Kawaguchiko is a tourist town through and through. There were plenty of large hotels by the lake trying to cash in on Fujisan.

The town had a few quirky sights, like this sculpture.

We found that the Japanese really appreciated geology. Unlike in Sydney where you’re lucky to find a mineral shop or museum in the entire city, there were little shops and museums everywhere. This museum had an extensive and impressive collection.

And what is a town without a big event – like a marathon right in front of our hotel.

But I think the meals, and its setting was a bit of a tourist attraction in itself. This was our dining room at the hotel.

Our dinners.

And breakfast!

In between, we just had enough room for a simple bowl of ramen.

The marathon began on the morning of our departure, and we struggled against the tide of thousands of eager runners to reach the train station. No rest for us though, we had another train to catch.