What a day…
We decided to go with “Plan E”. From where I am writing, I see it was the perfect plan.
It was very disappointing when we found the Fujikyu Higland Park closed early.
We figured that we now had time to enjoy the park during the day because we weren’t going to spend most of the day hiking.
We packed our bags and headed to the park where we left them in a locker.
When we got to the entrance of the park, it became evident that there was hardly anybody there. We had the whole place pretty much to ourselves.
The Park
The Fujikyu (Fuji-Q) Highland Park is incredible! It is as big as Six Flags and way cooler. We enjoyed Naruto Land where we enjoyed a Virtual Reality Naruto vs. Sauske fight.
Then we had to go on the giant roller coaster. My God. What an experience. I am not a fan of roller coasters but I could tell this one should not be missed. It was incredible. I felt like I was out of my seat most of the ride. And it was a long rollercoaster. I have not become a fan of roller coasters but I am glad I rode this one. I don’t think there are any in the states that compare. None that I have been on.
Before calling it a day at the park, we had to cross of one of my bucket list items: a Japanese haunted house. This haunted house was a four story “hospital of horror”. It was so gruesome and disturbing and frightening. It was amazing.
You walk through in your own group and there is only one flashlight per group. Before long Owen and I were fighting over it. I was so scared. I was either tiptoeing around corners or running down halls screaming. It is not something I ever have to do again but I am glad I did it. I hope I don’t have nightmares.
Fuji-sama
After having an absolute blast at the park we decided it would be a good idea to go to the hotel to shower off, cool down, and regroup before hiking Fuji.
The mountain hut where we had a reservation requested everyone arrive by 8:00 (20:00) so we had plenty of time.
I was a little concerned about getting a bus ticket but figured if we needed to we could take a cab to the Subaru 5th Station, the starting point of our hike.
We were able to catch the 4:00 bus to 5th Station. It’s an hour long bus ride that goes up and up and up. By the time we got to trailhead, it was cool and drizzling. Our rain suits were perfect.
The climb was not long but it is strenuous. It is also gorgeous. Owen and I cranked up music in our earbuds, out our heads down, and climbed. The trail is very well traveled and very well established. There are amenities along the way. I was surprised by how intense of a climb it is. There are even some sections where you have to scramble.
It was starting to get dark when we reached our hut at the 7th station.
We were greeted warmly, fed, and given tea. We arrived at the perfect time, hungry and ready for warmth.
This meal was great. The chai tea, the best I’ve had.
Now we are laying in our little bunk for two. We are cozy and tired and excited to go to the top tomorrow. The wind is howling outside and it is raining on and off. We have decided to skip sunrise so we can take our time in the morning. Everything is perfect.
The reason why things are perfect is because we gave up the idea of trying to do the whole mountain from the base. I realize now that it would have been possible but it wouldn’t have nearly been as fun of a day. A happy accident knocked us onto the correct path and I couldn’t be more pleased. Either can Owen.
