An artist’s muse, a poet’s afflatus, lovers’ hideaway & a devotee’s halidom ―that’s Mt. Fuji, as the world has known it!!
Be it Fujifilm rolls, or the famed Ukiyo-e paintings with the iconic wave lashing against the titanic mountain, fascinating Fuji-san has never failed to grab eye-balls!
As a little girl, each time, I opened the magic box of rolls, I had wondered what it would be like to have a glimpse of the actual marvel, & had decided that one day I’d visit the place!
After our sojourn in Tokyo, we headed for Hakone ―one of the vantage points to witness the mystical mountain.
Unfortunately, our Airbnb booking at Lake Kawaguchi got cancelled, & the reason? The owner’s account had been hacked. How would that affect her?? I’m still trying to figure out🤥. Welp, thanks to this last-minute disappointment, our visit to the beatific Lake Kawaguchi also got called off. 😭Fortunately, we got a full refund😎.
Nevertheless, we were still elated. On a single day, we had journeyed to Mt. Fuji in 6 different modes of transport!
A bus ride from our Airbnb to Horikiri Station, Tokyo.
Horikiri to Shinjuku by train.
Romance Car (bullet-train) from Shinjuku to Hakone.
Mini-train (toy-train) from Hakone to the Cable Car Station.
Then, a cable car ride at Mt.Fuji.
And finally, a tranquil cruise in Lake Ashi got us back to Hakone, where we rested for the night.
The mini-train was packed with a motley mob from different nooks of the globe. Skin colour notwithstanding, people rubbed shoulders with each other, forgetting political differences, if any. Like amped kids on a picnic, they smiled, greeted & gestured animatedly.
We alighted at the cable car station that was neat & commodious. The queue which comprised a cosmopolitan crowd, had aligned itself to barter saved currencies for the best views of this phenomenal wonder!
Note: Assuming that you’d be traveling with family/friends, I suggest that you appoint one person to wait in the queue for tickets & another to collect refreshments. The queue, although fast-moving, can be serpentine.
Now, for the most interesting part! The above clicks are of the foothills of Fujiyama.
Fuji-san is a snow-mountain but can you find any traces of snow on these??
Yet, it was cold, & the crisp, algid air sent shivers down our spine.
Luckily our family of 4, was the first to step in & we perched beside the window. We were followed by another group of 5.
And when people trickled in, refusing to notice them, we pretended to scrutinize the ‘imagined’ dust on the pane. You see, we didn’t wish to relinquish our precious window seats🤗!
As the gondola inched forward, people suddenly squealed with delight & robotically reached for their cell phones & tripods. We were in transports of delight!🥰
The conical tip of the iceberg began emerging & in moments, the Brobdingnagian mountain began looming ―its sides spinning just before our eyes!
Lo & behold! The intriguing behemoth came swirling by & for that split second when I stood face to face with the stunning splendour, my joy knew no bounds😍!!!
In that split second, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of divine communion that seemed to transpire between me & the spell-binding spectacle before me! Nothing else mattered! Was I dreaming?? 🤗
Even as the cable car zipped forward, the august vista began to recede from sight. I rushed to the seat across that was thankfully vacant.
The imposing beauty seemed to be challenging me with a, ‘catch me if you can’, by inching sideways, with a smirk on its façade.
On one hand, my heart was filled with gratitude & on the other, I was overcome by despair because we could afford only a fleeting glimpse.
The whole experience seemed so surreal! This awe-inspiring handiwork of Nature, which I had only perceived in books, photographs & movies, was right before my eyes!!
Worm’s eye view..
Shortly thereafter, we alighted at the other end & made a beeline for the windows for more pictures, more poses, more memories & more moments with Nature’s masterpiece.
So near, yet so far!!
Fortunately, there were windows on all sides & mercifully, people posed, clicked & moved forward.
Believe me, it was heartrending to be leaving the place. No exaggeration here! If you’re an orophile like me, you’d understand me better.
However, the promise of an unhindered view from Lake Ashi, got us moving.
Queen Ashinoko lay moored at the gates, while eager tourists lined up to partake of the promised view.
Were we in India, Greece or Japan?? A gilded statute of the Greek God Nike at the bow, greeted us with folded hands, as if whispering a ‘Namaste’!
Her Majesty’s deck was decked up stylishly & the elegant designs on the furniture bespoke class. Despite that, people dashed to the sundeck to witness the majestic beauty! Isn’t that astounding??
There, fluttering furiously, was the country’s flag ―the Oriflamme of grace & vigour!
The cold gale blustered through & the dimming sun was no match.
As we sailed farther, out of the blue, emerged the snow-topped pyramid ―its peak peeking out to gather if the world had still gathered to behold its grandeur.
Even as the gathering oohed & aahed, the glorious cynosure began to fade from sight, till there was no trace. We were once again dismayed.
However, after we disembarked, bingo, the snow-white clou reemerged, as if conferring a consolation prize!
We were loath to leave the place & must’ve stood gazing at the spectacle, till dusk dropped her drapes down.
With a heavy heart, I dragged my feet to the hotel (Hotel Apa), where we were booked for the night. The Airbnb cancellation was undoubtedly a letdown. We’d have otherwise got to spend an entire day feasting our eyes on the mighty mountain.
Bird’s eye view from our room
Fuji-san Station
The next morning, we packed & waited for the train for Nagoya ―our next halt.
Reminiscing about our previous day’s odyssey, we wistfully yearned for one last glimpse.
That’s when my father-in-law pointed towards the wide blue yonder. There, keeking at us, was the voyeuristic cone ―fresh & sassy!
That’s when it occurred to us that we could’ve requested a room with a view! However, the thought that the mighty Fuji-san was standing guard while we slumbered, was indeed consoling.
Finally, we boarded the train & prepared for perhaps our ‘last vision’ of this stunning crown jewel.
And yes, there stood the prized snow cone with Nature’s lavish topping of cream!
The mountain, like a tutelary deity, stood stately ―overseeing the country’s landscape.
It’s said that one can get a view of Fujiyama from anywhere in Japan. While that’s not entirely true, (although it’s possible from Tokyo on a lovely bluebird day), the mountain did spring a surprise, by presenting itself when we least expected.
Some experiences are absolutely exhilarating & indescribable. A trip to Mt. Fuji is one such & believe me, the mountain has the power to stir up profound emotions―those of joy, fulfillment & gratitude ☺️☺️.
(To be continued…)
Beautifully written life Mount Fuji . We should visit again . Fantastic writing and beautiful pictures . Keep Writing and Writing
I hope we do get to revisit..
Nicely written post. Liked every bit of it.
Thank you so much, Deepa. I’m so glad that you enjoyed..
Very nicely described. Feel like we are also experiencing the magic of Mt. Fuji. Truly, a marvel.
Thank you Ashok, for finding the time to go through. Do make it to the place. It is indeed a lovely & the divinity is palpable.
One more fantastic journey well captured through narration and pictures.
I’m so glad that you enjoyed. Lovely place that will hold one in its thrall..
Very beautiful blog. You have so nicely elucidated even minor details. For me it was like teleporting and reminiscing the day I visited Hakone as well as the Shinkansen ride to Kyoto which actually takes a half round of the Fujiyama. I could therefore relate to what you have written. So nostalgic…. Kudos 👍
I knew it would be nostalgic for you.. it was such a thrilling trip but for the letdown by Airbnb. Otherwise, we’d have enjoyed a better view from Lake Kawaguchi. More posts on our trip will follow. Will keep you posted.
Aunty, your blog about Mt. Fuji was such a joy to read! The way you captured the beauty and majesty of the place was amazing,it felt like I was right there with you. I also loved how you brought so much emotion into it. Your connection with nature and the way it moved you really shone through. It made the whole piece so heartfelt and relatable. Plus, your little humorous touches were just perfect. You’re such a natural storyteller!
Such a heartfelt comment☺️! I’m so glad that you enjoyed every bit of it. Do join us for a trip in the future.
Very nicely written Shubhs..keep writing more blogs like this..it is very informative
Thank you so much, for going through😌. It’s a pleasure writing for readers, who are eager to read more..
I absolutely loved this story… Like a vicarious experience of travelling to Japan & specifically to Fujiyama.
It’s a magical place. Had been on my bucket list for so long. Especially Fujiyama is so enthralling. There’s something indeed very beatific & sacred about the very sight of it..
Very captivating post.
“So near , yet so far” was my experience on reading about Mt Fuji. Your words, the pictures & your experience -all made me fall in love with the place. A must visit place.
Indeed! And yes, it was at that instant when we saw the mountain face to face & when we passed by, that we felt the whole scene was passing us by! That’s when we felt that we should’ve prolonged our trip & done all it takes to scale the hill.. It’s a formidable task but when we are good to go, we must..
Wonderful
Thank you..☺️
Its a wonderful blog.. so descriptive! Made me feel like i was seeing all this along side as well..
Your blog definitely perked curiosity to visit the place!
Do visit, Monika. It’s an awe-inspiring place. Will be detailing the culture & ethos too, in my upcoming posts..
Hey Shubrata ,
Another impressive one.
This blog is an absolute delight to read! The way you describe the beauty and grandeur of the place is so vivid—it feels like I am experiencing it alongside you. I truly admire how you convey your emotions and connection with nature; it adds such depth and sincerity to the piece. The personal touch makes it all the more relatable and touching. And those bits of humor sprinkled throughout? They are just the right amount to keep it engaging. You have a real gift for storytelling! It’s inspiring enough to make me start planning my own trip to Mt. Fuji and Japan!
Thank you so much for that 🙂. Readers like you motivate me to write more..
Hey Shubrata ,
Another impressive one.
This blog is an absolute delight to read! The way you describe the beauty and grandeur of the place is so vivid—it feels like I am experiencing it alongside you. I truly admire how you convey your emotions and connection with nature; it adds such depth and sincerity to the piece. The personal touch makes it all the more relatable and touching. And those bitsof humour are just the right amount to keep it engaging. One needs to learn from you the art of storytelling! It’s inspiring enough to make me start planning my own trip to Mt. Fuji and Japan!
Hey Shubrata ,
Another impressive one.
This blog is an absolute delight to read! The way you describe the beauty and grandeur of the place is so vivid—it feels like I am experiencing it . I truly admire how you convey your emotions and connection with nature; it adds such depth and sincerity to the piece. The personal touch makes it all the more relatable and touching. And those bitsof humour are just the right amount to keep it engaging. One needs to learn from you the art of storytelling! It’s inspiring enough to make me start planning my own trip to Mt. Fuji and Japan!
Lovely Shubrata .It was so well described and well written. Pictures taken were also beautiful.
Thank you, Mehul, for that. I regret having missed a snapshot of the mountain from a Pagoda located near Lake Kawaguchi..
Really enjoyed the write up. Was transported there literally. You have shared your visual and emotional experience
Thank you for that. It’s heavenly. The entire country & particularly Fujiyama..& yes, sighting the mountain is truly an emotional experience. No exaggeration here. There’s indeed something unique & mesmerizing about the place.
As usual a captivating post. Loved every bit especially Fujiyama. It’s so mesmerizing and you have described it very well.
Indeed it is.. Very hypnotic. I wish we had scaled the heights.
While reading it, I visualised the beauty..very nicely written
Thank you. Some places on Earth are unique, sublime & special, I guess.
Beautifully written as always…it felt like we were ourselves visiting there..Keep it up!!
Thank you, Rajesh..Do visit the place, as you visit other places. You will enjoy..😊
Shubrata! Read your revies n the blog! Its very well written! Superbly desrcibed! Almost felt I was there! Let there be more of these!
Shubhrata,While reading the blog I felt like traveling as a 5th member of your lovely family and witnessing the marvel by just being there in person!Beautifully written as usual.Have noticed that whenever you write,you get so emotionally attached to that place that it comes to life right in front of my eyes.Congrats .Eagarly waiting for the next one..
☺️You must plan a trip with us sometime. My family always feels that I’m more attached to places & faraway lands than to people! ☺️ And they also remark about my selective memory, because they find me more attentive to sights, sounds & smells when I’m traveling..😅
Joy to read and behold( the pics). Keep ’em coming
Writers like you keep us engrossed, learning new words, and seeing the world sitting in an armchair.
I’m so glad that I gladdened your day! 😅. Just this afternoon someone suggested that I tone down the language a bit. However, I strongly feel, there are no substitutes for certain words.. We have Hindi as well as Urdu too in our country. Where Hindi adds civility & dignity, Urdu adds grace & elegance. Similarly, every word I believe has a beauty of its own. As a writer, I enjoy embellishing my thoughts with words.
Lovely write up! Felt as though I was in Mount Fuji! Japan is on my bucket list already. 😊
It is a must-visit. Their culture, ethos & discipline will truly prove a thought..
Beautifully written Shubratha… while reading, it seemed like I was physically present . Thank you 😊
Thank you, dear. I’m glad that you enjoyed reading..
Beautifully written Shubratha.
So beautifully you have elucidated your trip to Japan! Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience Shubhrata!!! The pics are a bonus… I’ve put all the places you have described in my bucket list 😄
Yes, do visit the place. It’s truly heavenly, and serene, & the people too are indeed helpful, dedicated, disciplined & extremely courteous, despite not knowing the universal dialect.
Excellent blog indeed ! We will have a deja vu experience when we visit next year .
Oh! you must visit! You will enjoy the place! Hopefully, by the time you visit, my posts on the places we had visited this year, should be in place.
Such a wondery ode to Mount Fujisama ! Loved it !!
Excellent coverage. It was as if myself was touring Japan free of cost
Wow… What a blog… It seemed like I was present there as each and every pic and the experience shared is so mesmerizing.
It’s so attractive that I wish I would definitely add it to my bucket list
Your articles are extremely helpful to me. May I ask for more information?
Please tell me more about your excellent articles
O my God, Shubhrata!
How beautifully you have described the experience of having sighted Mt Fuji…I relived the experience a second time…the apt words for the emotions felt …you are gifted to relate things with so much emotion…yet so real…and the appropriate pics add to the beauty of your narration…keep up the excellent work and keep enthralling all your readers!!
Excellent blog. You have described ur experience of Mt.Fuji so well and pics are lovely.
Thank you for that. I’m so glad you enjoyed reading it. It is indeed a breathtaking place with an inexplicable enchantment.