Mount Fuji: Inside the Souvenir Store

As soon as we came back from the Mt Fuji trail, we went around the 5th station. 

We saw this house surrounded by fog as seen from the station.

We also saw some kind of good structures. I'm not sure if these are some kind of temple but these are just like in the movies.

Wishing well is also common in Japan.

Inside their museum we watched some video clips about Mt Fuji. We also saw some pictures of Mt Fuji: its aerial view and a mountain view covered with snow.

Aerial view image of Mt Fuji inside the museum

An image of the mountain covered with snow inside the museum

Inside the souvenir stores, we see these different kinds of souvenir items, magnets and foods.

Mt Fuji, the Highest Peak in Japan

I experienced Mt Fuji during my first Saturday in Japan. My requester was kind enough to accompany us to the highest peak in Japan. We were lucky also that the weather was so good that day, just as what the meteorologist had predicted.

During travel, I noticed that the air was so clean. There is no pollution. One factor is that all vehicles that I've seen are eco-friendly. I wish it would be the same here.

While on our way to Mt Fuji, we saw an amusement park that has a very big ferris wheel and a very long roller coaster. Even a ride-fanatic will have a second thoughts on such a very long wild ride.

As soon as we entered Fuji Subaru Line Stop, a very thick forest can be seen alongside the road.

As we ascent to the road, the fogs are getting thicker and thicker that the visibility became low and we had to slow down. Since it is a two-way road, the only guide that gave us a safe trip is the white mark that was written on each sides and center of the road.

While others chose to travel to Mt Fuji by car, others love to go there by biking. Such a very strong athlete to travel to Mt Fuji by a difficult way.

We stopped for a while as we get near to the 5th Station. There is a lodging and accommodation for the travelers. From here, we can see the view of the neighborhood at the foot of the mountain. 

One closer view of the tree that gives the cool breeze of Mt Fuji.

As we get to the 5th station, we saw a group of tourist bus. It might be a peak season on the month of June. 

Then at the 5th station, you will see some persons offering a horse ride for the tourist. The tourist guide provides information up to what station is still safe due to weather. They ban the tourists to climb the summit if the weather is not good.

There are also tourist guide there that offers horseback riding to Mt Fuji. But we decided to walk.

At first I thought its hard, but its different from what I expected, Since it has good trails, it was not difficult to hike.  After some few walks as we entered the trail, we saw this foggy side of the trail.

On the left side, there is some part that is covered with ice, the reason why we can barely see trees on this region.

After an hour of walk, we decided to go back. We get to see inside this souvenir store and museum.

While looking around the area, we saw this tree that was preserved. We saw several of this while we were in the car. If not preserved, some trees were tied in a string, so it will not stumble during storm. The forest really has been protected and cared by the government.

After looking for some souvenirs, we decided to have lunch outside the 5th station. We went into this restaurant.

We ordered thick noodles. I forgot the name of the food but it has vegetables. Such a delicious noodles that if I can remember it, I will order the same meal again.

What a great sight to end our lunch in this place.

Goemon: A Pasta Restaurant in Shin-Yokohama

My requester invited me to have a dinner at pasta restaurant in Shin-Yokohama. It's just a few walks away from the office, the Goemon Restaurant. The place is very quiet and clean. And since its only the two of us, we had the chance to share some stories about work and personal life.  

Goemon Logo

And the food?  

Wow! The pasta and the desert taste delicious that I want to try it again!

Goemon Pasta

Goemon Halo-halo Dessert

Second Night in Yokohama

After my the first day of work in Shin-Yokohama, we were invited to eat at the famous restaurant near the office, Ramen Museum. Our Japanese requester chose to eat at Casa Luca Milano, that according to them, has the best ramen in that place.

Most of the members ordered this menu. 

At first I tried to use chopsticks at first. But in the middle, I asked for spoon and fork. The taste was very appetizing that I was able to consume the food.

After the dinner, we went home. Since it was still early, around 8pm,  I decided to take a walk around the area. Only few people are walking in the street. And the area is very quiet. I continued to walk and took pictures of some establishments. While taking some pictures, I even met a man who's very fluent in English. He's riding a bicycle. He's from a foreign country, from Middle East (I guess), that works near the office. After 1 hour, I realized I do not know where I am. I started walking and trying to remember the place where I've been, Since I do not have a map or internet connection, I tried to use the pictures that I took. It was difficult for me to locate the hotel that I am staying. Gladly, I saw an old man in uniform standing near the street. He's not a policeman but in my thoughts he could help me locate my hotel. Since most of the elders are difficult communicating in English, he used his map. Funny thing is that it was just 1 block away from the street. :D

It felt so good seeing this entrance to my hotel.

Walking around the street, I was able to observe some of the good cultures that the Japanese have. One is that their gestures are very courteous even when talking to a strangers. Another is the courtesy they show at pedestrian crossing. The drivers prioritize the pedestrians to cross the street.