JAPAN Day 16

JAPAN day 16 people. Been an awesome, crazy, fun and God centred trip so far. And today that continued.
The hotel we are staying at is a B&B so we don't have to worry about breakfast for the next few days. As it is included!! Buffet anyone?

It took us a while to figure out how the buses worked without being able to read all the Japanese.

 But trusty Jess figured it out.

 We bought the first class tickets on the boat cruise which does a loop of Lake Ashi.

Here in the picture you can see the map of the Lake. And the yellow dotted line on the Lake is where the cruise takes you.

 Fun facts:
This Lake is 3000 years old.
It is 735 meters above sea level.

It was created after a volcanic explosion. 

 This was the themed pirate ship we took across Lake Ashi.

 Jess in first class. Being all posh and stuff!

 Looking out from the ship, you can see Fuji in the background

 It was a little windy today, I may have almost lost my hat!

 The sails.

 There is a shrine along the water! Pretty famous for the area!

 The wonderful Mt.Fuji. So blessed it was a clear morning!

 The water was so blue and amazing!

Looking out over the ship along Lake Ashi.

 The dude across the lake where the kabel carts are up the hill was shut, so he rushed out with 4 postcards each for Jess and I!
It is amazing how friendly and giving the Japanese are. Considering we weren't going on it in the first place, they just assumed we were. So thank-you language barrier. We got some awesome postcards of Fuji!

 This is on the other side of the Lake, look over you can see Mt.Fuji hiding behind the other mountain.

 Lunch across the lake, included coffee. Thanks for being the hand model Jess!

 And as always, chopsticks!

 This was a little town along Lake Ashi. (Where we had lunch) Was an old town. We were able to get some presents and goodies for some people back home.

 We also paid 400 yen to see this old Japanese settlement. Built in the 1800s, it has been refurbished though.

 Old Japanese hats.

 The view from above the settlement which overlooks Lake Ashi.

 Selfie with this Japanese model.

 We got to venture through this old building which also had an epic view of Fuji!

 The model of Lake Ashi, central right side... and mount Fuji... gives you a small comparison to how BIG Fuji is!

 The Japanese peace Gardens along the Lake. Was lovely to walk through. Also the peace sign is relevant.

 In the afternoon Mt.Fuji basically disappeared behind clouds. So we were lucky we got there earlier to see it.

On the way home we stopped off at a natural hot springs (which was on the side of the road) to dip our feet in.

 Was lovely and warm!

They have natural Hot Springs all over Hokone. So amazing and beautiful!
Jess and I listen to a sermon, while we were soaking our feet here. Was nice to hear nature, relax and hear a good word from God.
We then had dinner and watched "Compelled by Love" the story of Hiedi Bakers life mission. Was encouraging and amazing to see how God has used her and captured her heart. Quite inspiring. Definitely worth the watch!

That was today's adventures here in Japan,  Hokone. Have loved seeing beautiful parts of Japan so far!

Sending hugs to you all,
Kath