TO STAND TALL AND FIRM LIKE A MOUNTAIN, TO HAVE PASSION LIKE SUN THAT NEVER BURNS OUT,
TO HAVE A HEART THAT IS BROAD AND DEEP AS THE OCEAN
When I wake up every morning, right at my doorstep, I see the magnificent, white crowned mountain, which is extremely unique from the rest. Some days are gloomy, some cloudy and some bright clear sky just like today. I planned to chase one in my bucket list – day around Fuji san.
It had been a while, I had stepped out alone on any excursion after marriage. Planning all trips with him, travelling together and enjoying journey with someone always around had become my new normal and must say, that is way much fantastic. My travel partner never missed any chance to amaze me taking to new destinations. But, today was something very different from the rest of the other trips. I wanted to plan my own trip, travel alone and chase destinations.
Every single time I see Fuji san from my doorstep, I wish I had Doraemon’s Takekoptor (タケコプター) fly straight and watch her beauty from vicinity. Although I got several chances to pass by, but it was only once I could drop by from very close. Churieto Pagoda, the most famous tourist spot to get a perfect view of Fuji san and Pagoda. The moment I passed through the serene Fuji san during summer lush green, I had made my mind of visiting her again when she is capped white snow. Not just from my doorstep, I wanted to see her from very close. Every winter morning when I see a clear sky, I wish, “How nice would that be to see Fuji san from near”. Every time I had this “Want to go”, “Wish to do”, I could not find Doraemon at my support.
Oh yeah! those are just the anime stuffs isn’t it?
But this morning, I decided to be my own Doraemon and chase what I dream. Here I goo….
No great plan in mind, as Fuji san itself was on my top list and anywhere around the base station of Fuji san where I can sit in peace and watch her from vicinity for the whole day. Getting out alone from home after a long gap, was itself was a big step which I restrained. With steady mind, that I boarded my train early in the morning, I was all fueled up and excited to reach the spot. Planned to reach Fujiyoshida, checking-in into different cafes, ramen shops and walk along the Shimoyoshida Honcho Street was all running in my veins. Travelling alone comes with doing all research by yourself, and I had done mine well in advance. The train timings, plan A, plan B, things to keep myself warm throughout the journey as it would get slightly colder around the location I was planning to visit. My plan A, the most convenient way was taking bus from Shinjuku Express Bus Terminal, but unfortunately the only available ticket was after 2hrs and I did not want my time waste waiting at the bus stop. That’s when my plan B came handy. I hopped into Chuo JR line bound for Ootsuki, then transfer to Fujikyouko line bound for Kawaguchiko. In Fujikyouko line, I got down at Mt. Fuji station. .
Note: Travel in Chuo line takes about 1hour45mins from Shinjuku to Ootsuki. From there it takes another 45 mins train travel to make it to Mt.Fuji station in Fujikyouko line. Well, just for your information, there is another Fuji station in JR Tokaidou line in Shizuoka prefecture too.
Stepping out at Mt. Fuji station, I witnessed what my heart was longing for a long while. The air around was serene with an essence of peace. Reaching where I wanted to, sighing the iconic beauty and spending the slow time around her, I assured “we own everything that’s required to fulfill our own dreams. All we need is a strong determined step and trust”.
Coffee break at the special Fuutoo Bake and Coffee which had filled my desire of heart shaped lather dressing of cappuccino which warmed my body over. A small rest over cafe, had very unique refreshments.
Fuji san, Japan’s tallest peak at 3776mts falls mainly in Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, but guess what I was located around 150kms away in Saitama Prefecture and I see its symmetric cone structure of top from my home. Does that sound strange? But, yes I do see her from my home on a perfect clear day like it was today!! Lucky I am isn’t it….
Japanese people consider Mt.Fuji as a very sacred structure and this land of rising sun open its year bowing at the first sunrise and pray for the whole year’s good health and prosperity of the country.
People perceive her in many different ways, but to me Mt.Fuji is “motivation to grow, strength to embrace uniqueness and ready to withstand change”. Sitting right beside the majesty, I felt like I had lot to say and lot to listen from her. I was literally thrilled, I mean travelling around Japan witnessing various unique aesthetics, the one which hit my adrenaline, heart, brain, body and soul all at once was Mt.Fuji. My inner child dancing to its own chores said: Today is one among the many more ahead!
Unlike tourists, I had no goal or target to complete. I just had this day, and spending it as I wish was my total aim. They say it is not about destination, it is the journey and the companionship you enjoy. I did enjoy my own.
CREATE DAYS THAT NOT JUST SUIT YOUR DREAM, BUT THAT SUIT YOUR PERSONALITY AS WELL.