The overnight bus ride went OK, but I didn't really sleep much. The bus hit another bus at the last rest stop, so we left about an hour late, but still got into Shinjuku almost the right time. We got Maccas for breakfast from a really overcrowded Maccas right by Shinjuku, then headed to the station to drop off our bags in coin lockers. Then web tried to find where we could catch a bus to Fuji Q Highlands, and totally lucked out. We were lucky enough to find just the right person, who helped us all buy cheap transport and amusement park tickets together to leave on a bus that was going in 10 minutes. It all worked out perfectly.
So we got on our Gundam themed bus and headed up into the mountains to see Mt. Fuji. Well, actually, to NOT see Fuji, as the case was, as it was shrouded in cloud the whole day. But you could see how big it was, which was pretty impressive. As were the roller coasters at Fuji Q! We could see them as we were driving towered the place in the bus, and by the time we hopped off, we were rearing to go! And we went...
All the way to the first queue of the day, where we lined up for just under 3 hours to ride the worlds tallest (continual loop, traditional style) roller coaster (in 1997). But it was the best roller coaster I have ever been on! It went so fast, and it really felt like this huge free fall. We also went on a roller coaster with no carriages, with seats that swivels around vertically. It was also really brilliant. We rode a few other smaller rides, and I froze my hands off on this one where you sat on swings that spun around and went way high up in the air. Then it started to snow! The temperature had been falling all afternoon and while we were waiting for ouir last ride f the day, the snow came. Slowly at first, then heavier and heavier. Eventually, they closed down the rides, and so we headed off to find something else to do. Jodes, Simon and I all ended up ice skating for about 25 mins in the snow before we had to head out to catch our bus back to Sannomiya.
Retrieved our bags, headed on the Toei Shinjuku line to Akebanobashi and found our hotel for our Tokyo stay - the Ace Inn. I was just thinking (during my 100 yen paid shower) that I couldn't have stayed in more contrasting places for our stay in Tokyo. With Aaron and Corey, it was all cushy luxuriousness, and now here I am sleeping in a wooden capsule and paying for showers. Its not better or worse, it's just different. Left our bags, had an izakaya dinner and made some rough plans for tomorrow. Now totally buggered, but half of the JET community is staying at this capsule hotel, so I'm off to meet up with some people.
Food highlight of the day: the service charge at the izakaya we went to for dinner was a delicious and fresh salad. Which I ate with Gyoza :)
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