I cannot believe we waited so long to see Mount Fuji. How did I not realize it would be incredible??
We started the weekend at the Hakone Open Air Museum. This was a lot of fun for us and the kids. We walked for a long time around the grounds, seeing different structures and sculptures.
After the museum we went to an impressive Japanese Onsen. It was like a water park mixed with a spa... the water was nice and warm, the setting in the mountains was breathtaking, there were different flavored hot tubs (Sake, green tea, coffee) that were colored and scented like those beverages! And we put our feet into a pool where some fish ate the skin off our feet--the kids refused, and it was pretty bizarre, but I loved it.
We had our friend Morgan with us, who lived with us for a month. It's always fun wonderful to have company, help with the kids, and someone to take our family picture!
We stayed in the most incredible Airbnb I've seen yet. It was a very old Japanese home with some beautiful tatami rooms for sleeping. As usual, our beds were futons (just foldable twin size cushions) on the floor, which I'm starting to get used to. The walls were sliding paper doors with old paintings on them.
I loved it. I wish we could always stay in authentic old Japanese homes but it's not always possible.
I think she's the most beautiful girl in the world. No bias here. ;)
Day 2 was Mount Fuji day! This picture of Skye cracks me up. This is her classic annoyed face. I guess she didn't want her picture taken. Amelia may be the most beautiful girl but this is the most beautiful toddler right here.
I can't even tell you how many pictures I have of this girl picking wedgies.
We did a short horizontal hike on Mount Fuji from the fifth station. It was perfect for us. We wandered slowly and played in the dirt. We got yelled at for letting the kids climb uphill off the path. If it's anything Japanese don't like, it's rule-breaking. I can't blame them.
We were so lucky to have a clear day. Until this particular afternoon the weather was foggy and damp, but the skies opened up and we took in the beautiful views. I'm determined to return to Mount Fuji again soon. Ahhhhh-mazing.
Coming up: our evening at a lake a the base of Mount Fuji, in all it's sunset glory.