Fuji-san

Today, we left Tokyo on a bus for Mt. Fuji.  It was amazing to me that we could drive for only twenty minutes and find ourselves in tree-covered mountains, a far cry from the insanity of Tokyo.  The bus ride was about an hour and a half and, even though I tried to stay awake for the scenery, I ended up sleeping on and off for the whole trip.  When we got there, the bus/train station was cute and looked like it belonged in Lake Tahoe, all cabin-like.  We found a pay phone and called the hostel to come pick us up (they have a free service).  I am very impressed by the hostel, it’s well maintained, nicely decorated with lots of community space.  Our room is Japanese style, so tonight we will be sleeping on cushions on top of the tatami mats.  We have them all set up now, with the Japanese style screens open to the night air.  It sort of feels like we are camping, and I like it.

After our arrival, we walked down the the grocery store and bought a bunch of stuff to eat for lunch and dinner.  Then, we did some laundry and relaxed.  I really wanted to go to the hot springs tonight, but then we found out that they are “traditional” which means “naked.”  I’ll have to think about it for another day.  I hear they are supposed to be very relaxing and healing and I’m all for the experience, I’m just afraid that it won’t be relaxing because I won’t be that comfortable.  But tonight, when we were eating, we talked to a lady here with her kids and she explained how they worked and I think I might just go.  Men and women are separated, so that makes me feel a little better.  I’m still thinking.

Today was a nice travel and do nothing day, which we needed.  For the first night in a few, my legs aren’t aching.