I remember during our train station we got stuck in the station for 10 minutes. While I feel that this shouldn't be such a big deal, I mean helloooo here in Manila we sometimes wait for as much as 30 minutes before the train leaves, I still felt that this is uncharacteristically Japanese. Only then we found out that someone committed suicide, hence the delay! 

My reaction

But what's even more shocking is how nonchalant people are about it! I suppose they are very used to this😨😨😨😨

Then after that train debacle, we finally arrived at the bus station, where we had quite the confusion on what kind of bus to line up for. In the end we were able to hop in one, and paid almost ¥ 1,900 one way going there. Yep, it is expensive! So if you are planning on going there, better to prep some serious moolah for the transpo as well.

Since going to Gotemba coming from Tokyo proper will take you around an hour or two, and usually people are recommended to go way early, it is best to bring along some food that you can munch on in the bus. If you are like me, who has serious irritable bowel syndrome, donchaworry! Their buses have toilets in them, take about convenience! They also have electric sockets perfect for charging your phone!

Oh and by the way, all the seats in the bus each are provided a map of Gotemba, as well as some coupons to make your shopping time even more superb!



Since we arrived earlier than the rest of Imman's family, and we didn't know about the toilet situation in the buses, we decided to have our breakfast at the foodcourt. Take note, the food in the foodcourt are kinda pricier, so if you don't feel like spending that much, they also have a McDonalds there. I had these yummy pancakes, because I have always wanted to try the puffy fluffy pancakes in Japan, even way back during our Fukuoka trip. The pancake is good, but not really phenomenal as I was expecting.

Pilfered from Imman

I did not take that much photos during the trip, since 70% of the time what I did is too look for people hahaha! I had the device for the wifi, so it was quite a challenge especially when members of the group want to wander to different shops on their own🤔😅😂

You see, Gotemba has 2 wings, one with the basic brands, and the other one has the luxurious ones. To go to the other wing, you will pass by this bridge, where you'll see lush greenery, and below is a river! If you are afraid of heights, don't look down, and instead think of the amazing bargains you will score!

Eventually, I was able to score some amazing trinkets from The Disney store for ¥100 a pop, and even a Cath Kidston rucksack for ¥1,600 or rounghly Php 800! But that's pretty much what I bought that day, because I wasn't fully convinced with the selection of shoes at the Adidas store in there 😧

And there you have it! Our day at Gotemba! If you are planning to go there, allot a day, and do look for other transpo alternatives, because from what I know there's also a train line going there, I'm just not sure where it is from (check nyo nalang Google, katams 🙃🙃🙃)


Love Always,
Nicole 😚