Fujikawaguchiko!

Say that five times fast.

It’s Koyo season on the Kanto plateau, which involves a great number of people wandering around, trying to find the most striking colors and taking pictures of the autumn leaves (“momiji”). …even with sights like Mt. Fuji right behind them.

I think they may be missing out, but it’s entertaining to see.

I can’t fault their taste, though. The colors are truly magnificent.

My first non-food stop was the Kawaguchi Musical Forest Museum. With a name like that, how could I not? The entire museum has a european theme (down to renting victorian dresses for the day), and everything makes music.

I had a great time making an accordion cacophony, to the misery of others within earshot. I couldn’t help it; it all just sounded so cheerful!

Amongst other things, they also had a restored dance organ. A few, actually, but the was the only one built into its own music hall.

I missed the yodelers, who came earlier in the day. Alas.

I eventually left Little Europe and made an immediate detour to the Konohana museum.

Who was I to argue? This was easily one of my favorite places. The entire exhibit was dedicated to a (clearly) beloved children’s author. And by clearly, I mean t-shirts started at $45 and went up from there.

That being said, I absolutely loved the artwork. The series is “Dayan in Wachifield”, which looks like some sort of Alice in Wonderland-esque tale about cats.

If I understand the premise correctly, I’d say it’s a bit of ‘Alice in Wonderland meets Carmen Sandiego’. Cat goes on fantastical adventures and gets into mischief, but also travels the world. They had Dayan in London, Dayan in Spain, etc.

I wholly intend to investigate further at a later date. I’m intrigued.

Other highlights from today include: snacktime.

I’ve discovered that everything that has space for a Fujisan will be printed with an image of Fujisan, food included (Fujisan = Mt. Fuji). The souvenir shops all sell 3D-printed topographical chocolate replicas; in other words, a Hershey Kiss with the top snapped off.

Instagramers are weird part II: I had other people come take artsy photos of my dinner. Granted, it was a rice Fuji and covered in blue curry, but still…

I’ve been slumming it (on principle) as far as accomodations. Tonight I’m in a capsule hostel, which is like a regular hostel, only instead of having bunks you have people-kennels.

They’re not that bad, all things considered. They’re deep enough for tall people, and pretty cozy. And, hey! Pre-installed radios!

Tomorrow: more Mt. Fuji, caves, and silk!