So it was an early rise today, Christine and I had decided yesterday that we were going to rent bikes and cycle round Lake Kawaguchiko. We head over to get our bikes, and after a bit of searching find the spot. The gentleman behind the counter was somewhat grumpy and unhelpful but we eventually got bikes. These were the worst bikes I have ever seen, basket on the front, 1 gear, crap saddle and narrow handle bar grip. We get on them anyway and after a few minutes we have it sorted. It's a great day and the sun is beaming down. The lake looks spectacular and there is a path most of the way round.
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After some map reading we get to the Itchiku Kubota museum. I had wanted to go here, it is more of an exhibition of Kubota's work. He was a master in the art of Tsujigahana, which is textile dying. He made the most amazing kimonos, it took him a year to create each piece. They were breath taking. We got to watch a English DVD about the man before we had a look at his work. We got to see the intricate techniques that he used to create the kimonos. The real beauty of this place was that the kimonos were not behind glass, so you were able to get right up close. You weren't supposed to take photos, but I sneaked a few just to remember how awesome it was. Not only was the exhibition outstanding, but the grounds in which it was set were truly mesmerising! Waterfalls and moss covered stones, aubrey stone walk ways carving through the woodland and a lovely cave with some statues inside.
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We had spent quite a bit of time in the museum and upon checking the time it was 12.30 an the bikes had to be back by 2, problem was that we hadn't even done a quarter of the route. This called for some serious peddling, Christine wasn't able to keep up, really holding proceedings up. The cycle was lovely, great to be out in the sun and the views of Fuji and the gardens round the lake were majestic. Time check - 1.30 I'm starting to get concerned. Pace is picked up, the final section was up hill, I was going for my king of the mountain jersey, and made it back at 1.59 with Christine arriving at 2.00 on the nose. The grumpy gentleman said nothing and took the bikes. Was pretty sweaty at this stage and hungry, quick trip to 7/11 and a nice tempura rice dish, with some peaches for after. Yummy.
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After not being able to find somewhere to eat last night we head out earlier tonight. End up in this we place where the woman could speak remarkably good English, the menu? Eel. Get that ordered up with a beer, delicious. Back home for an onsen and an early night. Not before i lost at darts. Bad craic. Fuji tomorrow, night time climb for the Sunday sunrise, weather looks good, I'm excited.