Cycling Around Mount Fuji

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Note that this photo is a posed shot. You are supposed to cycling anti-clockwise around the lake! Haha If you are deciding between taking the train to Kawaguchiko or driving, you can check out the car rental prices at   https://www.nipponrentacar.co.jp/english/user-guide/reservations.html   and train prices at   http://www.hyperdia.com/ It depends on whether you’re staying overnight at Kawaguchiko and the number of people travelling. Remember to add toll fees of about ¥4200 one way. We decided to rent a car but forgot about the toll fees so it ended up being more expensive. I’d say if you’re staying for one night and there are at least 3 of you, renting a car is a good option. If there are two of you and you want more freedom to move around (such as going to neighbouring places like Oshino Hakkai, Chureito Pagoda, Yamanakako etc) it is also better to rent a car. You should also be warned that traffic is congested upon leaving and arriving at Tokyo. We parked our car at our ryokan Kozan

Japan Dec 2011 Day 11: Kumamoto Castle 熊本城

The  highlight of today is a visit to Kumamoto castle 熊本城. Although only part of the castle is original, it is still a very impressive castle worthy of a spot as one of the top 3 castles in Japan.
The visit is made even more enjoyable by staff dressed as palace guards, shogun and whatnots. Everyone wanted to take pictures of them and with them, me included hahaha









I stuck my head into one of those ready-made costume models




We ended our tour at the Honmaru Goten 本丸御殿 where the living quarters, kitchens, dining areas used to be. We had lunch at level 2, a set that replicates some of the royal dishes that used to be served. Reservations are required, by phone (Japanese only... I used my very broken Japanese again). JPY3000 per person. Do turn up if reservation is made because they actually prepare your meal, set your table with your name and have a shelf with your name for your shoes. Ask for level 2 as it is much nicer.




They spelt my name wrongly
Since we had the car, we decided to check out Tsujun Bridge 通潤橋 which sprouts water from the centre every Sunday according to the website and it was Sunday. However, to our disappointment, there was no water T-T Chris had driven 1.5 x 2 hours for nothing. I didn't even bother to take a picture haha i was just quite pissed hahaha

Dinner was a not that great yakitori at our hotel (JR Kyushu Kumamoto) restaurant. We noticed that there is a New Otani across the road that we my try the next time or perhaps the KKR.


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