It was always a gamble. With the shorter days in winter and the weather forecast calling for clouds, there was a chance even as close as we’d be we would not be able to catch a glimpse of Fuji. So when we got on the bus at Shinjuku that would take us to Kawaguchiko, we had no idea what to expect.

The bus ride from Shinjuku was interesting – we’d only ever traversed the city via trains and subways, and to be on the expressway was a new experience. As usual, everything left on time, and the bus as it left the city showed little towns and farms crisscrossed with bridges and rivers. As advertised, a little over an hour after we departed, we began to enter the highlands area. We were lucky, because the skies were clear and there was no mistaking the looming sight of Fujiyama.

The first time you see it you sort of feel a bit of a gut punch, as you realize how big it really is. At least that’s how I felt as the bus circled the inner towns heading toward the main station at Kawaguchiko.

Plenty of tourists were already at the station and milling about the town, getting in line to ride one of the three buses that served the multiple destinations. We had only a few hours to spend so we had to prioritise, and that meant heading straight to Oishii Park from the main station.

Just sitting there in the shadow of the mountain, surrounded by the lake, the trees, and also the bustling local traders selling grapes, soft serve ice cream, rice cakes, and bear oil, was surreal.

We snacked on all of the above, while taking it all in. There seemed to be no point to go anywhere else. The sky was brilliant blue and cloudless, the air crystal clear and fresh, and we had good seats. It was enough.

It felt too soon when we had to leave to catch the bus back to the main station. The air had turned extra chilly, and most of the day trippers were making their way to their bus stops. Kawaguchiko still had its treats for us, but that would have to be for another time.