Lake District Hiking last part; Sightseeing the Oxenholme Pasture (The Helm)

3-days England Autumn Solo Travel (United Kingdom)

October 03 to 06, 2014

Lake District Hiking 1st part; Sightseeing the Windermere Highlands Fell

How to go to Oxenholme;
From London Euston Train Station (where Virgin Trains are located), there's daily train bound to Oxenholme Lake District Station. Travel time is around 3 hours. The Helm is around 400m on foot from the Oxenholme Station. Free admission.

The Helm is a rocky ridge, composed Upper Kirby Moor Flags and has been shaped and scoured by glacial activity. At the summit (185m/607ft above sea level) stands the scheduled ancient monument of Castleheads. It is believed to be an Iron-age hillfort enclosed by banks and ditches. The effort of ascent to the summit is well rewarded by panoramic views of the Lakeland Fells, the Howgills, Morecambe Bay, the Lune Valley and Farleton Fell. Access land on The Helm allows you to explore, on foot, one of the England's most stunning landscapes.

Oxenholme is a village in England just south of the town of Kendal, with which it has begun to merge. It is best known for Oxenholme Lake District railway station on the West Coast Main Line. Because Oxenholme does not have its own church it is technically a hamlet.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxenholme

Lake District Hiking last part; Sightseeing the Oxenholme Pasture

Lake District Hiking 1st part; Sightseeing the Windermere Highlands Fell

3-days England Autumn Solo Travel (United Kingdom)

October 03 to 06, 2014

London City Tour 1st part; Sightseeing the Streets at Night

"Those few hours on Orrest Head cast a spell that changed my life" - Alfred Wainwright (1930)

How to go to Windermere;
From London Euston Train Station (where Virgin Trains are located), there's daily train bound to Oxenholme Lake District Station. Then, transfer to train bound to Windermere. There are available bus also but the travel time is long compared directly to train, same fare. Free admission to Orrest Head viewing deck overlooking Lake District Highland Fells which is just 21 minutes hike from the Windermere Information Center. 

Elleray Woods is managed by Windermere Town council for the benefit of the public. Footpath to Orrest Head, situated on 784fasl (240masl) with around 20 minutes to hike, is passing through to Elleray Woods. On the top awaits the unrivalled views of Lake District Highland Fells, Lake Windermere, Morecambe Bay and the Pennines. Elleray Woods and Orrest Head formed part of the Elleray estates which owned by Arthur Henry Heywood. In 1902, his widow and daughter gave Orrest Head in trust to Windermere Urban District Council to be held for "public walks or pleasure grounds". Some of the birds found in Elleray Woods and Orrest Head are Song Thrush, Cuckoo, Tawny Owl, Kestrel, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Pied Flycather and Jay. Some mammals are hedgehog, common shew, pipistrelle bat, grey squirrel, wood mouse and roe deer.

Windermere is the largest natural lake in England. It is a ribbon lake formed in a glacial trough. It is in the county of Cumbria and entirely within the Lake District National Park.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windermere

Lake District Hiking 1st part; Sightseeing the Windermere Highlands Fell

London City Tour 1st part; Sightseeing the Streets at Night

3-days England Autumn Solo Travel (United Kingdom)

October 03 to 06, 2014

London Heathrow Airport Arrival at night

Upon arriving on my hostel near Kensai Green Station, I went to Oxford Circus Station where some of the bright night lights occur. From Oxford Street (Exit 5 of Oxford Circus Station), I went to Regent Street, crossing to Piccadilly Station. Going to left road is the Shaftesbury Avenue where some of the west-end theaters particularly the 2 shows I booked and the China town is located. Then, I stopped-by to Piccadilly Park and Trafalgar Park. Piccadilly Circus is the London version of Times Square.

Piccadilly Circus is a busy square in the heart of London. It is famous for the fountain that was installed here at the end of the nineteenth century and for the neon advertising that turned the square into a miniature version of Times Square. The name 'Piccadilly' originates from a seventeenth-century frilled collar named piccadil. Roger Baker, a tailor who became rich making piccadils lived in the area. The word 'Circus' refers to the roundabout around which the traffic circulated.

London City Tour 1st part; Sightseeing the Streets at Night (Trafalgar Square)

3 Days Revisiting England (UK) for Autumn Fellwandering and Sightseeing

London - Lake District - Cambridge tour, just a weekend in England
October 03 to October 06, 2014

"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages." - William Shakespeare 

My 2nd visit to the United Kingdom (1st visit was last June 2014), 37th solo backpacking trip, 39 countries visited so far and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure.

This United Kingdom is more than 300 years old and comprises four constituent nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It occupies all of the island of Great Britain, the north-eastern portion of the island of Ireland and most of the remaining British Isles. "Great Britain" ("GB") for a geographer refers just to the single largest island in the British Isles that has most of the land area of Scotland, England and Wales. In normal usage it is a collective term for all those three nations together. Great Britain became part of the United Kingdom when the Irish and British parliaments merged in 1801 to form the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland". "Britain" is simply another name for the United Kingdom, and does include Northern Ireland, despite common misconceptions otherwise. The flag of UK is popularly known as the Union Jack or, more properly, Union Flag.
http://wikitravel.org/en/United_Kingdom

3 Days Revisiting England (UK) for Autumn Fellwandering and Sightseeing (Birmingham Palace above)

The Viewing Deck 4th Year of Blogging Statistics (2011-2015)

the viewing deck's 4th anniversary special post

March 11, 2011 - March 11, 2015

3rd Year of Blogging Statistics (2011-2014)
2nd year of blogging statistics (2011-2013)

1st year of blogging statistics (2011-2012)

ALL TIME POPULAR

		COMMENTS		VIEWCOUNTS
RANK	POST TITLE	2014	2015	2014	2015
1	DFA Red ribbon Authentication Process	129	160	25,302	34,749
2	OFW Vacation: 2013 Kuwait & Philippines Holidays	0	0	12,493	12,407
3	Strict Requirements of GAMCA Medical Exam	4	7	7,112	10,861
4	See the Mindanao Tourist destinations	2	2	9,545	10,526
5	Pilipinas	2	2	5,596	7,116
6	New PNR Bicol Express Train Escapade	10	10	6,823	6,815
7	OFW Vacation: 2014 Kuwait & Philippines Holidays	0	0	5,358	6,736
8	itineraries	0	0	5,126	6,460
9	Cebu Pacific Airline E-ticket online payment	12	12	6,265	6,175
10	World	0	2	3,821	5,757
11	Philippines' local airline promo fare madness	6	6	5,536	5,601
12	post list	0	0	3,888	4,741

Masai Mara Safari in Kenya (July 2014)

2014 Travel Mash-up; Life-changing Adventures beyond 8 Countries

inside Europe, Africa and Asia... 50 days on 8 countries, 20 flights on 7 different airlines...
June 27 to August 15, 2014

6th OFW vacation; 2nd Ultimate backpacking across 3 Continents

"Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world" - Gustave Flaubert

A mash-up is a song composition created by blending two or more pre-recorded songs, or usually by overlaying the vocal track of one song seamlessly over the instrumental track of another. It is also a video combining multiple pre-existing video sources with no discernible relation with each other into a unified video. As for me, I used the term mash-up in travel to blend or combine the function of plane tickets to two destinations. The departure on one destination is the arrival to new destination, not the usual round-trip flight going to original airport departure. The process is not that comparable with the song/video, but somehow the essence is there.

2nd long term travel from June 27 to August 15, 2014. Sightseeing mash-up travels across the continents of Europe, Africa and Asia; 25 days in western side composed of United Kingdom, Morocco, Turkey, Kenya, Tanzania and another 25 days in eastern side composed of Philippines, Indonesia, Japan. 8 countries in 3 continents, 50 days with 20 flights on 7 airlines, countless bus rides, food trips and life-changing adventures...

I called this trip as the most extreme and expensive travel I ever planned because of the highlight adventure for every countries included. 1st was the 21.7km biking to Stonehenge in Salisbury to Amesbury, England of United Kingdom. 2nd was the camel back-ride to Sahara desert night camping in Morocco. 3rd was the parachute gliding above the cotton castle and balloon flight ride in Turkey. 4th was the Masai Mara safari ride and camping in Kenya. 5th was the 6-days Machame route for 5,895masl trekking of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. 6th was the family road trip in Northeastern Mindanao (CARAGA Region) of Philippines. 7th was the adventurous river white-water rafting and tubing in Bali, Indonesia. Finally (8th), revisiting Japan for the 3,776masl self-guided solo night trekking to Mt.Fuji via Yoshida trail.

2014 travel mash-up; backpacking across 3 continents (fridge magnet souvenirs)

Tokyo City Tour last part; a Walk from Shinjuku to Shibuya Metro Station

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Tokyo City tour 2nd Part; Shinjuku Gyoen and Meiji Shrine

I decided to walk the distance between Shinjuku and Shibuya metro station as my last wild city itinerary for this trip. Distance between this two metro station is around less than 10km if passing through the major tourist spots along the way. From Shinjuku metro station exit, I went to Kabukicho first, then to Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku for a lunch, then National Yoyogi Stadium and finally to Shibuya metro station.

I spent most of the time on overlooking the huge electronic commercial billboards and the busiest crossing in the world. This was my 2nd time seating in front of the glass panel of Starbucks with a Medium Size Caramel Frappuccino (496JPY=$5) while just observing the countless Pedestrians from above. The Starbucks is located just northeast of Hachiko Exit of JR Shibuya station which can be seen on the 8th picture below (beside "TSUTAYA" below the gigantic electronic billboard). By the way, if you are looking at 9th picture below (Starbucks plastic cup overlooking the Shibuya Crossing with Pedestrians mostly with umbrella due to the drizzle) and the zoom shot at 10th picture, the left road was the way where I came from, going to Shibuya metro station and the Love Hill (Love Hotels). The northern part of this picture is where Hachiko monument is standing while the left side is the entrance to JR Shibuya station.

Shinjuku  is a special ward located in Tokyo Metropolis, Japan. It is a major commercial and administrative centre, housing the busiest train station in the world (Shinjuku Station) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the administration centre for the government of Tokyo. The name "Shibuya" is also used to refer to the shopping district which surrounds Shibuya Station, one of Tokyo's busiest railway stations. This area is known as one of the fashion centers of Japan, particularly for young people, and as a major nightlife area.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shibuya,_Tokyo

Tokyo City tour last Part; a walk from Shinjuku to Shibuya Metro Station (Kabukicho)

Tokyo City Tour 2nd part; Shinjuku Gyoen and Meiji Shrine

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Tokyo City tour 1st Part; inside the Roppongi Hills

How to go to Shinjuku Gyoen;
From Tokyo, ride a train bound to Shinjuku Station at 200JPY fare fee. Shinjuku Gyoen is around 1km away from the Shinjuku train station. Admission is 200JPY. Photography and video taking with monopod and tripod is permitted inside.

Shinjuku Gyoen, the representative modern western-style gardens in Meiji Era, was completed in 1906 as an Imperial Garden.  The entire garden was designed by Henri Martinet, the French landscape gardener, based on a concept formulated by Hayato Fukuba, a Meiji and Taisho era agricultural scientist. This extensive garden is composed of three distinctive-styleed gardens such as English Landscape, French Formal and Japanese Traditional Gardens, each of which harmonizes with the others. Shijuku Gyoen's historical background can be traced back to the beginning of Edo era. The area used to be the residence of Naito Kiyonari who was assigned to be a guardian of West Tokyo as a hereditary vassal of Shogun Tokugawa Lekasu when the Shogun got a stronghold on Edo Castle.

Tokyo City tour 2nd Part; Shinjuku Gyoen

Tokyo City tour 1st Part; Inside the Roppongi Hills

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Kamakura Trip last Part; Benzaiten and Sasuke Inari Shrines

How to go to Roppongi hills;
From Tokyo, ride a train bound to Roppongi Station at 200JPY fare fee. Roppongi Hill is just 100m away from the Roppongi train station. Admission is FREE. Photography and video taking with monopod is permitted inside, tripod is prohibited.

Roppongi Hills is a New Urban Centre and one of Japan's largest integrated property developments, located in the Roppongi district of Minato, Tokyo. Constructed by building tycoon Minoru Mori, the mega-complex incorporates office space, apartments, shops, restaurants, cafés, movie theatres, a museum, a hotel, a major TV studio, an outdoor amphitheatre, and a few parks. The centerpiece is the 54-story Mori Tower. Mori's stated vision was to build an integrated development where high-rise inner-urban communities allow people to live, work, play, and shop in proximity to eliminate commuting time. He argued that this would increase leisure time, quality of life, and benefit Japan's national competitiveness. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roppongi_Hills

Tokyo City tour 1st Part; inside the Roppongi Hills (spider)

Kamakura Trip last Part; Benzaiten and Sasuke Inari Shrines

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Kamakura Trip 5th Part; Kotoko-in Daibutsu (Great Buddha)

How to go to Sasuke Inari Shrine;
From Tokyo, ride a train bound to Kamakura Station for almost 1.5hr travel time at 920JPY($9.29) fare fee. This temple is around 1km away from the Kamakura train station. Admission is FREE. Photography and video taking with monopod is permitted inside, tripod is prohibited.

Sasuke Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kamakura and the site of the Hidden Village of Kamakura. It's located within a stone's throw of Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine. Tradition holds that Sasuke Inari Shrine was created by Minamoto Yoritomo. While in exile in Izu, Yoritomo was visited in a dream by an old man from the Hidden Village of Kamakura who instructed Yoritomo of the timing to begin battling his enemies. When Yoritomo succeed and became Shogun, he created this shrine in gratitude.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sasuke_Inari_Shrine

Kamakura Trip last Part; Sasuke Inari Shrine

Kamakura Trip 5th Part; Kotoko-in Daibutsu (Great Buddha)

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Kamakura Trip 4th Part; Forest trail of Daibutsu Hiking Course

How to go to Great Buddha (Daibutsu) of Kamakura;
From Tokyo, ride a train bound to Kita-Kamakura Station for almost 1.5hr travel time at 920JPY($9.29) fare fee. Starting point is just beside the Jochi-ji Temple, 400m away from the Kita-Kamakura train station. Trail is around 3.5km which is 1hr going to Great Buddha. There is a direct bus also coming from Kamakura train station. Admission fee is 200JPY. Photography and video taking with monopod is permitted inside, tripod is prohibited.

The Bronze Statue of Amita Buddha Daibutsu or Great Buddha was cast in 1252 by the sculptors of Ono-Goroemon and Tanji-Hisatomo at the request of Miss Idanonotsubone and priest Joko who not only originated to build the big statue and temple covered it but also collected donations from people for it. In 1498 a tidal wave swept away the Great Temple leaving only its foundation stones but did not injure the Buddha's body. The big earthquake in 1923 did not harm the body but destroyed its base. The seated Buddha, Amida Nyorai known the familiar name of the Kamakura Daibutsu is the principle Deity of Kotoko-in Temple which is a national treasure. The height including the pedestal is 13.4m, height of the cast is 11.3m and weighs 121 tons.

Kamakura Trip 5th Part; Kotoko-in Daibutsu (Great Buddha)

Kamakura Trip 4th Part; Forest Trail of Daibutsu Hiking Course

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Kamakura Trip 3rd Part; Kosho-ji, Tokei-ji & Jochi-ji Temples

How to go to Daibutsu Hiking Course starting point;
From Tokyo, ride a train bound to Kita-Kamakura Station for almost 1.5hr travel time at 920JPY($9.29) fare fee. Starting point is just beside the Jochi-ji Temple, 400m away from the Kita-Kamakura train station. Trail is around 3.5km which is 1hr going to Great Buddha. No Admission fee required. Photography and video taking with monopod is permitted inside, tripod is prohibited.

Daibutsu Hiking Course connects Jochiji Temple in Kita-Kamakura with the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) in the west of the city. The Zeniarai Benten and the Genjiyama public park with a statue of Minamoto Yoritomo can be found underway. It takes about 60-90 minutes to complete the entire trail. 

Kamakura Trip 4th Part; Forest trail of Daibutsu Hiking Course

Kamakura Trip 3rd Part; Kosho-ji, Tokei-ji & Jochi-ji Temples

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Kamakura Trip 2nd Part; Enno-ji and Kencho-ji Temples

How to go to Jochi-ji Temple;
From Tokyo, ride a train bound to Kita-Kamakura Station for almost 1.5hr travel time at 920JPY($9.29) fare fee. Entrance gate is 400m away from the Kita-Kamakura train station. Admission fee is 200JPY. Photography and video taking with monopod is permitted inside, tripod is prohibited.

Jochi-ji Temple is nested in a cypress wood, established in 1281 and considered one of the Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples. Jochi-ji is ranked fourth among the Five Great Zem Temples, and its temple ground surrounded by rich green vegetation is designated as a national historical site. Designated as important cultural assets, the three wooden statues on the central altar represent, from left to right Nyorai "past", Amida "present" and Miroku "future". The temple is enshrined with these three Buddhas.

Kamakura Trip 3rd Part; Jochi-ji Temple

Kamakura Trip 2nd part; Enno-ji and Kencho-ji Temples

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Kamakura Trip 1st Part; Meigetsu-in and Engaku-ji Temples

How to go to Kencho-ji Temple;
From Tokyo, ride a train bound to Kita-Kamakura Station for almost 1.5hr travel time at 920JPY($9.29) fare fee. Entrance gate is 1.5km away from the Kita-Kamakura train station. Admission fee is 300JPY. Photography and video taking with monopod is permitted inside, tripod is prohibited.

Kencho-ji Temple is the first ranked of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura and is oldest Zen training monastery in Japan. It was constructed by order of the Emperor Gofukakusa during the regency of Hojo Tokiyori (1227-63). Work was completed in the fifth year of the Kencho Era (1253) from which the name of the temple was taken. The founder of Kencho-ji was Rankei Doryu, a Chinese Zen Master of the Sung Dynasty. He left China in 1246 to teach Zen in Japan, spending several years in Kyushu and Kyoto before coming to Kamakura to found Kencho-ji. After his death the memorial title "Daikaku Zenji" (Teacher of Great Realization) was conferred upon him by the Emperor Gouda. This was the first time in Japanese history that such a title was given to a Zen sect.

Kamakura Trip 2nd Part; Kencho-ji Temple

Kamakura Trip 1st part; Meigetsu-in and Engaku-ji Temples

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Mt. Fuji Solo Trek last Part; the Trail Markers

How to go to Meigetsu-in Temple;
From Tokyo, ride a train bound to Kita-Kamakura Station for almost 1.5hr travel time at 920JPY($9.29) fare fee. Entrance gate is 700m away from the Kita-Kamakura train station. Admission fee is 300JPY. Photography and video taking with monopod is permitted inside, tripod is prohibited.

Meigetsu-in Temple was founded in the year 1160 as "Meigetsu-an" (Bright Moon Hermitage) by Yamanouchi Tsunetoshi for the repose of the soul of his father Toshimichi, who died in the Battle of Heiji the previous year. Fugenzan Meigetsu-in is a Rinzai Zen temple of the Kenchō-ji school. Famous for its hydrangeas, it's also known as The Temple of Hydrangeas (ajisai-dera). The main object of worship is goddess Shō Kannon. Meigetsu-in started as Meigetsuan hermitage and was built by a military commander in the region during late Heian period. One of the Ten Wells of Kamakura is still in use on the compound. Through the round window of the temple, is a garden that brings memories of ancient times.

Kamakura Trip 1st Part; Meigutsu-in Temple

Mt. Fuji Solo Trek last Part; the Trail Markers

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Mt. Fuji Solo Trek 2nd Part; Stormy Night to Summit

MT. FUJI'S NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER IMPORTANT NOTES

1. The average yearly temperature at the summit of Mt. Fuji is -6.4'C, while the average temperature in August is 6'C. Be aware that temperature can drop below freezing around the summit even during summer.
2. Mt. Fuji is stratovolcano whose conical shape was the result of layering of volcanic rock and ash expelled during the repeated eruptions.
3. Being the tallest mountain in Japan at 3,776masl, Mt. Fuji can show extremely different weather conditions between its base and its summit. Vegetation on the mountain differes depending on the altitude and a unique vertical distribution of vegetation can be observed.
4. More than 40 species of mammals, 100 species of birds, 119 species of butterflies live amidst the severe weather condition. 
5. It is forbidden to set up camp anywhere in Mt. Fuji.
6. It is forbidden to take plants, volcanic rocks, or other natural features on any part of the mountain.
7. It is forbidden to defecate or urinate anywhere outdoors on the mountain. All bathrooms are eco-friendly. Please contribute 200JPY each time of use.

Mt. Fuji Solo Trek last Part; the Trail Markers

Mt. Fuji Yoshida Solo Trek 2nd Part; Stormy Night to Summit

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Mt. Fuji Yoshida Solo Trek 1st Part; from Nagoya to 5th Station

I hiked alone and started my night trek from 2245H at the 6th Station. Though they do not recommend to do it and this was my first time doing it alone, I have gained self-confidence as Fun-hiker in Mt. Pulag 2,922masl (Philippines), Mt. Kinabalu 4,092masl (Malaysia) and Mt. Kilimanjaro 5,895masl (Tanzania). I decided to take the risk to satisfy my urge on embracing the nature adventure. During the ascend and descend, I confirmed it was very, very dangerous if you have not enough confidence to fight for your life against the wrath of nature via heavy rains and strong winds of an almost perfect storm at a high altitude.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO REMEMBER DURING MT. KILIMANJARO HIKE

1. There is a high risk involved on hiking at night, so please keep your climbing to the daylight hours as possible.
2. Please refrain from hiking alone; it is all too easy to go fast and make errors in judgement when climbing alone. Also, make sure not to get separated from your companions, as the summit area and descending route can become considerably crowded.
3. Temperature and weather conditions on the mountain is prone to drastic changes. Bring your gear for rain and cold protection and avoid climbing in casual clothing.
4. Follow the designated hiking routes. Straying from the paths and taking a rest is extremely dangerous, you can get lost or can cause falling rocks.
5. Only rest in areas that are safe, do not go where there is caution of falling rocks.
6. Do not continue hiking if you feel symptoms of altitude sickness (headaches, nausea).
7. On the descending route, there are no mountain huts after the Yoshida trail.
8. Take all your trashes when you leave.
 

Mt. Fuji Yoshida Solo Trek 2nd Part; Stormy Night to Summit

Mt. Fuji Yoshida Solo Trek 1st Part; from Nagoya to 5th Station

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Nagoya Tour last Part; evening at Sakae

This mountain adventure is considered as my 3rd major hike abroad. 

How to go to Mt. Fuji Yoshida Trail 5th Station from Central Nagoya;
The best, easiest and cheapest way to Mt. Fuji 5th Station coming from Nagoya is through Meitetsu Highway Bus. From Nagoya Meitetsu Bus Station Stop #8, departure bound to Kawaguchiko has every 1.5 hr interval, 4,110JPY($41.52) fare on a 4 hours travel time. Then, there's an every hour bus departure going to 5th station for a roundtrip fare of 2,100JPY($21.21). Total travel time from Nagoya to 5th Station is around 6 hours. Upon arrival to Mt. Fuji 5th Station, you can go directly to your booked accommodation, NO REGISTRATION FEE REQUIRED, no local guide required (trail is very well sign-posted) and entrance to Mt. Fuji is FREE. Photography and video taking is permitted along the trail.

IMPORTANT FACTS BEFORE CLIMBING MT. FUJI YOSHIDA-GUCHI TRAIL

1. Mt. Fuji climbing season is from JULY TO AUGUST ONLY. The government urge all Hikers to refrain from climbing out of season, as it is UNSAFE.
2. The most popular way to the summit is on Yoshida-guchi Trail, which begins partway up at Kawaguchiko 5th Station on the east side of Fuji-san. It takes eight to twelve hours for the round-trip hike from here. This is the best trail for beginner climbers. 
3. The best way is to climb to a hut near the 7th or 8th station on your first day. Sleep, rest, and eat, and then climb to the summit early on the second day. Others begin hiking in the evening from the 5th Station, trekking through the night so the summit is reached at sunrise.
4. The weather conditions atop Mt. Fuji are equivalent to those of a mountain of more than 4,000masl. However, Mt. Fuji's 5th station at 2,305masl can easily reached by car. The Mt. Fuji climbing path is well-equipped, but there are various rocky stretches and it is no easy hike. All climbers are advised to use the proper equipment and clothing.
5. Be aware of the danger of altitude sickness after passing an altitude of 2,500masl. Remember to walk slowly, drink plenty of fluids and take a deep breath in order to prevent altitude sickness.

Mt. Fuji Solo Trek 1st Part; from Nagoya to 5th Station (elevation)

Nagoya Tour last part; Evening at Sakae

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Nagoya Tour 2nd Part; afternoon at Nagoya Castle

How to go to Sakae;
Just a metro ride going to Sakae Station. Admission is free except for the Ferris Wheel and the Nagoya TV Tower. Photography and video taking with monopod and tripod is permitted inside the premise.

Sakae district is formed around Sakae intersection Otsu-dori going north-south and Hirokoji-dori going east-west, and is the main shopping district of Nagoya. Parallel to Otsu-dori is Hisaya-odori; this road runs from Yaba-cho to Sakae except for Sotobori-dori, which is maintained as Hisaya Ōdori Park. Popular events are held in this park on the weekend. Also, inside Hisaya-odori Park is the 180-meter Nagoya TV Tower, built in 1954, which is often mentioned as a symbol of Nagoya. At night, the tower is lit and can be seen all over Sakae. Adjacent to the tower is a large facility called Oasis 21, which has restaurants, stores, and a bus terminal. Adjacent to Oasis 21 is the major cultural facility Aichi Fine Arts Center, which contains facilities such as Aichi Fine Art Museum and Aichi Performing Arts Theater.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakae,_Nagoya

Nagoya Tour last Part; evening at Sakae (Nagoya TV Tower)

Nagoya Tour 2nd part; Afternoon at Nagoya Castle

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Nagoya Tour 1st Part; morning at Nagashima Spa Land

How to go to Nagoya Castle;
From Nagoya station, ride a train bound to Shiyakusho Station @ 230JPY($2.32) fare. Admission fee is 500JPY($5.05). Photography and video taking with monopod is permitted inside.Tripod is prohibited specially inside the caste building.

Nagoya Castle, one of the most representative Japanese castle structures of the early modern period, was constructed by leyasu Tokugawa (1542-1616), founder of the powerful Edo Shogunate. Following the construction of Edo Castle and Sumpu Castle, the Shogun ordered the construction of Nagoya Castle, actually the last to be built during his reign. The construction of Nagoya Castle began in 1610.  The operation was carried out as a national level project to build a great castle that would symbolize the power and authority of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The five-storied Great Tenshu, the Castle's donjon, crowned with a pair of glittering golden dolhpin-like "shachi", was especially famous as the largest wooden castle structure in Japan.

Nagoya Castle's Hommaru Palace was constructed by Tokugawa leyasu in 1615 to be used as the residence and government offices of the first lord of Owari Province. Both the palace and the main castle tower were designated as national treasures in 1930, and it was well-known example of masterpiece architecture. The palace is a single-storied structure with over 30 rooms and a total of 3,100sqm.

Nagoya Tour 2nd Part; afternoon at Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Tour 1st part; Morning at Nagashima Spa Land

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Nagoya Chubu International Airport Arrival at night

How to go to Nagashima Spa Land;
From Nagoya Station, take train bound to Kuwana Station @ 350JPY($3.54) fare for 40mins travel. Then, go to bus station bound to Spaland @ 510JPY($5.15) for 30mins. There is direct bus ride from Meitetsu Bus but travel time is long and fare is expensive. Admission fee is 2,100JPY($21.21) for amusement park entrance (no ride) and a hot spring outdoor natural bath in Hotel nearby. Photography and video with monopod and tripod is permitted inside.

Nagashima SpaLand is a major amusement park in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, Japan. It features several roller coasters, thrill rides, and kid rides, a giant Ferris wheel, and a water park. As of 2012, Nagashima Spa Land is the 18th most visited amusement park in the world. Nagashima Spa Land is the home of Aurora Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel. It is 90 metres (295 ft) tall and 83 metres (272 ft) in diameter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagashima_Spa_Land

Nagashima Spa (Yuami No Shima), a huge natural outdoor baths is one of Japan's largest. Yuami no shima, with its six different types of bubble jet spa baths, has a total of 15 indoor men's and women's baths and huge natural outdoor baths situated in magnificent natural setting recreating the beautiful scenery of Kurobe Gorge in Toyama in Hokuriku and the Oirase rushing mountain streams in Tohoku. Nagashima Spa Land Waterpark is also one of the world's largest and cleanest water parks that contains ten pools and 18 different water slides with a total of 55 lanes.

Nagoya Tour 1st Part; morning at Nagashima Spaland (amusement park)