“No, that can’t be Mount Fuji”
I dismissed my sisters query very authoritatively, as I snuggled back into my seat.
“Where is the snow cap and cloud cover?”
My sister’s faith in my opinion was plain for all to see, when she turned to our guide for confirmation. “Nooooo! Where is the snow cap and cloud cover?” she replied, as I smirked at dear sis.
” Hehehe…..I was joking, that IS Fuji-san”
Even my sister didn’t think that was funny, as we grabbed our cameras and scrambled for decent shots from the moving vehicle.
We should be grateful, we were told, that the notoriusly ‘shy lady’ was brazenly ‘unveiled’ just for our benefit. That she only revealed herself some 100 days in an entire year.
“Do you have any idea how many people go back without getting a glimpse of her beauty? ”
“But where is the snow cap?” I muttered under my breath.
We were to drive right up the mountain – on a musical road, no less – to the Kawaguchiko 5th station, that lies at approximately the halfway point of the Yoshida Trail. This is where hikers refuel on their ascent to the summit.
From that close, Fuji-san looked well….even less like Fuji-san! The consolation was a bit of the early autumn foliage, that us tropical creatures had been so eager to witness.
Our next viewpoint was Owakudani, involving a scenic cable car ride up and a walk through sulphur vents and hot springs. And a brief pit stop for the black eggs (eggs hard cooked in the sulfur springs) that are said to prolong one’s presence on earth by a minimum of seven years! They had run out sadly, and my hope of seven bonus years to complete my travel bucket list was dashed.
From up here, we could discern a faint resemblance to the Fuji etched into our brains. Very very faint mind you, and most likely the result of the veil of clouds that by now shrouded her summit.
I had little expectations gong into Japan on an impromptu escorted tour. But nothing prepared me for the disappointment of seeing Mount Fuji without her customary cap. It was somewhat like discovering that the Taj Mahal is actually painted red! (Okay, not quite that drastic, but you get the picture.)
Now let me ask you something:
What do you think are the chances of getting a fabulous shot of Fuji-san – snow cap and all – without ever stepping foot in Japan?
The answer is here!
Unfair really.
Consider yourself lucky to be the few to see her “unveiled”, and then photoshop! 🙂
Fuji without a cap looks like a dessert without frosting 😦
Waooooooo ! Thanks for the virtual tour. Its a beautiful place. Loved all pictues
Great work here. All the Best 🙂
I can understand your disappointment, Madhu, but you still got some very fine photos. I loved going along on the tour with you. I have never been to Japan, but my son is thinking about going there to teach English, and if he does, we will surely go see him there. Best wishes for your next adventure!
that is a beauty and the last one is so cool 🙂
Aieee. So this was the disappointment that you told me about. 😉 Mine was just a lucky shot, though. Meanwhile, how wonderful it must have been to go on that cable car in the midst of the fall foliage. Such a lovely view!
Hi, how did u traveled from Kawaguchiko to owakudani? I’m wondering if I can visit these 2 places in a day. Please advise… Thanks 🙂
We drove there Ywyn, after a brief stop for lunch in between. Certainly possible in a day, unless you want to hike up. Good luck with the planning, and thanks for dropping by 🙂
Thanks!!! 🙂
I’m enjoying seeing the world through your writing and your lens, Madhu! I’m so glad taht you are blessed with not only the ability to travel but also to document your experiences in such a ‘connecting’ manner.
The header pic, here (the last one in the article) is brilliant!