Category Archives: Japan

Fujisan Trek: At 3776 Meters

Leave a comment Posted by on September 8, 2015
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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.

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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.

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Suspense before the sunrise

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Sun worshippers

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Plenty of hikers

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Where one can buy hot beverage while waiting for the sunrise

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Vending machine at the summit — only in Japan

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

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Beyond those ropes in the crater of Mount Fuji

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Another snapshot of the crater yonder

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Torii gate just before entering the temple at the summit

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

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Fujisan Trek: Ascending Trail

Leave a comment Posted by on September 7, 2015
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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.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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Not too easy for those with big packs

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One of the huts along the trail

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

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

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Stairway on the trail

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Stairway and wire mesh baskets for soil erosion protection

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

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Sign pointing to Mt Fuji summit

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

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

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Fujisan Trek: Readying

Leave a comment Posted by on September 5, 2015
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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.

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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.

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

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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

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

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Climbing sticks

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

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

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Japan’s Tiny Toilet Bins

2 Comments Posted by on September 3, 2015

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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.

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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 , ,

Picture Trail Sign

2 Comments Posted by on August 31, 2015

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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.

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Arakurayama Jaunt

Leave a comment Posted by on August 28, 2015
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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.

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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.

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The top of Mount Arakura

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Hanging gong

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Hammer to strike the suspended gong

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Sign at the goten (viewing spot)

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Fujiyoshida City on a plateau as seen from the goten

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Another view from the goten

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Almost at the end of the descent

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Lake Kawaguchi

Leave a comment Posted by on August 25, 2015

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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.

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Japan , , ,

Hull Hues

Leave a comment Posted by on August 24, 2015

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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.

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Arrangement, Japan, Transport , , , , , ,

Saturday Snapshot: Goraiko

Leave a comment Posted by on August 22, 2015

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

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

Sakura

Leave a comment Posted by on March 26, 2015

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I have never heard of any other culture that give that much reverence to a certain flower, plant, or tree like how the Japanese adored the cherry trees and its blooms. Only in Japan where viewing of a certain flower is being done countrywide.  They even coined a term for it – hanami. As far as I know, viewing of cherry blossoms in certain spots of other countries was introduced, if not influenced by the Japanese.

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Appreciation of the cherry blossoms is like a festival that entails a picnic, party or a quiet reflection of its positive symbolic meaning. Only in Japan where the blooming forecast of cherry trees is a major news item. That is how much they look forward to its annual beauty, and for it to be short-lived makes the level of anticipation very high. Moreover, their love for cherry blossoms is deep enough for it to be a constant subject in poetry, arts, food, and in almost every aspect of their lives. They even regard it as valuable enough to be offered as gift to other nations, a national pride. With this, I can never doubt the significance of the cherry tree to them.

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The Japanese love for their cherry blossoms spread to visitors of their country

I’m inclined to think that the Japanese are deep people. Who would have thought of planting cherry trees in great numbers at most parks, temples, and public roads as part of urban planning. The foresight to beautify the cities at spring because everybody feels so much joy viewing the cherry blossoms makes them quite a profound culture.

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Cherry blossoms on a sidewalk floor tile in Tsuchiura

 

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One of the roadside poster stand on cherry tree varieties

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Another cherry tree variety in this stand

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Outside this school in Taito-ko was where I spotted those cherry tree poster stands during my morning run

Essay, Japan, Plant, Seasonal , , , ,

Japanese How-Tos

Leave a comment Posted by on March 18, 2015

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One thing I admire about the Japanese is how easy it is to figure-out their illustrative instructions or specifications. When they illustrate something using figures, symbols, or images, words become unnecessary. This is why, for most Japanese products, figuring out how to assemble toys or opening a packaging the right way, is relatively easy by just following their illustrative instructions – even if one cannot read hiragana, katakana or kanji.

I’ve worked on Japanese projects for 3 years with no knowledge of their language. This limitation didn’t prevent me from creating reporting solutions with layout and data in accordance to their specification which was in the form of matrix and symbols. An indication of how good they were able to illustrate the details of the specs without the need for lengthy narrative. From my years of experience in information technology industry, I think Japanese specs are truly superior.

Even in non-complex uses, here is a clever instruction in Kyoto of how to properly leave garbage bags during designated yellow garbage bag collection days. A photograph of the exact spot including the tree, plus few symbols, you’ll then have a simple yet effectively clear instruction on where not to put the yellow garbage bags.

Japan, Signs , , , ,

Snow Country Measures

Leave a comment Posted by on March 12, 2015
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Life in the snow country of Japan

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Constant manual removal of snow from the rooftops

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Shoveling snow into the snow gutter (beside the lady)

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Plastic shovel for fluffy fresh snow while metal shovel for hard old snow

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Avalanche barriers

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More roadside avalanche barriers

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Like an irrigation system but its purpose is to de-ice this parking lot

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Roadside waterways for depositing and de-icing while shoveling snow. The waterways will then be used for rice paddy irrigation

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Houses with triangular roof so that the snow can easily slide off. Triangular roof also prevents thick accumulation of snow

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Man using snow scoop in Shirakawa-go

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Japan Running

Leave a comment Posted by on March 9, 2015
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Runner by the river at wintertime in Kyoto

What I like about taking spontaneous snapshots of runners is that the pictures portray running in its most honest form – no staged ones.  I remember one Christmastime, I took snapshots of runners in Boracay Island, Philippines. Similarly in Japan, I took few running pictures in springtime and wintertime, of which I’ll share today.

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Presumably an ultrarunner who has started very early somewhere, and still running by noon here in Kawagoe

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Boys running in Asakuyama Park at springtime in Tokyo

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A group of school kids running in Kawagoe

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Egghead Octopus Snack

Leave a comment Posted by on March 6, 2015
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Cute like an alien infant

To retain the figure of the marinated boiled baby octopus, someone thought of filling its head with boiled quail egg. Or perhaps, the idea is how to eat whole quail eggs in an innovative way – by using octopus head as edible packaging. Whatever it is, the outcome is an appealing, appetizing and filling snack. I shall never forget how I stood near the skewered stuffed octopus table at Nishiki food market as I chewed the egghead in wonderment.

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One way of eating quail eggs is to stuff it in the head of a baby octopus

Japan, Market, Seafood , , , ,

Cute Despite its Macho Function

Leave a comment Posted by on February 24, 2015
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Takaoka

Only in Japan where an object that hides the sewer, or keeps you from falling into the hole, can be so cute despite its macho function.

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Osaka

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Kyoto

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Kyoto

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Hida-Takayama

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Shirakawa-go

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Ainokura in Gokayama Region

Art, Fixture, Japan , , , , , ,

Ikura at Nishiki Market

Leave a comment Posted by on February 18, 2015

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Salmon roe locally known as ikura are those orange spheres and usually sold like this – without its sac. Tastes quite similar to lato in the Philippines with its burst of subtle saltiness that initially I thought it’s a kind of seaweed.

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Nishiki market where I took snapshot of the ikura. Pretty crowded as this was New Year’s rush

Japan, Market, Seafood , , , , ,

Inu-Yarai, a Singularity of Kyoto

Leave a comment Posted by on February 17, 2015

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Whereas the curved split bamboo gutter cover (inu-yarai) design of Kyoto traditional wooden houses came to be for various purposes in the old days such as protection of the wall from dog pee, or horse dung, or rain falling on its roof, and or from eavesdroppers.

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Today, I suppose inu-yarai is used as concealment for unsightly gutter, pipes, and faucet from the street point of view – something neat and attractive yet something functional. Inu-yarai is therefore a noteworthy fragment of Kyoto’s identity.

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Fixture, Japan , , , , , , ,

Off Duty Scarecrows

Leave a comment Posted by on February 16, 2015
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Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture

Meanwhile, it’s off duty for these scarecrows in the winter. So they’re out of the rice paddies and hibernating in the farmhouse.

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Edible Winter Ornamental Plant

Leave a comment Posted by on January 27, 2015

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I have noted the presence of potted kale in various places in Japan this winter. From what I gather this vegetable is frost resistant and that is why it is pretty common at winter time though not for eating but for the beautification of their doorsteps.

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Garden, Japan, Seasonal , , , , , ,

New Year Ornaments in Japan

Leave a comment Posted by on January 26, 2015
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Kyoto street posts with pine branches and tiny pink round balls

In the Philippines there is absence of New Year ornaments. We celebrate the event with fireworks, noisemakers, and food, including trays of round fruits on New Year’s Eve. But there are no traditional decorations unlike in Japan where in the days leading to this event, one can see ornaments like bamboo, rope, round pink balls, and pine branches. This was a curiosity to me that I took few snapshots of the ornaments.

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More tiny pink round balls in this shopping street

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New Year decoration at Randen Arashiyama streetcar station

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Ropes as New Year ornament too

Japan, Seasonal , , , ,

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