Ito

The tour guide was young, friendly, and provided bilingual (Chinese and English) introductions to the attractions; she was attentive and responsible. The bus ride was comfortable, and the connections were convenient and time-saving. The departure day was sunny and breezy, and the scenery along the way was picturesque and breathtaking—a truly worthwhile experience!

After successfully obtaining the bus pass next to Ito Station, I happily boarded the bus heading towards Mt. Omuro. There were many uphill sections along the way, and the bus driver's driving skills were quite proficient. The final stop was Mt. Omuro. I even got a discount on the Mt. Omuro cable car with the bus pass, which was so great and definitely worth it!

The animals at the zoo are very approachable. Besides the famous capybaras, the bird sanctuary is also worth a visit. Peacocks will occasionally pass by, displaying their plumage for everyone to admire. There are also many opportunities to feed the animals, and both children and adults have a great time.

This was my first time at Komuroyama, but this ticket was a great deal as it included discounts on the bus, lift, and cafe. The bus driver was also kind and explained how to use the facilities (you hand the numbered ticket you received when boarding and the detached bus ticket to the driver when you get off). The shopkeeper at the shop next to the lift station, who exchanged my lift ticket (which I hand to the attendant on the return lift), was also very helpful and gave me advice such as asking the attendant at the lift station to slow down the lift when getting on and off. There were two attendants at the lift station, so it felt safe to be there to assist. At Cafe 321, I had a light meal (two pieces of bread, corn soup, and potato salad) and a latte. It was delicious. There was only one type of light meal, but there were several types of coffee and sweets. You can relax while looking at the sea, sky, and mountains. People with dogs were sitting on the wooden deck outside. At the end of the deck, there was an aerial walkway that was perfect for taking Instagrammable photos, which was interesting. There was no line, and I was able to take photos at the very top after only a short wait. Solo travelers were also freely taking pictures with selfie sticks and tripods. On what appears to be the rooftop of the cafe, there is a walkway made of connected planks, and since there are no railings or obstructions, you can enjoy a wide-open view, and you can even see Mount Omuro in the distance. I received a discount coupon for soft serve ice cream that can be used at the shop next to the lift from someone at the lift station. Perhaps because it was a weekday, there weren't many people, and I was able to relax. I highly recommend it.

Although the weather wasn't good enough to see Mount Fuji, which was a slight disappointment, the overall itinerary was very well-planned and fulfilling. The tour guide was professional and attentive, providing detailed explanations of the attractions and catering to the needs of each member, ensuring a smooth trip. The atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable, and everyone had a great time. Even without seeing Mount Fuji, the trip left many wonderful memories and was definitely a highly recommended travel experience.