Fujisan has always been elusive on my past trips, and unfortunately, my trips have never coincided with climbing season… However, I had a sunny Sunday during my last weekend, so I made my way to Kawaguchi-ko for some views.

I caught the morning Fujikyu Railway express train and spent a few frozen hours walking around the lake. This might be the cutest train in all of Japan.

The many personalities of Mount Fuji!

The express train’s local brethren.

From the train station, one catches a bus to various points on the lake, and there is also a walking trail that loops around the lake.

Another example of Japan’s lovely manhole covers!

I’ll have to return in the spring…

Later that evening, I made my way to Shibuya to get one last dinner with Aaron.

We were lured to a restaurant by it’s 1000-Yen rice bowls, but ended up getting the fancy dinner set!

^the leaf is NOT edible…

We said our goodbyes, and I caught a late train to Shinjuku Station. There were still some folks hanging out around the station.

…but for the most part, I have never seen the station quieter.

On the walk back to the hotel, I stopped and watched the dancers at Sompo Japan Building for one last time.

The next morning, I ventured to Nakano, did some Christmas shopping, and then headed to Narita for my flight.