Glamping views of Mt. Fuji (Photo by Erin Henderson)
Feeling the itch to escape Korea for a few days, I booked a ticket to Japan on Korean Airlines using miles and spent four days exploring solo. My itinerary included two days in Tokyo seeing the highlights, then a train ride to Lake Kawaguchi and Hakone to take in the sights of Mount Fuji and experience my first onsen.
Kanto, Japan map (Map illustration by Stripes Japan)
Day 1. Tokyo
I arrived mid-morning in Tokyo and jumped on the train into the city. Navigating public transportation in Japan with Google Maps is a breeze, eliminating the stress of worrying about getting on the wrong train or going in the wrong direction. After dropping my suitcase in my apartment, I grabbed my camera and headed out to explore.
I started at Hie Shrine, one of the major sights of Tokyo. A fun fact about this shrine is that it is guarded by monkey statues, unlike the usual dog statues found outside Shinto shrines. Around back, you can find a tunnel of 90 red torii gates (a much smaller version of the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto). After an hour here, I made my way over to Senso-ji, where I was met with a wall of people. Not wanting to navigate the sea of people, I made my way into the market next door.
Hie Shrine in Tokyo (Photo by Erin Henderson)
This was a wise choice, as I walked right by Hua Yae Tang and happily bought a melonpan (Japanese sweet bun) topped with chocolate drizzle. I meandered the shops while I finished my treat, then headed to my next stop, the Tsukiji Fish Market. By the time I arrived at the market, some of the shops were starting to close. Luckily, I found a spot open to enjoy a bowl of fresh tuna and rice.
Tuna bowl at Tsukiji Market (Photo by Erin Henderson)
A melonpan (Japanese sweet bun) (Photo by Erin Henderson)
After the market, I stopped back at my apartment located close to Shinjuku. After a quick refresh, I headed back out the door for the Kabukicho Gate in the heart of this “red light” district. As the sun started to fade, I took in all the lights and people. This was one of my favorite areas to explore with my camera; I took an obscene number of photos. Once the sun fully set, it was time to go and meet my instructor for a sushi-making class.
Sushi making class (Photo by Erin Henderson)
author’s attempt at sushi (Photo by Erin Henderson)
I met Kaori (@sushiwithkao) at her home, where she taught me to make three different kinds of sushi. My appreciation for my beloved sushi rolls grew exponentially after this class; the skill and patience required to create and roll them are something I cannot say I will be mastering anytime soon. Despite my uncoordinated fingers, I highly enjoyed the class and my time with Kaori.
Day 2. Kawaguchiko
The next morning, I hopped on a train at Shinjuku Station (JR Railways, Chuo Line) headed for Otsuki Station. At Otsuki station, I changed trains for the scenic Fujikyu Railway (separate ticket required, JR Rail pass does not cover this portion). My first stop was Shimoshida Station, where I stored my luggage and went out to explore the Chureito Pagoda.
When you get off the train, follow the signs for Arakurayaa Sengen Park. It’s a ten-minute walk to the park entrance, then a scenic 398 stairs to get to the lookout area at the top of the pagoda. Though it was a sunny day, the haze obscured the crystal-clear views of Fuji. After sitting for a bit and soaking up the vitamin D, I made my way to Lake Kawaguchiko to meet my shuttle driver.
I was scooped up from the train station and driven to my overnight accommodations, which I was so excited for, glamping with views of Fuji. Though the view of Fuji had been hazy during the day, sunset brought a clearer view with pink skies illuminating the peak. I built a fire and enjoyed cooking a hot pot in my tent as the sun set, feeling grateful to have witnessed the beautiful sunset with clear views of Mount Fuji.
The next morning, I awoke at sunrise, hoping for another clear view of Fuji. I made coffee, set up the tripod, and took a few more photos. After a relaxed morning, I hopped back in the shuttle provided and made my way back to the train and bus station. Next up, a bus ride to Hakone.
Day 3. Hakone
I traded in glamping for a night in a private onsen. I opted for the private experience because I have tattoos and didn’t want to worry about needing to cover them in a public onsen. Before I enjoyed the afternoon soaking in the hot mineral water, I set out to explore Hakone.
I started on the Pirate Boat, taking in views of the Hakone Shrine from the water (it was under construction at the time). From the pirate boat, I hopped on the Komagatake Ropeway, making a stop at Owakudani to enjoy a famous black hard-boiled egg. Though there were a few more stops I wanted to do in Hakone (like the open-air museum), I made my way back to the Hakone Yumoto Onsen to check in and have a relaxing afternoon.
Dinner at Hakone Yumoto Onsen. (Photo by Erin Henderson)
Black hard boiled egg at Owakudani (Photo by Erin Henderson)
Late afternoon was spent soaking in the hot mineral bath, followed by a meal of fresh fish courses served in my room. It was a wonderful experience, and I fell asleep refreshed and ready to enjoy my last day in Japan.
Day 4. Tokyo, teamLab
teamLab exhibition in Tokyo (Photo by Erin Henderson)
My last day was my most relaxed pace of the trip. I took the train back to Tokyo, then dropped my suitcase in a luggage locker at the train station before making my way to teamLab for my scheduled ticket time. This was a much more incredible experience than I had anticipated. The interactive light displays were phenomenal and lived up to the hype.
After spending time at teamLab, I sat outside with a coffee. I read a book, enjoying the warm weather and the downtime before heading to the airport, where I was staying, for an early flight back to Korea the next morning. This trip was the perfect balance of exploration and downtime—just what I needed before jumping back into parenting duty, high-fiving my husband as he headed out the door to catch his flight back to the States for TAD.
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For 15 years, Erin Henderson has been a photographer capturing compelling stories around the world – from travel and food to conservation and military life. She’s published internationally and mentors entrepreneurs from her base in Stuttgart, Germany. You can find more of her work at erinhendersonmedia.com.
AloJapan.com