When planning our Japan trip, we wanted to buy a rail pass and travel through Japan by train and busses. Our dear friend Manuel then came up with the excellent idea of renting a camper van instead, avoiding overbooked hotels and enabling us to travel more freely. We got one, and hit the road with Mount Fuji in mind. The beauty of this mountain has inspired a lot of people; the Japanese even call it “holy”. I clearly saw the picture before my inner eye: Majestic Mount Fuji with a snow covered top, blue sky and a sea of blooming cherry trees around it. Reality was this: It basically rained only once. We even ended up in the snow on a mountain pass. Mount Fuji didn’t show up at all. That’s what the Japanese say: „If mount Fuji is hidden in clouds, it is because a greater beauty is near.“ Fair enough, I will stay away the next time.
Rainy days in Japan aren’t that bad, though. The fact that there are hot springs all over the country makes it even nice. These places are called Onsen, the Japanese term for hot spring. Some Onsen are quite big and consist of different baths with different temperatures and mineral substances, even outdoor baths, saunas and more. They usually provide towels, soap, cotton buds, even razors and everything else you need. Others are very small, just a tiny pond for 3-4 people and a small space to change clothes. Genders are always strictly separated and the places are neatly clean – as Japan is in general. We visited an Onsen as often as we could to keep us warm – and clean.
Have you ever heard of Fujiyama? It is a roller coaster. And a legend. It is located in Fuji-Q Highland, a theme park we discovered by chance when driving by. The boys almost freaked out. But due to the weather, the park remained closed and we had to continue without the fun. But it turns out we were lucky. After an hour or so going south, we passed another theme park, the Nagashima Spa Land. Its roller coaster Steel Dragon 2000 holds the record of the longest track in the world: it goes for an unbelievable 2’479 meters. The boys were happy again. And me, too, after one of the roller coasters twisting and turning through blooming cherry trees… Actually, to be honest, us being out singing Karaoke the night before until way after bed time made me give up after a few rides, but it was great fun as long as my stomach lasted.
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