Day 6 : Threads of TIme and the Spirit of Fuji

Today was all about exploring the Fuji Five Lakes region—a more peaceful, rural corner of Japan, with Mount Fuji never far from sight.

Our first stop was the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, once the home of the late artist Kubota himself. The museum now showcases his remarkable kimonos and an eclectic collection of global artefacts. Photography wasn’t permitted inside the kimono galleries, but even without pictures, the memory of these works will last.

Kubota revived and reinvented the ancient Tsujigahana silk-dyeing technique, breathing new life into it with extraordinary creativity. Each kimono felt like a story in fabric—depicting the seasons, the cosmos, and the passage of time. The craftsmanship was breathtaking. Every delicate crimp in the cloth had a purpose, contributing to the intricate imagery. No two were alike, and each piece carried deep meaning.

The surrounding gardens were filled with objects and artefacts from across the world—India, Africa, East Asia, and the Middle East—creating a sense of global artistry nestled in the shadow of Fuji. Before we left, I picked up a beautiful hanging banner as a souvenir: Mount Fuji behind a pagoda, framed by cherry blossoms.

After experiencing the wonders of Kubota’s creations, we were treated to an artistic experience of our own. We had the chance to create our own silk handkerchief using a traditional dyeing method. The owner of the workshop explained how various patterns are formed by folding, binding, or attaching objects to the fabric. After securing our designs in place, the silk was lowered into a pot of freshly prepared dye, mixed right in front of us. A few minutes later, the handkerchiefs were removed and unfolded, revealing our individual, one-of-a-kind creations—each a small echo of the artistry we had just seen in the museum.

Next, we stopped for lunch at a Hōtō noodle restaurant, where we were treated to steaming bowls of thick, flat noodles in a hearty broth. The meal was simple, warm, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for a day spent exploring. The restaurant’s service was impressively quick and efficient, with all of us served in no time.

Re-energised, we headed to the Mount Fuji Heritage Centre. This modern facility was packed with fascinating information about the volcano—its geological history, local wildlife, and the role it’s played in shaping the surrounding region. Through displays of native plants, animals, and rock formations, we gained a deeper appreciation of just how much Fuji has shaped life around it—not just physically, but culturally and spiritually as well. And once again, the skies blessed us with clear views of the mountain itself.

After our final stop, we made our way back to the hotel for another delicious dinner and a much-welcome evening of rest. Surrounded by nature and the quiet majesty of Fuji, it was the perfect place to unwind and reflect on another memorable day in Japan.


Popular posts from this blog

Day 5: Sulphur Springs and the Shadow of Fuji

Image
This morning, we began our journey toward one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks: Mount Fuji. As we left Tokyo behind, the city seemed to stretch endlessly across the landscape. From the comfort of the bus, we caught glimpses of the strange and unexpected—most memorably, a dinosaur-themed hotel. It was surreal to see towering models of a T-Rex and Brontosaurus looming just beyond the highway, followed moments later by a sweets-themed hotel. Only in Japan. As the concrete gave way to countryside, we were suddenly gifted our first view of Mount Fuji. Even from nearly 100 miles away, its presence was unmistakable—rising above the horizon like a silent guardian. It peeked out briefly from behind roadside barriers, a fleeting moment made special by the morning’s clear skies. We’d been told Fuji is often shrouded by clouds as the day progresses, so we knew we might be witnessing our best chance to see Japan’s most famous image in full. The journey continued through smaller towns and more rur...
Read more

Day 3: Shrines, Sushi, and a Scenic Detour

Image
Today marked the true beginning of the adventure. We started with a hearty breakfast at one of the hotel’s restaurants before gathering in the reception area to meet our local guide. Once the group was assembled, we boarded our tour bus and set off for our first destination: Asakusa, home to Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensō-ji, which dates all the way back to 645 AD. The temple grounds were striking. A grand main hall, a five-story pagoda, and towering gates greeted us—each element rich in history and detail. Giant paper lanterns hung from the temple’s gates and entrances, lending a sense of reverence and importance to the space. Just beyond the entrance lay Nakamise-dori, a bustling shopping street lined with stalls selling everything from traditional snacks and sweets to souvenirs, trinkets, and accessories. The lively atmosphere blended seamlessly with the serene elegance of the temple itself. Every detail in the architecture reflected the care, dedication, and deep spiritual respect ...
Read more

Day 2: Arrival and Unwind

Getting through immigration was surprisingly quick and painless. Even with several international flights arriving around the same time, the entire process moved like a well-oiled machine. Before long, a small group of us—fellow travellers on the same tour—had collected our luggage and begun chatting, already starting to bond over the excitement of the trip. We made our way together to our first stop: the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo. Its lobby made quite the impression—grand and gleaming, with staff still buzzing about attentively, despite the late hour. Our tour manager guided us through check-in, and soon after, we were heading up to our rooms. After a long day of travel and with little energy left, I decided to keep things simple and ordered room service—prime rib served over a bed of rice. Comfort food, perfectly timed. Not long after finishing, I was out like a light, ready to dive into the adventure proper in the morning.
Read more