JAPAN 1

SUNDAY:

We departed Macao Airport at 0930 and arrived at Naritta at around 1500.  We were met by our programme coordinator from ETR (Kent) who gave a short briefing before being transferred to our hotel by private coach.  Upon arrival at our hotel, we checked in and freshened up before walking into central Shinjuku where we broke up into smaller groups to have dinner at our chosen locations.  We were back in our hotels by 2130 for a well-deserved sleep.

MONDAY: 

Today we headed to the iconic Mount Fuji.  Our private one-day excursion not only took in Mt. Fuji but also Lake Kawaguchi. Mt. Fuji (Fujisan) is Japan's highest mountain at 3776m.  The mountain, and former volcano, has been worshiped as a sacred mountain since ancient times and remains one of Japan's most revered pilgrimage sites.  We ventured to the mountain's 5th Station at 2300m above sea level.  It offered fantastic views but it was rather cols and foggy through the morning.  From the mountain we proceeded to Lake Kawaguchi where we saw panoramic views of the cloud-covered mountain.  At least it was not raining.  You can see from the Google Maps below where we were in relation to Tokyo city.  

TUESDAY:

This morning we split into two groups.  The first group had an origami lesson while the second spent time at a local temple seeking.  After creating a pair of lips and a crane, the groups swapped activities.  Our third activity of the day took us to the Meiji Shrine.  Here we were delighted in seeing a traditional wedding procession and religious ceremony.  Our final activity of the evening was to visit the famous Shibuya Crossing.  

WEDNESDAY:

THURSDAY:

FRIDAY: