Countries Of My Life: Ride To Lake Kawaguchi

Right now, we're in the middle of "Golden Week". Because at this time, numerous Public Holidays fall together, there is a whole week of relaxing and adventure every year in may ^^ And to be clear: If a Public Holiday fells on a Sunday, the Monday or Tuesday (if Monday is already a Public Holiday) afterwards becomes a Public Holiday :) You can just love Japan for this :D

At 5am(!) I woke up, because I met with 9 people at 8am at Shinjuku Station which was a bit far from my apartment. For this day, I went extra early to bed yesterday :D

Today I used this chance with the others to see more of Japan. Actually Taka introduced me to this group, thanks at this point :) Many of them were already in Germany for some time and therefore the communication was easier as usual ;) But of course, I spoke as much in Japanese as I could ^^
While we waited for the train, I got to know everyone and I felt already "in the group" ;)

Then we took the "Holiday Rapid Service Train" to Lake Kawaguchi. I don't know the usual schedule for this line, so I can just guess that this one was a special train line which came more frequently than usual. It was also good to start at Shinjuku Station, because from the next station on, many people couldn't get a free seat anymore oO

After 2 hours, we arrived in Kawaguchiko (jap. for Lake Kawaguchi) and were welcomed with a wonderful view of Mt. Fuji. What was actually the reason why we came here? Well, truth to be told, we wanted to do some 花見 (hanami, jap. for the event of watching Flowers ;) But when we attempted to book a Sakura Bus Tour, we were warned that the trees had only 20% of their blossoms intact :( So we watched out for another opportunity to have fun ^^

First sight of Mt. Fuji ^^

After searching through some stores and help desks, we finally decided to get a map of the local points of interests and to rent a car. Finding a car for 10 persons wasn't easy, so we suggested to rent two cars at first. But one rental service had a Caravan for 10 persons, so we took it. And for about 10,000 Yen (the whole day), it was really cheap for everyone :)

Lake Kawaguchi

Our first station was Lake Kawaguchi itself. We went along the water and relaxed a bit at the edge of the lake. When we tried to get more into the lake to a place with just some big stones, it actually got a bit difficult. But the atmosphere was worth it :D

Enjoying Time :)
(C) Iori

Afterwards, we took a boat tour. Well, at least four of us, the others went on the lake by Swan Boats. The center of the lake is a really good spot for seeing Mt. Fuji. But taking photos was much more complicated due to the cloudy sky. I know ... I have issues :D

After a relaxing trip on the lake, we got ourselves some ice cream. I took the one called "Hokkaido Cheese Creme" with Vanilla. Don't be mistaken, "Cheese Creme" does not mean real cheese. At first I expected something like this because ... well, it's Japan. After staying here for some time, there are not many things left which can surprise you ;) Of course, that's not true, it just feels that way ... until you get surprised again :D
Anyway, the "Hokkaido Cheese Creme" was very delicious and tasted in general like Milk Ice Cream. Then we continued our journey to the "Wind Cave" and the "Ice Cave".

Well ... someones hideout is not so secret as thought :D

Inside the "Wind Cave" :D

First, we entered the "Wind Cave". But to be honest, it already felt like the "Ice Cave" with about 3°C. This was ... refreshing, especially with just a T-Shirt :D

The cave wasn't just for tourists to visit, it served also another purpose: Within big boxes many seeds and insect larvae were stored. It was actually like a big natural refrigerator. Unfortunately I don't remember much more of the purpose, maybe everything will be planted / released in summer?

If the "Wind Cave" was already so cold, what will the "Ice Cave" be like? Because of this thought, I wore a sweater. Wouldn't have made much sense to catch a cold and being sick during "Golden Week" ;)
It was about 0°C when we entered and a looooooooooooong way :D

One of the Easier Parts in the "Ice Cave" :D
(C) Atsushi

The temperature was no problem at all, but the (not existing) height was :D
With about 90cm at the most difficult passages and not much more at the other parts, it was a real adventure especially for me and Jannis, the other (big) German in the group. Most of the time, I just sat on my feet and walked like a penguin ^^ But with the mental and verbal support of the group, there was no way I could have failed :)

After this, we had enough of caves and needed some fresh air ;) So we went to Lake Kawaguchi again. This time to another side of it with much more flowers. To memorize this day, we took some very cool pictures together ^^

Question of the Day:
Which famous Anime do we re-enact? :)
(C) Atsushi

At least, we got some 花見 (Hanami) ^^
(C) Taka

At the end, we dined in a restaurant which was specialized in 餺飥 (Hōtō) which is a stew with Udon noodles and Miso soup, meat and many vegetables like pumpkin and green beans. I took the one with duck meat :)