Saiko, Shiraito Falls & Kyoto

Location: Fujikawaguchiko → Saiko → Shiraito Falls → Kyoto, Japan

Summary: A restless night in Fujikawaguchiko lead into a day of healing villages, rainbow‑lit waterfalls, a chaotic encounter with a Lexus seat at the Toyota Museum, and the long drive into Kyoto for a much‑needed proper bed.

Fujikawaguchiko

I woke after an abysmal night’s sleep. The futon in my room was uncomfortable and awkward to get in and out of, though the view of Mount Fuji through the window almost made up for it. After a shower and breakfast, I joined the group and boarded the coach for our journey towards Kyoto.

Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nemba

Our first stop was Saiko Iyashi‑no‑Sato Nemba, the “Healing Village,” a reconstructed settlement of thatched‑roof houses on the shores of Lake Saiko. The original village was destroyed by a landslide in 1962, and today, around twenty traditional houses serve as shops, galleries, and small museums.

We were given 40 minutes to explore. I wandered through several buildings and admired some beautiful artwork. The artist was even offering to sign pieces, but I wasn’t confident I could get such delicate work home safely, so I reluctantly left it behind. I bought a drink near the car park before returning to the coach.

Shiraito Falls

Our next stop was Shiraito Falls, a protected natural monument and one of the most striking waterfalls near Mount Fuji. As usual, we were given a short window to explore. I visited viewpoints for both sets of falls, watching a rainbow form in the spray of the larger cascade. Many from the group rushed down to the lower level, but my knees were still protesting from the previous day, so I stayed higher up.

Rather than climb back up the slope, I followed a peaceful circular path through the woods before treating myself to an ice cream while waiting for the others.

Toyota Automobile Museum

We made a brief stop at the Toyota Automobile Museum, or at least a tiny part of it. It certainly wasn’t the section shown on the website, and with only 40 minutes, it felt more like a teaser than a visit.

Still, what we saw was interesting. I liked the prototype autonomous buses and taxis, and the disability scooters caught my eye. I climbed into a giant electric SUV, then into the latest electric Lexus, where I accidentally pressed a button that sent the seat sliding forward until my stomach hit the steering wheel. Unable to find the correct button to reverse it, I eventually located a manual lever under the seat and managed to escape sideways. A beautiful car, but I’d need assistance getting in and out of it. Still, if I won the lottery, I’d buy one tomorrow.

After leaving the museum, we made a quick bathroom stop at a motorway service station before continuing the long drive to Kyoto.

Kyoto

We arrived in Kyoto and checked into the Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo. After waterfalls, villages, and a near‑death experience with a Lexus seat, I was ready for a proper bed, ideally one that wasn't a mattress on the floor.