Fujikawaguchiko

I had the best sleep I have had here so far last night. I think I have been suffering with Jet lag, and I have been  waking up in the middle of every night, and not going back to sleep, and then come 5 or so every day I was absolutely wrecked and falling asleep. I didn't get up until after ten today! We have left the bright lights of Tokyo behind us to come and see Mount Fuji. It's a two hour bus ride outside of Tokyo, and the bus journey was very comfortable. 

We have booked into a hostel here. We opted for the traditional Japanese room, so we are sleeping on thin mattresses on the floor. No shoes allowed in here either - we are given slippers when we come in. The hostel is lovely, with a comfy sitting room (with the all important wireless connection!). Great service too - the manager, Takeshi, picked us up in a car at the bus station. That sort of service seems to the norm here - our Hotel in Narita operates a free shuttle bus to and from the airport, and also to and from the local train station. They also have a bar attached, and Takeshi made a point of telling us that they serve Guiness!  

We arrived late enough, so we only had a little time to walk around before dark. (Well not too late, it just gets dark early enough here) The area is beautiful. More built up than I expected, but not too much. We are staying quite close to a lake, and we have a lovely view of Mt Fuji from there. We had hoped to go up a cable car tomorrow, but they are closed for maintenance. However we will spend some time exploring the area. 

Our room for tonight. 

The troll with Mt Fuji.

Japanese Lanterns. 

Another vending machine pic - the drink on the right is called Cola Shock,  and as you can see contains vodka. Just in case you can't see it the drink beside it is "Cocktail Partner, mistery box. Something alcohol drink. Try it. You are the man"