Vancouver to Japan cruise/Trafalgar tour - #13 - September 26 to October 23/2017...

On Wednesday, October 18th, after breakfast, we checked out of the New Otani Hotel at 7 o’clock.  We were going to the Five Lakes District and Mt. Fuji.

After about 90 minutes in the bus, including a comfort stop,  came to Kachi Kachi Yama Ropeway, a cable car that took us up a mountain to see Mt. Fuji.   Lots of stairs to get to the cable car, but what a view from the top.  There is a take-out and lots of viewing points, including a big bell. 

Back on the bus – we had a boxed lunch– one of the sandwiches was spaghetti - we went up to Stop No (5) on Mt. Fuji.   Lots of driving uphill, and then a tourist spot with about 20 buses and some shops.  The clouds were down over the mountain - a photographer's dream. 

Then to Matsumoto to see their National Treasure, the Castle.  You had to take off your shoes, lots went in, but we just saw outside.  Then we walked back downtown and visited a Shrine.

Back on the bus to go to the Royal Hotel at Nagano for one night.  We drove 260 kms today - arrived about 6 o’clock. There is a natural hot pool right in the hotel.   There was an included dinner tonight with Trafalgar  - buffet with everything, both Japanese and western - very good.
This hotel has a gift store with lots of candy, and music boxes.  

Photos belong to Phil Bianco