Toilet Coin Bottle

Leave a comment Posted by on September 11, 2015

image

Toilets are available at the huts along the Yoshida trail of Mount Fuji where each usage is understandably expensive at 200 yen. The higher you go, the higher the ‘donation’, and so it’s 300 yen at the summit. Some toilets have high tech vending machine like repository for coins, but a couple, or three of them use repurposed plastic bottle as receptacle for dropping in at least two 100 yen coins.

image

Japan, Receptacle, Repurposing , , , , , ,

Fujisan Trek: Descending Trail

1 Comment Posted by on September 9, 2015
image

The descending trail is mostly volcanic soil

While it was easy climbing up, going down was taxing to my toes and legs. Had to use my leg muscles for braking most of the time or else I would feel like I’ll lose my footing on the steep slope. I guess it was mostly psychological. The Yoshida descending route is different from the ascending one, tiring but the view was better.

image

Descending can be slippery

At past 8 AM, it was hot that I was down to my shirt and pants though I’ve put on REI gaiters to keep the volcanic soil from entering my trail running shoes. The trail is mostly loose volcanic soil with no huts along the route and with occasional mountain crawler encounter. Thoughts of coming back and bringing my daughter to this volcano were on my mind while descending because really, the trek was such a beautiful experience.

image

The view of the clouds below

image

One of the trail markers along Yoshida descending trail

image

Hikers descending and resting

image

Trail marker

image

If that little girl can hike Mt Fuji, then so can you

image

image

An emergency shelter for bad weather or eruption

image

Trail marker. Still a long way to go down

image

I imagine it would be fun and scary to just slide all the way down

image

The sparse vegetation up there

image

Finally reaching the 5th station

Japan , , , , , ,

Fujisan Trek: At 3776 Meters

Leave a comment Posted by on September 8, 2015
image

Sitting at Mount Fuji’s summit

Our very slow dark hike from the 9th station hut towards Mount Fuji summit started around 2:30 AM, more than enough time to be there just before sunrise. It was slow-moving because of the long single file of hundreds (perhaps thousands) of hikers going up. A modern pilgrimage of sun-worshippers. The slowness didn’t bother me, in fact it was truly an experience to witness so many Japanese people climbing the mountain they consider sacred, and then to wait patiently in the cold for the sunrise – their goal.

image

Japan’s rising sun

After the heartfelt rising of the sun moment, one can walk around and see very clearly at daylight the crater of this active volcano, plus the heavenly ‘above the clouds’ view at 3,776 meter altitude. Ha! I’ll never forget Mount Fuji’s altitude number because one shop in Kawaguchiko sells this Mount Fuji t-shirt with 3776 visibly printed in front, though it’s not because of this, the fact that it cost 3,776 yen stamped the number on my mind like the stamping of climbing sticks.

image

Suspense before the sunrise

image

Sun worshippers

image

Plenty of hikers

image

Where one can buy hot beverage while waiting for the sunrise

image

Vending machine at the summit — only in Japan

image

Shelter at the summit where one can sit to defrost but you must buy hot meal such as curry rice or ramen

image

Beyond those ropes in the crater of Mount Fuji

image

Another snapshot of the crater yonder

image

Torii gate just before entering the temple at the summit

image

Having my stick (1/3 size of the climbing stick) stamped at the temple in the summit for sentimental purposes

Japan , , , , , , , , ,

Fujisan Trek: Ascending Trail

Leave a comment Posted by on September 7, 2015
image

Wide trail at the start. Can be shared with horses

It was a foggy Friday past noon in the ascending Yoshida trail with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 15°C and where it rained in some parts.  The hike was rather pleasant and easy. Uphill is usually undemanding for me. My backpack was small, the one used for adventure racing with just enough space for a 1.5L hydration bladder and change of clothes. I could even run up on the trail but don’t want to spoil the beauty of mountain hiking where one can take in more of the surroundings when going up (or down) than in mountain running. Running makes me focus more on my feet because of uneven terrain, else the risk of tripping when not looking down.

image

A shelter for bad weather, erosion, or eruption

Loose small rocks and volcanic sand comprised the first part of the trek from the 5th station. In one segment towards the 9th station, it was stair-like, steep and rocky. The higher you go, the windier and colder it becomes. Took 4 leisurely hours with ample time to pee expensively (200 yen) and rest in shelters along the way for high altitude acclimatization until we reached our hut at the 9th station, our pit stop for the night before continuing the next day to the summit.

image

To those who haven’t ‘donated’ ¥1000 yet, there’s a donation table here at the 6th station

image

Hikers resting, some were eating. This is still early part of the hike

image

Hikers on the trail. Using trekking poles is a good idea. See the erosion barrier on the slope?

image

This plant with clusters of tiny white flowers is common in Mt Fuji

image

Not too easy for those with big packs

image

One of the huts along the trail

image

Looking up. More huts up there. Each hut somewhat serves as a hiking milestone

image

Looking down this time. See those huts and hikers below.

image

Stairway on the trail

image

Stairway and wire mesh baskets for soil erosion protection

image

A closer look of the wire mesh baskets securing rocks and soil on the mountainside of the trail

image

Sign pointing to Mt Fuji summit

image

Rocks were placed on the roof of this hut to secure it from strong winds

image

9th station at last. No more fog because we’re above the clouds

Japan , , , , , , ,

Fujisan Trek: Readying

Leave a comment Posted by on September 5, 2015
image

Ample information provided by Japan that there’s no need to hire a guide to climb Mount Fuji

When Gerard, my classmate in high school, told me stories about his Mount Fuji hike, I was intrigued that the idea of doing it myself has been on my mind since 2013. I’d be a fool not to climb Mount Fuji.

So in this year’s climbing season I got to hike (finally) and saw Japan’s rising sun from the summit. It was incredibly brilliant, and as beautiful as the sunrise of Mount Pulag.

image

Challenge poster

Prior to the actual hike, here are some snapshots related to readying not just for me but as observed around me mostly right before the climb that commenced at the 5th Station of the Yoshida trail.

image

Donation of at least ¥1000 for the preservation of Mount Fuji as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

image

Advice book in exchange for donation. Very handy information inside. If only I got hold of this days before the climb and not on the day itself

image

No doubt we’re in Japan. See the mascot yonder?…

image

Climbing sticks

image

Soba with plenty of local summer vegetables from a restaurant at the 5th station

image

Start of the trail at the 5th station…more on Fujisan trails in future post(s)

Japan , , , , , , ,

Japan’s Tiny Toilet Bins

2 Comments Posted by on September 3, 2015

image

Because Japan’s toilet system has powerful flush mechanism and can break down tissue papers, therefore used tissues must be flushed, and that’s the reason why their trash bins are cute. Love this hygienic system.

image

In the Philippines, one needs to throw used tissue papers in the toilet trash bins because flushing it (lots of it) can cause clogging, hence the need for regular size trash bins. I really feel bad for those Japanese visitors in the country, especially the ladies who unintentionally found themselves in a situation where they’ve clogged the toilet bowl because of the mental model to flush the paper, then have realized too late the weak power of Philippine toilet flush.

Japan, Receptacle , ,

No U-Turn / No Left Turn

Leave a comment Posted by on September 1, 2015
image

No U-turn / no left turn combination sign at Paseo de Roxas, Makati

I think it’s fine to combine no U-turn and no left turn signs as long as it’s easy to perceive like in the mockup illustration (using my pink Stabilo Boss) where the sign may look uncomplicated, and thus making it more intelligible.

image

Makati, Signs , , ,

Picture Trail Sign

2 Comments Posted by on August 31, 2015

image

Though I couldn’t read the written characters, it is very clear from the picture sign that one should not enter this particular trail in Mount Fuji. Pictures signs are universal, and in Japan they are widely use.

Japan, Signs , , , ,

Arakurayama Jaunt

Leave a comment Posted by on August 28, 2015
image

Ascending and the trail is still a bit wide from here

I was thinking that if my legs were mildly sore from the Mount Fuji trek, then perhaps a short hike to the top of Mount Arakura (Arakurayama) the following day might be soothing, plus I get to see Fujiyoshida City from above.

image

At the goten, I was on a supposed to be a good spot to have a pleasurable view of Mount Fuji from afar. But since it’s summer, Fujisan is hardly visible due to the haze, but since it’s summer then it’s a good time to climb Mount Fuji instead, which I did.

image

The top of Mount Arakura

image

Hanging gong

image

Hammer to strike the suspended gong

image

Sign at the goten (viewing spot)

image

Fujiyoshida City on a plateau as seen from the goten

image

Another view from the goten

image

Almost at the end of the descent

Japan , , , ,

Lake Kawaguchi

Leave a comment Posted by on August 25, 2015

image

Long walks around the lake for couple of days was soothing for my mildly sore leg muscles from my Mt. Fuji trek. The path beside the lake is perfect not only for walking but for running as well, and that the scenery of the mountains surrounding the water will surely make one become unaware of the distance covered on foot. In fact, in yesterday morning’s walk I went too far that I rode a bus going back.

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

Japan , , ,

Hull Hues

Leave a comment Posted by on August 24, 2015

image

As I walk by the Kawaguchi lake, I would encounter from time to time parked boats lying in bottoms up position having uniform hull color. That wasn’t just a short walk as I’ve managed to collect four snapshots.

image

image

image

Arrangement, Japan, Transport , , , , , ,

Saturday Snapshot: Goraiko

Leave a comment Posted by on August 22, 2015

image

This morning’s sunrise as seen from the summit of Mt. Fuji, Japan.

Japan, Snapshot of the Day, Sunrise Sunset , , , ,

Kedai Kopi Din Tokyo

Leave a comment Posted by on August 19, 2015

image

This traditional coffee shop in Kota Bharu has nothing to do with Japan. Feels like the kopitiams in Singapore with its old town ambiance and good local coffee but instead of tables and chairs it has two long wooden benches for communal use, a ‘kopi bar’. I’ll never forget the very hospitable proprietor who handed 5 ringgit to my 8 yr old daughter as spontaneous gift. My total bill was I think 8 ringgit for 2 mugs of coffee and nasi berlauk.

image

image

Native refreshments

Malaysia, Restaurant , , ,

Indigenous Breakfast

Leave a comment Posted by on August 12, 2015

image

Ready to eat indigenous breakfast fare in various colors are plentiful inside Siti Khadijah Market. It’s wonderful to see places like this where there is obviously good demand by locals for local fare.

image

Folks having superiority complex over their local food and their culture in totality have not lost their identity in this era of globalization.

image

image

Food, Malaysia, Market , , ,

Hospital Ship & Hellship Memorial

Leave a comment Posted by on August 9, 2015
image

Hospital ship USNS Mercy behind the tiny Hellship Memorial in Subic Bay

image

USNS Mercy

image

A closer look of the hospital ship docked in Subic Bay

Olongapo, Structure, Transport , , , , ,

Saturday Snapshot: Subic Bay

Leave a comment Posted by on August 8, 2015

image

Nimbus, birds, and ships in Subic Bay late in the afternoon.

Olongapo, Snapshot of the Day , , ,

Marine Signs

Leave a comment Posted by on August 6, 2015

image

Inside this structure that’s connected to the island by wooden footbridge, you’ll see educational signs on marine creatures that can be found in its water. This gives the one who reads it a more meaningful snorkeling or diving experience.

image

image

image

image

image

image

The structure for marine enlightenment

Cebu, Signs , , ,

No Lack of Toilet Signs

Leave a comment Posted by on August 1, 2015

image

image

No need to ask where are the toilets

image

More than enough toilet signs

Signs, Thailand , , ,

Pagulong

Leave a comment Posted by on July 30, 2015

image

Pagulong is an outdoor play where you roll a piece of tyre using a stick from point A to point B as fast as you can while maintaining its upright position. Usually it’s a race among kids and Filipino kids used to play this a lot. Perhaps it’s still true in rural areas though I haven’t seen it nowadays in the barrio.

image

Under the rain I watched my little girl play pagulong alone using a discarded bicycle tyre

Local Stuff, Metro Manila , , , , ,

Solar Image Fascination

3 Comments Posted by on July 28, 2015
image

Sunrise and the boat

Man has been observing the phases of day through the sun since Paleolithic Era until now, the “Android Age”. So there I was very recently in a tiny island, very mindful of the colors of the day attributed to the sun. Well, it’s our human nature that makes us store in some a place the solar image we’ve seen though not in cave paintings this time.

image

Sunrise and the volleyball net on the sandbar

image

Sun reflection

image

Silver sunset

image

Silver twilight

image

Dusking

image

Another morning once again and this is the image just before the sun became visible

Cebu, Sunrise Sunset , , ,

← Older posts

Newer posts →