A Fun-Filled Day Trip to Mt. Fuji with Friends: 

A Day Brimming with Happiness, Companionship, and Lasting Memories

Hi, I’m Nasim! I work as a network engineer at NTT Communication, one of Japan’s largest telecom companies. My job involves managing networks, but my passion lies in traveling and helping others discover the beauty of Japan. I don’t do tours for profit; I do them because I genuinely love sharing these experiences with others. On July 9, 2024, I had the pleasure of organizing a day trip to Mt. Fuji with 13 wonderful guests, including my good friend Ariyan Bhaiya and his kids, Aman and Ayan.

Our journey began early in the morning. My friend Nasif and I left our home at 5:30 a.m. to reach Hotel Welco Narita by 7:00 a.m., where our guests were staying. The hotel is known for its convenient location and great service for travelers. We had a quick breakfast at a Lawson convenience store before setting off on our adventure.

By 7:30 a.m., we hit the road and took the expressway toward Mt. Fuji. Did you know Japan's expressways are some of the safest in the world, equipped with advanced technology and regular maintenance? In my car, I had Ariyan Bhaiya, his two kids, and two other lovely ladies who were senior flight attendants at Bangladesh Biman. They shared fascinating stories from their years of service while we drove. The conversation made the drive enjoyable, and I was entertained the entire way.

We took a quick break at a parking area near Mt. Fuji, where we soaked in some beautiful views. By 10:30 a.m., we arrived at the Fujikawaguchiko Mosque, a small but welcoming mosque managed by Indonesian Muslims. It’s a peaceful spot where travelers from around the world stop to pray. After our prayers, we headed to Lake Kawaguchi, a serene lake known for its stunning views of Mt. Fuji. There happened to be a matsuri (Japanese festival) going on, so we got a taste of Japanese culture with food stalls, games, and vibrant decorations.

Next, we planned to take the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, which offers breathtaking views from above, but due to the long queue, we had to skip it. Instead, we spent some time shopping for souvenirs and capturing memories through photos.

We then visited Oishi Park, famous for its stunning views of Mt. Fuji and its beautiful lavender fields. The combination of Mt. Fuji in the background and the colorful flowers in the foreground was simply breathtaking. We took countless photos before heading to T and T Hotel, which has a halal-friendly restaurant serving delicious Japanese hot udon with shrimp, chicken, and beef. After lunch, Nasif and I offered our prayers there as well.

On our way back, we caught a glimpse of Fuji-Q Highland, a popular amusement park known for its thrilling roller coasters. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to stop, but it was still fun to see from the car. While driving back, we witnessed a minor car accident. Interestingly, car accidents in Japan are handled very smoothly, with both drivers calmly calling the police and resolving the situation. Thankfully, it was a low-speed collision with no injuries.

As we drove closer to Tokyo, we took a break for prayer. For us Muslims, praying five times a day is essential, and being on the road doesn’t stop us from fulfilling this obligation. We found a quiet spot, prayed, and continued our journey.

Before heading home, we stopped at a Daiso store near Katsushika City, where we bought some more souvenirs. Daiso is a famous 100-yen shop in Japan that offers everything from home goods to unique gifts at an affordable price. We also visited Ario Mall for some extra shopping. The kids had a blast exploring and picking out their favorite snacks and toys.

After dropping off our guests at the hotel, I was overwhelmed with their kindness. They showered me with souvenirs from Bangladesh, and Ajmeri Apu even gave me some delicious fish curry. It was one of the best I’ve ever tasted! My wife Parisha and I felt so touched by the love and respect our guests showed us. We invited them to our home for tea and snacks before they returned to the hotel, and it was a perfect way to end the day.

This trip was not just about sightseeing but about building connections and creating memories that will last a lifetime. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share these moments with friends who feel more like family. These are the experiences that remind me why I love doing what I do.