Sakshi on the map- Exploring the unexplored

While everyone is going to Hakone, I had to make sure I visit another side of Mt. Fuji. So I started from Nagoya with my best friend on the four days trip which was no less than an adventure. Little did we knew about the kind of adventure we were going to have. We decided the places we wanted to go rather than figuring out the whole itinerary. We all know how well the itineraries work. Why take a headache!
So, it was like Mishima(1 day)→Fujikawaguchiko(2 days)→Takayama(1 day). Although we did work on transportation and accommodations. Here, let's just talk about the first three wonderful days.

If you are a video person, click here for the youtube video.

1. Mishima Skywalk:

If you’re not much of a hiker but still want to see Japan’s beloved mountain up close, make a beeline for Mishima Skywalk — the perfect day trip from the hustle and flow of Tokyo.
Located in Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture, Mishima Skywalk is 400 meters long, making it Japan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge. While you are standing there you can see Japan's deepest bay: Tsuruga Bay and Japan's highest mountain: Mt. Fuji. It’s really a sight to see from afar, but you can do more than just view it. Conquer your fear of heights in a big way while taking in the 70.6-meter drop of the forest.

All of it for a mere 1000 JPY (US$10 roughly).

Beyond the bridge

If you’ve walked the bridge and you’re still itching for more, at the north end, there’s a newly opened forest adventure park.
Try the 300-meter zipline under the bridge and let the wind whip your face while your legs dangle over the trees. Even if you’ve never ziplined before, try with a friend on the two parallel zip lines.
Daredevils can also attempt the 10-meter rock-climbing wall. There are also a couple of hiking trails in the area to keep nature seekers happy. At the end of your adventures, relax on the observation deck, enjoy the flowers, and pick up omiyage (souvenirs) in Sky Garden on the south end of the bridge. Its Adventure Course gives you an athletic experience above the tree. Use your head and body to achieve the goal. Race the forest. We did the full adventure course with the ziplining and paid 3,600 yen ($32), and those who will only ride the zip line need to pay 1,800 yen.

We started off the day early with reaching the station at around 9 am. Even though we surfed the internet left right for guidance, we struggled very bad. Everything was in Japanese and we just couldn't find anything to plan.

Here is the bus schedule from Mishima to get you started:

Bus from Mishima to Skywalk and other places on the way.

2. Chureito Pagoda

An afternoon at one of the iconic places.

Don't you wish to be there?

I have been wanting to capture this frame for sooooo long. Did it finally.

Now?

Located in Arakurayama Sengen Park, this place is every photographer's dream. Perfect in almost every season. I have been craving long for it. You can see an amazing Autumn Foliage or Sakura flowers giving a perfect window to see the majestic Mt. Fuji. And it is free of cost. Do you even need more reasons? You can easily take a train from Kawaguchiko Station to Shimyoshida Station on the Fujikyuko Railway Line

3. Kawaguchiko "En Soleil"

It is an excursion ship departing from the Funatsu Beach on the shore of Lake Kawaguchiko. You can enjoy freely a view of Mt. Fuji seen only on the lake. The ship passes through Kawaguchiko Ohashi bridge and is the voyage of approximately 20 minutes to turn back just before Unoshima island. As for the charge, an adult is 930 yen, a child is 470 yen, and It is operating every 30 minutes.

En Soleil (Ensoleillé) in French, has a meaning of “Get a lot of sunshine”. The observation deck of the sunny day is very refreshing and can enjoy Mt. Fuji and Cruise comfortably while feeling the wind of Lake Kawaguchiko.It costs 930 JPY for adults and 470 JPY for Elementary school students.

4. Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

Apart from the big queue and freezing weather (I went around New Year and the temperature was around -7℃), it was worth it.

Source: japan-guide

The Kachi Kachi Ropeway ascends 400 meters from the eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko to an observation deck near the peak of Mount Tenjo. From the observation deck, which sits more than 1000 meters above sea level, there are panoramic views of the lake below and of Mount Fuji.

While most visitors take a round trip on the ropeway, there is also a hiking trail from the observation deck down the forested mountain slope which takes about 30 minutes to descend. A different trail leads from the observation point 300 meters uphill to a small shrine at the summit of Mount Tenjo, from there the trail continues on to Mount Mitsutoge, a popular day hike with good views of Mount Fuji.

It costs 800 JPY for adults and 400 JPY for Elementary school students for a round trip.

5. FUJI-Q HIGHLAND

Last but definitely not the least, this is a must visit place on your list. It is relatively cheap with entry fees around 5300 JPY.

The two rides I absolutely cannot get over are EEJANAIKA and FUJI AIRWAYS.

While running, the seat turns round and round at the front and back, and the direction of running also changes forward and backward! Since it first appeared in July 2006, it continues to increase fans with anomalous movements that overturn the common sense of coasters " Eejanaika "
The ride was the world's second 4th Dimension coaster. Eejanaika is taller, faster, and longer than its predecessor, X2 Six Flags Magic Mountain and the total number of revolutions of 14 revolutions was certified as a world record at the time of opening it was.

To read more about Eejanaika click here.

Eejanaika

While Eejanaika is not for faint hearted, Fuji Airways is an Augmented Reality experience. It is an adorable experience. It's been more than two months now but I still cannot get over it.