Mt.Hotaka
23/02/2019 / Last updated : 07/11/2021 d.d Drive Chubu Area

Abo Toge / Abo Pass　安房峠

Michi no eki Fuketsu no sato is a busy michi no eki on the main route between Matsumoto and Takayama. Consequently, a lot of tour buses stop here and it is on the Highland Kamikochi and Norikura bus lines. Thunder in the night and the day breaks cloudy with intermittent rain. After driving towards Matsumoto, to take advantage of the cheaper gasoline, we U-turn towards Takayama. Skirting the town, we have wandered its crowded tourist sites in the rain before and have no desire to do so again, we head slowly on R. 173 towards Gujo Hachiman. Having time on our hands we plan to check a few michi no […]
Kuonji temple
07/02/2019 / Last updated : 07/11/2021 d.d Drive Chubu Area

Kuonji Temple　久遠寺

Wake to an overcast, misty morning at Asagiri Kogen, Michi no eki. Immediately we move further away from the stench, emanating from the manholes, so we can attempt breakfast. Kuonji Temple Set off for Kuonji, as the day brightens into sunshine. Shy, Fujisan continues to drape its elegant form in cloud. By 9.30am it is 30 degrees C. The road to Kuonji passes Motosuko, Motosu Lake, and then climbs into the mountains before deciding to follow the wide but shallow Fujigawa. Fuji River. Kuonji is approached through a traditional temple gate and then, a narrow street, climbing past the usual shops and restaurants associated with major temples. The temple, at […]
Lake Saiko
05/02/2019 / Last updated : 07/11/2021 d.d Drive Chubu Area

Lake Saiko glimpses of Fujisan and Asagiri kogen RS　西湖

After a few days in Tokyo, we drive out in the direction of Mount Fuji. Following the navi through the maze of city. Worried we will not have time walk at Kuonji, we get on the Chuo Highway, only to realize there is still too little time and get off again. Winding through the narrow mountain roads of Kanagawa pref. we skirt around Lake Sagami and finally arrive in the Fujisan area around 3pm. The elusive mountain is nowhere to be seen. Lake Saiko We visit Lake Saiko, a very quiet lake by five Fuji lake standards. No power boats for a start. That should – read “no motorized vessels” […]