Japan : Tokyo, Fujikawaguchiko, Hakone
Spring 2024
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| Sailing Lake Ashi aboard Victory Royal II - Queen Ashinoko "Pirate Ship" in Hakone (apr-2024) |
Journal Entry... Counting my 12th travel to the land of the rising sun, Japan. On this trip, hubby had me tagging along, as plus one, to an office junket. Thanks to Japan's long-term visa stamp on my passport, I just grab it and go... and before its November expiration date.
April 6, Saturday: Departure time was 9:10am via ANA Airlines, Flight NH820. Past immigration at 7:38am. I was in lackluster mood after going through last-minute packing as usual. I have not slept a wink, overnight. Morning sun pushed its way through the glass walls of a poorly air-conditioned Gate 107 of NAIA Terminal 3. I can't wait to board the cooler confines of the aircraft. Sunlight was distracting my thoughts, so I pull out and wear my shades.
ANA Airlines Manila-Tokyo is a direct flight, to land in 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. Must I also add, it's a deal better than PAL, the flag carrier. "You don't get to ride in business class all the time, darling." I smirk at myself for getting spoiled to business class seats, after my back-to-back trip to Japan in December 2023 and February 2024 via *Cathay Pacific Airlines.
*Note: Cathay Pacific flight route took longer due to a layover in Hong Kong, plus flight schedule were unholy hours the first time. Also, Cathay Pacific business lounge in Hong Kong closes at 12 midnight, forcing business class passengers out to roam a massive airport sorely lacking in comfy recliners. Thanks to Regal Hotel on land side, we managed to keep our sanity through the wee hours till the 8am outbound flight Hong Kong-Manila on return.
Back to ANA Airlines. 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 to a spot 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 Kawaguchiko overlooking a no-show Mount Fuji in clouds at Oishi Park |
(to be continued)