Ask the crew: second officer Edwin Sham on Mount Fuji

"I went on a day trip to Mount Fuji basically just to drive a race car that I’ve always wanted to drive: the Toyota GR Yaris. With its five surrounding lakes, Mount Fuji was one of the most amazing places I’ve ever seen."

Must-do

There’s a famous racetrack called the Fuji Speedway . I love playing racing games and I’ve driven on that track virtually before – then I finally got to do it in real life. There’s a public section where you can rent a car and do three laps behind a safety car. Most things related to motorsports are expensive, but this was around ¥4-5,000 (HK$220-280). You can drive anything up there – behind me was a Lamborghini and ahead was a big van. The guy next to me was driving with his mum. 

Must-eat

There’s a café called Fujimatsu Tenbou , which is around a five- to 10-minute drive from Gotemba city centre. It has a semi-buffet deal and its windows look out onto views of Mount Fuji. When we stopped by, virtually no one was there. I don’t think too many people know about it. 

I have a big sweet tooth, and there’s this local confectionery called Shingen mochi. These glutinous rice cakes are covered in yellow bean powder and served with molasses – it goes really well with coffee or tea. The factory that makes them is in the area so you can get great deals, as well as Shingen mochi ice cream. 

Must-pack 

I like to keep my coffee hot during long day trips, and as my friends and I like to see as much as possible, I always pack a travel tumbler .

Hero image: Edwin Sham