents.

Yes, thank you dear God for a chance to be photographed with Mount Fuji behind us. It was easy to teach it as a subject in Geography but altogether different to touch its soil. It was hot but cool at the same time.

Dad took a panoramic shot and yes a shot to be etched in our memories. I am glad I can record all the experiences for us to recall in our older days.

 It was unforgettable .

Some are even more adventurous as they put up nights at the site; to explore in greater details. So, it is not surprising that hotels are available for rent and stay.

It is not cheap though as the products sold at the souvenir shops were hiked up in price. Truly to capture the tourists.

Horses are here for rent too. We saw many hikers ready for the climb and there were guides willing to help them make the climb.

Here, tourists of all nations are seen.

Many came for the highest mountain in Japan and see its beauty.

If you ever have a chance to be here, this is the first spot that will greet you.

Very touristy and cheerful.

In our 60s, we look forward to more experiences that will add enrichment and rest for ourselves. When children cannot travel where we go, we still hope we can make a good trip with them someday too.

 Mount Fuji was a great maiden visit.

After Mt Fuji, it will soon be time to go home.