Thursday - Biking around the lake!
We woke up about 4, dressed and ran downstairs to get some great morning photos. We were locked in our Ryokan. We had to call someone to let us out the back door so that we could photograph the sunrise and all the glory of this morning. The views were incredible. There was a TV crew on the trail filming a story about the lake and the amazing blooms at their peak!
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| Mt. Fuji at dawn |
Then back in the onsen to warm up. Notice the fog on the window. Then buffet breakfast of unidentified dishes (except for the tempura, salad and fruit). Richard took a raw egg that I thought was hard boiled. Oh well.
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| Richard and the German/Japanese bike renters |
After breakfast, we biked around the lake about 20 km. We saw them setting up for the Fuji Ultra-Trail (168km). Vendors were setting out goods. Found the most amazing 1st shrine to Fujisan built in 900 where the cherry blossoms were blooming and the monks were drumming and the very nice Japanese ladies on tour showed us how to wave into the mirror inside the shrine. We all giggled. We also bought a fortune for 100yen and tied it to a line. We have no idea what it says . . .
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| Cherry Blossoms at their peak at the shrine |
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| 1st shrine to Fujisan |
Stopped for Soba (buckwheat noodles) where a very nice little lady (the cook) showed us how to buy the ticket at the vending machine. Great view of the lake from the window.
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| Sobu (buckwheat noodles) with Tempura |
Then on to the Kawaguchi Natural Living Center and ice cream.
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| Lavender fields and cherry blossoms |
The onsen felt great after our long bike ride. Amazing views and meditative baths.
Dinner was once again a work of art.
After dinner we walked along the lake....
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| Cherry Blossoms at night! |
We love our Ryokan.and the futons are comfy. The toilets were amazing works of engineering with heat and jetted sprays in any direction of your choice. The only draw back, Richard keeps hitting his head in the doorways.
Lake Kawaguchiko was a beautiful introduction to Japan and and it's people and culture.
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