Climbing Mt. Fuji

It’s that time of year again, Fuji-san climbing season. Mt. Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain, with an altitude of 3,776 meters (12,388 feet). Since snow is present on the peak from September to June, the official climbing season is from July 1 until Aug 27.

Fuji-san is located on the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures. Some climbers chose to hike the picturesque lower level, starting in Fujiyoshida all the way to the op. However, most people decide to go by car or bus to the halfway point and continue on foot from there. One of the advantages of climbing from the Fujiyoshida side (Yoshidaguchi Trail) is that even if you don’t make it to the top by day break, barring clouds, you can still see the sunrise from places along the trail.

Fuji-san is a fairly strenuous climb and you should be in some shape for the hours of climbing as well as severe changes in elevation and temperature. Many people are affected by the lack of oxygen at the summit. Depending on one’s physical fitness, it may take anywhere from four to 10 hours to ascend from the Fifth Station to the summit and another 2.5 to 5 hours to descend back to the Fifth Station. The trails up and down the mountain are not the same. Make sure that you know which Fifth Station from which you came; the most common one is the Yoshidaguchi Route.

Ganbattemashoo ... so close to the top

Mountain Safety Tips. The Climbing Safety Guidance Center is located on the Sixth Station and a First Aid Center is located at the Seventh Station, but the latter is only open from July 19 to Aug 22. Be aware of falling rocks and never wander from the trail. It is not recommended to climb the mountain in the off-season due to bad weather, lack of emergency support, and limited bus service.

First time up Mt. Fuji

Mountain Hut Information. There are seventeen huts between the Fifth Station and Eighth Station that provides carious services from emergency help to limited meal service, and lodging. A few huts operate until early September, but most close at the end of the climbing season. Making reservations in advance is advised for those who wish to stay overnight in a mountain hut. Bedding is provided and prices start at about ¥5000 (additional if you want meals). Call the Mountain Hut Association Office for more information (Japanese-speaking only) 0555-22-1948. Must huts employ limited English-speaking staff.

Detailed information about huts

http://www.city.fujiyoshida.yamanashi.jp/div/english/html/lodging.html

http://www.city.fujiyoshida.yamanashi.jp/div/english/html/images/misc/HutListCost.pdf

Second time to climb Mt. Fuji

Activities on the Mountain. Most people climb Mt. Fuji to see the sunrise, goraiko, or Buddha’s halo, above the sea of clouds between the Seventh and Eighth Stations. However, there are other activities on the summit.

· Get a calligraphic stamp from the summit shrine.

· Walk around the summit crater (about 1.5 hrs).

· Mail letters from the post office.

· Call a friend a public phone at the highest point in Japan.

Sunrise over Mt. Fuji

Important supplies you will need when climbing Mt. Fuji:

· Toilet paper (instead of tissue paper, which will not dissolve)

· Layered clothing (t-shirt, sweater, heavy jacket)

· Light pocket rain coat

· Sturdy shoes

· Warm gloves

· Hand sanitizer or wipes for after using the toilet

· Flash light and extra batteries (I paid ¥3000 for six C-sized batteries on the mountain. There are no electrical outlets on the mountain; bring spare batteries for digital cameras.)

· At least 1 liter of water and snacks (food is available along the mountain, but expensive – e.g. ¥1000 for ramen)

· Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat

· Cash for the return trip, souvenirs, and food (the climbing stick is about ¥5000 if you decide to get it stamped at all hut locations)

Made it to the top again

What I wish someone would have told me the first time I climbed Mt. Fuji:

· Cut your toenails. Yes it sounds odd, but if you have long toenails and improper hiking shoes, the decline of the mountain causes unnecessary pressure on the front of your feet when you descend the mountain. So what … well, it results in bruising of one’s toenails which will later pop off entirely. (I am speaking from experience.)

· Cover your mouth and nose. After prolonged exposure to the red and black dirt, one will notice that reddish-black dirt will be emitted when blowing one’s nose and coughing up phlegm.

· While using the toilet, don’t look down! For obvious reasons, there is no plumbing on the mountain. Save yourself the disgust and avoid looking at what others deposited before you.

· Learn to use a squat toilet. This applies for both men and women. Toilets on the mountain side are basically plywood over a hole.

View of the volcanic dome

Make sure you know what time your tour bus leaves and allow yourself enough time to descend the mountain. If by chance you miss your tour bus there are other options available.

· Option 1: Take the direct Mt. Fuji Chuo Express Bus from Mt. Fuji’s Fifth Station to Shinjuku Bus Terminal (about ¥2600). These buses leave at 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00.

· Option 2: Take the direct Fujikyu Bus from Mt. Fuji’s Fifth Station to Kawaguchiko Station(about ¥1700) and then transfer to a Chuo Highway Express Bus that takes you to Shinjuku Station (about ¥1700)

· Option 3: Take the direct Fujikyu Bus from Mt. Fuji’s Fifth Station to Kawaguchiko Station(about ¥1700) and then take a train to your destination. (Make sure to have an English-Japanese train map with you because English might not be available on the train.)

• Train Option A: Fujiyoshida Direct Express (Chokutsu Kyuko) to Shinjuku (about 2 hrs 06 mins)
• Train Option B: Fujiyoshida (Fujikyu Line) to Otsuki Station (about 50 minutes) switch to JR Chuo Line to Shinjuku Station (about 1 hr 40 mins)

Lastly, remember to carry your own trash down the mountain. There are no public trash facilities on the mountain.

Mt. Fuji Climbing Information

http://www.city.fujiyoshida.yamanashi.jp/div/english/html/climb.html

Mt. Fuji FAQs

http://www.city.fujiyoshida.yamanashi.jp/div/english/html/climbing_faq.html

Fujiyoshida City Website

http://www.city.fujiyoshida.yamanashi.jp/div/english/html/index.html

Mt. Fuji Map (circa 1997)

Mt. Fuji Map (circa 1999)

Hasshoku Center aka Hachinohe Fish Market

Address: 22-2 Kamisai Aza Kawaragi Hachinohe City, Aomori

Hours: Market: 9:00AM-6:00PM; Aji Yokocho (restaurants): 9:00AM-7:00PM; Kuriya Stadium (restaurants): 9:00AM-9:00PM

Closed: Wednesdays and January 1st

Admission: free

Welcome to Japan. If one hasn’t grown up frequenting Asian food markets, be prepared for culture shock.

Misawa Base residents commonly referred to Hasshoku Center as Hachinohe Fish Market. However, it is much more than a fish market. This general food retail center hosts a range of Hachinohe and Aomori specialties under one roof.

In addition to fresh seafood, vendors sell vegetables, local liquors, sweets and dry foods, ice cream, ramen, rare delicacies, and souvenirs. There are also areas of restaurants called Kuriya Stadium and Aji Yokocho, which offer visitors dishes of fresh seafood, which seem to be a popular place for locals to eat because there are usually lines out the door around lunch and dinner time.

In Shichirin Village, visitors can char-grill seafood and meat that they buy in the market and enjoy eating them. Events, cooking classes and free market are regularly held in the center, too.

The second floor of both Hasshoku Center and Hasshoku Stadium encompasses a small area for children to play. This part of Hachinohe is easily accessible by car. Nearby stores, such as Sanwado and HoMac, provide supplies for your home. If you miss your garage sales and swamp meets from back home, Sundays during the spring, summer, and fall, a flea market offers reasonably-priced second hand goods.

So many vendors to choose from

Local fish

Crab for everyone

Fish, snails, and other sea food

Taxidermy shark not for sale =(

Hachinohe key chains

Cupie keitai charms

Mmm ... the smell of fresh carbs

Hello dessert

Bean-filled pancakes

Sembei cracker galore

Seasonal fruits

Fresh vegetables

Deep fried seafood

Deep fried varieties of croquette

Hasshoku Center children's area

Games for you to spend your yen

American are welcome to sell their goods at the flea market. Arrive early (before 07:30 AM) and be prepared to get swarmed by shoppers the MINUTE you put stuff on the ground. Bring a tarp and/or to place your belonging on. Although advertised as open through 02:00 PM, most vendors start packing up about 12 noon.

Hasshoku Center Directions

From Misawa's Falcon Road, turn left onto the Toll Road

Go through the first toll booth, pay 200 yen, and take your ticket

Exit at 7: Hachinohe-kita, pay 150 yen, follow the curve, and turn right at the light onto Route 45

Continue on Route 45 until you see the first Sunkus (about 10 minutes)

Turn right at the Sunkus traffic light

Turn right when the street comes to a T-intersection
Turn right to Hasshoku Center and left to the Flea Market

Hirosaki Castle Sakura Festival (Cherry Blossom)

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Hirosaki Castle boasts its abundance of over 2500 trees, cherry blossom tunnels, petal filled moats, and many varieties of cherry trees. In addition, numerous pleasant picnic areas, rental rowing boats, and illuminations in the evenings make this a scenic Japanese tourist spot. The average sakura opening starts about April 24 and full bloom usually occurs around April 30.

The cherry blossom (sakura) is Japan's unofficial national flower. It has been celebrated for many centuries and holds a very prominent position in Japanese culture. In fact, it is the flower on the 100 Yen coin.

There are many dozens of different cherry tree varieties in Japan, most of which bloom for just a couple of days in spring. The Japanese celebrate that time of the year with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties under the blooming trees.

The most important factor in determining the blooming time of cherry trees is the geographical location. Basically, the milder the climate, the earlier the blossoms open. In most major cities in between, the cherry blossom season typically takes place in early April. Furthermore, the blooming time of cherry trees differs from year to year depending on the weather. If the weather during the months and weeks proceeding the sakura season is mild, blossoms will open early. If it is cold, blossoms will open later. From year to year, the start of the blooming season can vary by as much as two weeks.

Sakura season is relatively short. Full bloom (mankai) is usually reached within about one week after the opening of the first blossoms (kaika). Another week later, the blooming peak is over and the blossoms are falling from the trees. Strong wind and rain can cut the blooming season even shorter.

Artist Vendor

Deatailed work

Finished product

With my children

Husband being silly

Japanese tourists

Oba-chan onlookers

Photo cut outs

The word swastika came from the Sanskrit word svastika, meaning any lucky or auspicious object, and in particular a mark made on persons and things to denote good luck. Japanese maps use the swastika symbol to denote a Buddhist temple. Hirosaki City uses this symbol as official emblem.

Unassuming police officer taking a break

Black sesame mochi ... an acquired taste

Definitely more mochi varieties than one can imagine at the festival

Steamed seafood

Bean or custard pancakes

Takoyaki baby octopi style

Takoyaki = Octopus balls (not the gonad balls)

Driving directions to Hirosaki Castle are posted on my blog from March 8, 2011

http://traveling-tengco.blogspot.com/search/label/Hirosaki%20Castle