Chasing the perfect Fuji shot

[drron]

 

[drron]

We stopped at Otsuki and then proceeded on the Fujikyu line. several got off late here as if you haven't paid the full fare to Kawaguchigo you need to have a Fujikyu ticket. The late exit was almost certainly when a conductor boarded.

 

[drron]

And we go under the Maglev test line.




Then something comes into view.
















The best photos i have had of mt. Fuji in our travels in Japan up to now. Believe me probably more than 100 photos of Fujisan that day. The only worry was the weather report for the next 3 days was cloudy. Supposed to be clear today but still some cloud around.

 

[drron]

So a Mt. Fuji post.












That is the last one I will post from the train. Getting off the train was an absolute shambles
two narrow entrances into the station building. there were at least 4 Chinese groups and 2 Indian tour groups. They were determined to be out first. Though it would have been just as bad if it was an Aussie tour group. Wasn't helped that those that wanted to board a train were using al entrances as well. Inside the Station it was bedlam. wall to wall people and suitcases. That made us miss the 1245 hotel shuttle bus meaning a 2 hour wait as it doesn't run at 1345.
So we headed to the taxi right. We were about 9th and 10th in line. We got to the head of the queue as the hotel shuttle arrived for the 1445 run. We got the shuttle. These next 3 shots are from the shuttle as we passed the Lawsons that hit the news recently. You can see why it is a popular spot.






But this was the view from our room at the Fuji view Hotel. Aptly named. We were here on a Luxury Escapes package.


But still that cloud.

 

[cosi]

Of course it was back to the lounge at night. First the Sparkling.

I thought the lounge use to be next the Club reception, with nice views.

Now it seems to be near the ground in a significant bigger space?

I guess they planning to have more guests.

 

[drron]

Yes it is on the same floor as the lobby. I have been told that there is still a lounge upstairs for the frequent hotel guests.
I would guess that the introduction of milestone awards and the 40 night annul lounge pass have boosted the numbers.

 

[cosi]

Yes it is on the same floor as the lobby. I have been told that there is still a lounge upstairs for the frequent hotel guests.
I would guess that the introduction of milestone awards and the 40 night annul lounge pass have boosted the numbers.

Interesting to learn IC Yokohama Grand will continue to operate 2 lounges.

Hope for the frequent guests, IC have upgraded the food offering in the upstairs lounge because it was very disappointing last visit, pre covid, especially after IC Tokyo Bay.

Japan make great pizza's.

 

[drron]

So the hotel. Room was large by Japanese standards. Bathroom was a little small and a shub. No problem for us as I definitely prefer a bath.








In the lobby they have wine by dispenser. 500 yen for a 60ml glass. Not cheap but comparable to lower end establishments back home as that would be ~ $10 for a standard glass. You buy a card from the front desk and load it up. We put 2000 yen on but the Aussie couple who checked in got 2 cards with 10000 yen each. Basically that was a big mistake as usually the system didn't work and you had to get the concierge over to do it. Once he couldn't get the thing to work but got a bottle from the cupboard underneath and pored her a glass but didn't use the card so we got a bonus glass. In the long run we bought a couple of bottles in 7/11 and Lawsons and drank in our room looking at the view. It was cheaper and nicer.

 

[drron]

but I came for Mt. Fuji. A combination of shots from our room and whilst walking around the grounds. Still cloud around the peak but it was gradually getting less.


















And then at 1730 the Eureka moment.

 

[drron]

Time to try and finish this off. has been a hectic week.
After unpacking we went for a walk around the hotel gardens. beautiful.

 

[drron]

We had walked across the road behind the hotel. A group was about to go Kayaking.

 

[drron]

 

[drron]

The blossoms were fantastic.












And they have a very mini golf course.






And a long hole.

 

[drron]

 

[drron]

 

[drron]

 

[drron]

And the last of the gardens as the sun sets.




The swallows were busy building a nest on our balcony.

 

[drron]

We hadn't booked for dinner thinking as guests we should be OK. The website says reservation is recommended but it doesn't say they are only opening 1 of the 2 dinner restaurants now. They have 2 dinner settings at !730 and 1930. Fortunately we wanted an early meal so we went down to the restaurant. Told by the waiter that as we didn't have a booking we should go to the front desk and make a reservation. We thought we would have to hang out until 1930 but no that was completely booked but there was a table available at 1730.
Back at the restaurant we once again were asked if we had a booking. Yes I made it a minute ago.

Taken to the table and handed the English menu. Basically 6 set menus -3 French and 3 International ranging in price from $A110 to $A230 per head with wine extra. Fortunately there was an A La carte selection which we ordered from. I started with a raw squid and scallop salad which was excellent. I then had a seafood plate. Quite nice.




Mrsdrron had fried chicken for mains and a raspberry dessert. She liked both.



We washed it down with a house white which turned out to be a Sav blanc. quite good.


And all that was $A140 which we felt was much better value than having one of the set menus.

 

[drron]

The next morning it was down to Brekkie at an early hour for us as we were going into town to pick up a rental from Toyota that I made the night before. wasn't that much to choose from but I was happy with the little box car we got.
My 2 plates at breakfast.


It was very nice. We both loved the miso marinated roast potatoes.
More importantly Fuji wasn't hiding.









The fishpond at the hotel.


We then caught the shuttle into town. Easy pick up.great service and we were off on our plans for today. First stop Lake Motosuko for the Shibazakura festival which had begun the weekend before.

Fuji Shibazakura Festival

About the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, one of the best and most popular occasions nationwide to see shibazakura (phlox moss)

www.japan-guide.com

Getting close to our destination we again saw Fuji in all her beauty. But notice it is from a different angle so not the classical cone on top.

 

[drron]

A t the entrance to the display Fuji is on display.


But now the Shibuka -moss phlox.