Japan : Tokyo, Fujikawaguchiko & Hakone
Spring 2024
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| Sailing Lake Ashi aboard a pirate ship, the Victory Royal II - Queen Ashinoko, in Hakone (apr-2024) |
Journal Entry... Counting my 12th trip to the land of the rising sun, Japan. Hubby had me tagging along, as plus one, to his office junket. With a Japan's long-term visa stamp on my passport, I grab it and go... before its November expiration date.
April 6, Saturday: 7:38AM, immigration. 9:10AM, departure via ANA Airlines, Flight NH820. I was in lackluster mood, after going through last-minute packing as usual. I have not slept a wink, overnight. Morning sun had well pushed its way, the heat seeping through the glass walls of a poorly air-conditioned Gate 107, at NAIA Terminal 3. I cannot wait to board the cooler confines of the aircraft. Sunlight was distracting. I pull out, and wear my sun shades.
The Manila-Tokyo ANA Airlines flight is a direct flight, to land at Narita airport in 4-5hours. I did not care if I was on economy. ANA Airlines in-flight service to economy passengers is more than satisfactory to my liking. Must I add, it's a deal better than PAL's, the flag carrier. I am now smirking at myself for getting spoiled to business class seats, after a back-to-back trip to Japan recently, that is, December 2023 and February 2024 then via *Cathay Pacific Airlines. "You don't get to ride the business class all the time, darling. Ha-ha"
Side remarks: Cathay Pacific flight route, however, took longer because of the Hong Kong layover. And for some reason, the flight schedule to Japan were on unholy hours that first time. Also, Cathay Pacific's lounge in Hong Kong closed at 12-midnight. Thus, forcing business class passengers out to roam a massive airport sorely lacking in comfy recliners. On our return, we made sure to avail of Regal Hotel's accommodation on land side just to keep our sanity throughout the wee hours, till the 8AM, Hong Kong-Manila outbound flight.
Back to my current trip. Narita airport. Narita Express train. Train stop: Tokyo Station. Black (London-style) taxi to hotel given our weighty luggage. Check-in: The Royal Park Canvass in Ginza area, Room 1305. A new location to our usual Shinjuku base, when in Tokyo. I made a mental note to stack up on the complimentary 'UCC drip coffee' and 'tea selection' alongside the complimentary room kits stationed at hotel lobby. Crossing my fingers the hotel staff will not ban me for my prospect loots.
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| Fujikawaguchiko, 2024 |
First stop: Oishi Park. There's a lake, a food hall, and a full view of Mt. Fuji. But clouds hovered over the active volcano. A call for group photo. I stepped on the dry part of the rocky, and sandy, shores. Dry sand seemed to be alive and breathing in and out from under our feet. It had turned softer with water component that felt uneasy to the feet, like quicksand, as I scurried over for photo-op.
Second stop: Fuji-Q. A requested itinerary by the younger ones in the group; one of them had a fascination for 'Naruto' (which did not ring a bell to me) who immediately disappeared from our sight. I was no longer interested with theme parks to be honest. This theme park had various rides not for the fainthearted thus betraying one's age. Hubby and I went straight for a Mos burger meal, and stayed there till the next stop.
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| Rocky shores of lake Fujikawaguchiko overlooking a no-show Mount Fuji in clouds. 7-apr, 11:26am |
(to be continued...)
oOo
PHOTOSTITCH
Day 1, Manila-Narita flight
via ANA Airlines.
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| Manila-Narita bound via ANA Airlines Dreamliner 6-apr, 12:59pm |
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| Narita Express to Tokyo Station. 6-apr, 4:32pm |
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| Premium wagyu dinner at Oreno Yakiniku, Ginza9. 6-apr, 8:47pm |
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| Yakiniku-style grill. 6-apr, 8:53pm |
Day 2, the group in Fujikawaguchiko,
Fuji-Q & Gotemba Outlet.
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