Japan was full of surprises. It is an incredible combination of tradition and contemporary, calm and hyper-active, soft ambient and neon lighting, consumerism and natural beauty.
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| Hama Rikyu Gardens - Wild flowers and Skyscrapers |
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| Tsukiji Fish Market - Sushi before 8am |
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| Ginza area - blocks and blocks of high-end shops lined with Christmas trees... |
From the busy and vibrant Tokyo streets, we traveled to Mt. Fuji 5th Station by bus. Upon arrival, we departed by foot to summit this 12,338 ft snowless, red-gravel mountain. We slept in a mountain hut, about 3/4 of the way up, and woke around 2:30am to summit in time for sunrise. It was absolutely awesome!! (and very cold!)
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| 2pm - beginning the hike |
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| 5pm - encountering our first mountain hut embedded into the slope |
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| 8pm - cramped but cozy sleeping quarters, after a hearty meal of curry and rice |
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| 3am - ready to go summit!! |
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| 6am - beautiful sunrise atop Fujisan |
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| 7:30am - the hike down with fellow pilgrams |
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| 8am - so happy! |
More to come!
