On a crisp, clear autumn day with the sky stretching high above,
we all went on a field trip to Lake Kawaguchi at the foot of Mount Fuji.
| Time | What are we doing? |
| 7：15 | Meet up |
| 10：10～ 10：40 | Narusawa Ice Cave (Narusawa Hyoketsu) |
| 11：00～ 12：00 | Lunch (Kawaguchiko Flower Garden) |
| 12：15～ 12：45 | Fuji Sengen Shrine (Fuji Sengen Jinja) |
| 13：30～ 14：30 | Kikyouya: All-You-Can-Pack Shingen Mochi (Kikyouya: Shingen Mochi All-You-Can-Pack) |
| 17：00 | End of Tour |
Here is the schedule for the day.
Since we have to meet early,
I’m worried whether everyone will show up on time…
Despite our worries,
they gathered right on time.
Well then, we’re setting off by bus right on schedule!!
My heart is racing with excitement for the long journey that’s about to begin.
The first time cheers erupted on the bus was the moment Tokyo Tower—the symbol of Tokyo—came into view.
It seemed many of the students were seeing it for the first time, and the atmosphere was electric.
We drove along the highway for a while and stopped at the Yamura Rest Area for a bathroom break. The weather was nice, and the fresh air outside felt great.
Shortly after leaving the rest area, Japan’s iconic symbol, Mount Fuji, comes into view from the bus.
Everyone is frantically snapping photos of Mount Fuji.
We were blessed with clear skies, so we could see all the way to the summit. It must be thanks to everyone’s good deeds.
We arrived at our first destination, Narusawa Ice Cave.
Designated as a Natural Monument, this tunnel-like cave is believed to have been formed by flowing lava.
The average temperature inside the cave is 3°C, and the cool, crisp air stirs a sense of adventure.
Next, we headed to the Kawaguchiko Flower Garden, where we would have lunch. We were greeted by Western-style buildings and beautifully manicured gardens.
Taking into account the students’ preferences and religious differences, we enjoyed a buffet-style meal.
After dinner, everyone relaxes in the garden.
Next, we headed to Fuji Asama Shrine, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The vermilion gate commands a sense of awe.
Finally, we arrived at our last destination: the “Shingen Mochi Factory Theme Park” at Kikyouya, famous for its Shingen mochi.
Here, the “all-you-can-pack” sweets event is very popular. You can participate in this fun activity where you stuff as many Shingen Mochi as you can into the plastic bag provided.
We joined in too, and we got serious about stuffing the bag full of sweets. This turned out to be surprisingly difficult…
After that, everyone is free to enjoy their time until the bus departs.
It’s time to head back to Tokyo, though I’m a bit reluctant to leave.
We’ll be stopping at the Ishikawa Parking Area for a restroom break on the way to Tokyo.
The Tokyo Tower we saw this morning is glowing red, welcoming everyone home.
We arrived in Tokyo safely and without incident, and everyone parted ways with smiles on their faces.
We have school again tomorrow.
I hope everyone will come to class on time.
