I was already pretty beat that afternoon. We had been shooting around Fujigoko (Five Fuji Lake area) the whole morning. I think we crossed 3 prefectures that day. After a hearty houtou lunch, all I wanted to do was to sleep.

We cruised along the banks of Lake Saiko as the sun's afternoon rays laid a welcomed warmth on my face (or maybe it was just the car's heater hehe). Mt. Fuji seemed closer and bigger from where we are as the dark clouds covering its peak cleared. Our host graciously offered to stop if I find some interesting spot I wanted to take a photo of. I replied with a polite "domo arigato gozaimasu" but I didn't think I still have the energy to compose a photo. I was contented with enjoying the view as the car followed the scenic winding road.

I was about to call it a day when I noticed a peculiar ice structure near the road. And so we stumbled upon the "ice field" of Saiko-Kawaguchiko.


I later read from a website that during mid-Jan to early Feb when the temperature is at its lowest, they hold the Saiko Kawaguchiko Ice Festival in Yachōnomori Park. One can enjoy the beautiful natural ice sculptures in this "ice garden" as well the scenic view Mt. Fuji.


The place was swarmed with tourists and photography enthusiasts. We went around the field while several of Simon and Garkunkel's hits (including Sound of Silence of course!) blared over huge speakers.