On Saturday, Tetsu and I had some free time so we started off early, early in the morning with Choco and went up to the upper lake and mountain area of Nikko. It is about a 45 minute drive for us, up a famous wind-y road. A few weeks ago I had planned to take some friends up the road to the lake but at the bottom of the mountain, confronted by heavy fog, I chickened out. That road is not for the faint-hearted!
But this day was a fine autumn day and as expected, the cars were already lining up to get to the beautiful fall scenery at the top of the mountain. It is unfortunate that all the most beautiful places are always overcrowded (with people like us) who want to see the beautiful places.
I know... I've taken this picture every time we go up to the lake. This is Lake Chuzenji. We have hiked around the lake and ridden a ferry on the lake, and just relaxed by the side of the lake. In a couple more weeks the scenic road up to this point will be closed for the winter season, so we get up there to take a yearly picture when we can.
The mountain sides were a riot of color!
That is our local Mt. Nantai in the background.
At first I didn't even notice all the people pointing their cameras into the distance. What is out there?
Mt. Fuji! It is not often that we get such a clear view of Mt. Fuji and it is something to get excited about!
A great photo chance for the photographers. People were stopping their cars and leaving them in the middle of the road just to take a quick snapshot.
Oh well, here's another view. We never know when we'll see Mt. Fuji again.
On down the mountain we stopped at a dairy farm to just enjoy the warm temperature and the fall trees. Choco and Tetsu took a nap, while I wandered around taking pictures.
"Nothing going on around here today. What a lazy day. No surprises."
"But wait! What's that?!"
You are right. We lived in Japan three and a half years and only saw Mt Fuji 2 times not counting the time I hiked up to the top. It is a rare moment and you need to stop everything to take a picture.
ReplyDeleteSuper photos, and the last one, a true winner. Take care as your colder days loom. Jean.
ReplyDeleteSpectacular pics! I always get excited when bloggers capture Fuji-san by chance, because it happens so rarely. Glad you enjoyed your day.
ReplyDeleteThe first pic of Mt Fuji is spectacular!
ReplyDeleteOn Saturday morning I woke to that view of Fuji ... from the other side in Gotemba where I was at a choir retreat. Another of my friends, my scout family, went up to Chuzenji Saturday too. They said the traffic was terrible but the autumn colors were beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI think I have been there in every season and I know it is always beautiful. (a lunch of trout is great too).
Love Choco's portrait!
ReplyDeleteBest regards from Gail in Wa State
What a wonderful day trip, worth the crowds! Mt Fuji looks just like the ink on silk Japanese paintings I've seen of it, so beautiful. I love the mountains, although my husband and I currently live by the sea, we want to retire to the North Carolina foothills. Only 7 more years to go! :D Choco is a handsome chap, very photogenic. Thanks for sharing your day. Ani
ReplyDeleteThere are some things in this life that one never tires of....and Mt. Fuji is one of those things for you.....and the pictures are awesome....hugs, Pat in IN
ReplyDeleteI so enjoy all the pictures you post and the history/cultural lessons. Northern California gal now living in Missouri.
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice you take Choco with you on these trips!! It's so good for dogs to get out and about!!! Good for all of you!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pictures...Mt. Fuji is a stunning sight I'm sure and you've captured it perfectly!! I love the shades of blue...that would make for a lovely quilt! :o)
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