Hakone’s contribution to Japanese art is one that melds nature and man and far surpasses the output of other cities with more than 10 times its population.  Blend this with the magnificent views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji and the respect and appreciation of life shared by all of the townsfolk and you have a superb destination for escaping Tokyo.

Hakone is blessed with some fantastic scenery and some of the finest is to be found as you approach the Hakone open-air sculpture garden where images of lush forestry, which covers the rolling hills are reflected in an ever-changing kaleidoscope of color that changes with the seasons.  The picturesque valleys are also home to outstanding works of man-made art by some of the most famous practitioners of sculpting to of worked and combined they make for many a striking visual.

The indoor exhibition rooms are without doubt amongst the most well stocked of Japanese art galleries and are home to a series of works by Renoir and Picasso.  Within are approximately 300 pieces of rare ceramic work and once you have walked your way through that you can rest your feet in the foot baths that have been made by utilizing the natural hot springs of the town.

All of the photographs here have been taken from walking around the outside gardens and the works that are display there, amongst 70,000 square meters of grass land are works by sculptors including Henry Moore and Rodin.

Boasting a great literary heritage in Japan as well, once being home to noted literii, politicians and foreign dignitaries in the Meiji and Taishō and early Shōwa periods and should also be noted for its contribution to craftwork with parquetry.

One of the greatest joys of visiting Harkone is, of course, the people themselves.  Polite, meditative, always ready to help and, if there is a single way to characterize the local people – it is living life to its most beautiful, creating and maintaining a fantastic atmosphere so much in evidence across town – so go and see for yourself.

Despite its stunning scenery, however, the track has not had such a glorious showing on the world stage where a series of accidents gained it a reputation for reckless endangerment in the 1960s and allegations of a pro-Toyota bias effecting it when the circuit once again hosted the Japanese F1 race in 2007. The race was more of a success the following year, but financial troubles at Toyota have convinced them to stop promoting the race for now and the next Japanese GP will be returning to Suzuka, the figure of 8 circuit in Mie Prefecture that is owned and operated by Toyota rival Honda.

I went to Fuji Speedway recently as part of an organized race weekend that was open to private drivers, wannabes, amateurs and other petrol-head types. Some who went were sponsored by local racing clubs, others by small car manufacturers and the like but many were there also just for the chance to drive their own Ferrari, Porsche or Skyline at the speeds they were designed for and that Tokyo living just doesn’t allow.

After a few safety lessons on the etiquette of driving at high speed, we were allowed to enter a race. The first few laps are tense; you are worried abut any small mistake, you don’t want to make a fool of yourself and you are gripped with a sense of whether or not you can really do it. Once a few laps have zipped past, though, you begin to loosen up and get a feel for it. The nerves are replaced by a sense that you are the next Jenson Button and then you can really start to enjoy your day.

For those who can’t drive, or want to experience the thrill of racing at Fuji Speedway from afar, the track appears in various computer games including the Gran Turismo for Sony’s PlayStation and at Aqua City shopping mall in Odaiba where, in the nearby car museum, a giant simulator recreates the experience, vibrations and all.

Hello again, everyone. It’s me, Akie, up here in the wilds of Akita. I was just out for a drive through the now barren rice fields when I happened upon a flock of swans milling around out here. As luck would have it, I struck up a really cool conversation with one of them. He tells me he is a Whooper swan and his name is ‘Whooo-P’.

So tell me, Whoo-P, where are you from?

I’m from Swan Lake of course (chuckles) sorry; it’s a joke we always tell….. out west, northern Asia, Russian far east, mostly.

So, what are you doing here in Akita?

Checking out the Bijins, of course!

Maaa, I bet you say that to all the girls!

Actually we are on our way south for the winter and since Akita is kinda on the way,

we stop and check it out. Besides the pickings are pretty good here.

Yes, in past blogs I talked about the delicious food from this prefecture.

Yea, great bugs and grub and stubble!

Uh, right… I also hear you guys flying overhead at night. Isn’t that a little dangerous, I mean, you guys don’t have GPS or anything like that, do you?

Nope, never been sick a day in my life! Oh, you mean that navigation thingy. No, it is purely swan sense. When the sun shines down on the earth it heats the surface and causes upwelling of air which is a real pain to fly through. You’ll notice we fly higher during the day than we do at night. We can thus save energy by taking advantage of the laminar flow of the jet stream.

Wow, that’s cool! I also always hear you cackling to each other too. What do you cackle about?

Well, to tell the truth, we let your scientist believe that we are encouraging the lead guy up there doing all the work. Actually, we are taking bets on how long before he craps out and drops back.

What do you mean by the lead guy doing all the work?

Well, let me see if I can explain this in human terms for you. The lead bird sets the pace and is situated at the point of the V formation we fly in. He thus breaks the wind and the rest of us following him will draft in the vortex created. Flying in a V formation helps us conserve energy. Really important when you have a long way to go, Baby!

Well, Whoo-P, thanks for the informative chat and sharing with my friends some insight into your world. Better let you get back to your grub.

Yea, those Whistling swan and Mute swans who occasionally join us eat like flying pigs!

Well, maybe I’ll catch you on our return trip next spring. You married?

No, I’m not.

Well, I am, for LIFE!

She’s a lucky bird! Ja mata ne

The answer to that question is no, Japan like most countries do not offer duel citizenship. Meaning once you live in Japan for more then 5 years you will need/should to nationalize. Now that does not mean you can not move back to your homeland and all that good information. Its just harder that`s all.

Alright well below is my advice to making the big move to any country and I will answer a few questions you may have.

1. Set-up a realistic time frame for your move.

For me my leave date was September of 2007. I started my lessons in Japanese language and culture in 2005. My mom being Japanese made things easy for me since I did not have hire someone to teach me Japanese or go to school or anything. So you may want to take a few years to get yourself ready for your new life overseas.

2. Learn The Language!

For the sake of this article, I assume your moving to a country where they do not speak the same language as you. Taking a few years to really study up the language never hurts but I learned the complete Japanese language in a matter of three months so it really is up to you. Tip for people moving to Japan. Some parts of Japan have people who do not speak any English at all. Always assume that no one speaks English.

3. Pack Lightly!

Its never a great idea to drag an entire bedrooms worth of stuff around anyplace. So bring only what you know what you need. You can always buy new things in your home land.

4. The Emotional Good-Bye!

This one is easy. I just told family and friends I was moving to Japan to get back in touch with my Japanese side of my multi-culture heritage. But for those not with any heritage to their new country. Tell family and friends that you will be happier living there and that you still love them. Its just that you don`t like the culture you live in.

5. The Penguins Of Madagascar!

Nickoledeon show about penguins in a zoo that go on missions and act all military like. Probably one of the best American anime shows made in a really long time. Its really funny and cute…The Inou loves Rico!!

6. Be prepared  for anything!!!

You never know what will happen in your new homeland so its important to make sure you are ready for anything and everything that can and will happen to you. Get sick? Know how to get to and communicate with doctors. Things getting ugly? make sure you have enough money to fly yourself back to your homeland. Be smart, Be safe.

7. Everybody needs a friend…

Its never a bad idea to go online and make a friend with someone in the new country that will help you find a job, an apartment and even help you unpack! This new friend will also show you the best places. You should try to build a life long friendship with this person since they helped you move and all.

Thats really all the advice I can give to you. Each persons trip will be different and each person will take the trip in a different matter. Just be smart and most of all be safe and enjoy your trip and new life!!

If you have any questions and are reading this on Gaijin pot just leave the questions in the comments section and I will try my best to answer them in a timely matter. If you are reading this on the Games To Dust website, send your questions in to the address shown and I will try to answer it on the show.

Thank you all and God bless!!

How does it do this?

As can be seen in the attached pic, at any special time, or in conjunction with an event (or seemingly also at just random nights in the week), Tokyo Tower is lit up to catch the mood.  Recently it has been illuminated to reflect breast cancer awareness, the Tokyo bid for the 2016 Olympics, Culture Day and as can be seen here – for World Diabetes Day.

Feel free to add your memories of seeing Tokyo Tower below.  For those outside of Japan, check out the movie Japan Sinks (aka Nihon Chinbotsu) to see Tokyo Tower and the rest of Japan washed away in a gigantic tidal wave .

Ride up and down the elevators of Japanese office blocks and you may well come across some very suggestive signs.  Not signs of anything going on, or signs which might suggest you have entered the twilight zone.  But signs telling you just what it is you can’t do.

GaijinPot has tweeted about the Tokyo Metro manner signs (to be found online here – my personal favorite being the young office worker diving into the train only to be trapped by the closing doors) but during a recent trip out to meet with some friends from another company across town we came across a new kind of manner sign.  At the top of every elevator in the building – there were a lot – were a series of signs giving the rider some subtle hints about just what was expected of you for the duration of your trip.

From top to bottom:

• Beauty is silent (maybe this could be translated as silence is golden?)
• Volume down is good etiquette (good mobiles phones are seen and not heard?)
• Manner mode is peaceful (good manners cost nothing??)

Keeping on track with your manners?

September and October marks the start of some leaves turning to yellow to red in Japan, which is also known as foliage or kouyou or momiji (紅葉) in Japanese. Foliage viewing in Japanese is called momijigari (紅葉狩り). Foliage debuts as early as late September from the mountains of Hokkaido down to the hills of Kyoto and the western part of Japan until early December. As a tropical-dwelling individual, this season is a must to enjoy as we do not have this one in the Philippines. I have always been captivated by the pictures that I only see in the Internet about pictures of foliage. This time, it has become a somewhat dream-come-true.

A recent trip to Komoro City, further away from Karuizawa, in Nagano Prefecture, made this longing for true foliage possible. Along with friends, we did a two-hour drive from Saitama Prefecture using the Joshin-Etsu Expressway. Located several kilometers above from Komoro City is a part of mountain range, belonging to Mt. Asama National Park, filled with maple trees and several highland-type of trees color the atmosphere with pastels of red, yellow and orange. It felt amazing to see such beautiful and amazing display of colors. Even the chilling cold did not stop us from posing for wacky pictures and capturing every detail of the psychedelic-colored mountain range. Furthermore, we trekked for several minutes beneath the woods and found wild berries. Raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries were scattered randomly in the rocky fields. After several hours, we went back to the city and headed to the biggest apple farm in Komoro City. Matsui Apple Farm (松井りんご農園) has several hectares of apples ranging from sweet, sour to sweet-and-sour variety of apples. Apple picking is always the highlight of any bus tour or apple farm visit in Japan. Same goes with pears, grapes and strawberries during spring. A large-sized bag costing 1,200 including entrance fee, maximum of seven apples, which can fit into the bag, and a mouth-watering eat-all-you-can of apples will amaze visitors in the plantation. Trees are classified into three different colors: yellow for sweet, purple for sour and red for mixed sweet and sour flavors. There are scattered nearby who will slice all the apples you pick. I really felt bloated after eating two huge apples. It felt like I don’t want to eat apples again for a month or so. Everything was overwhelming. Apples were so fresh and crispy. Imagine eating apples straight from the tree. After eating, we bought some of the farm’s produce. Tomatoes, broccoli and mushrooms were very cheap at around 100 yen per pack/bundle. Each of us brought seven extraordinary sizes of apples and the vegetables we bought.

After having out lunch in nearby Tomi City, we head back to Komoro City’s famous winery, the Manns Wines. A short video about their produce was shown and we toured their facility for free. Within their facility are humongous barrels of grape wine stored for ageing. According to our tour guide each huge tank can yield approximately 45,000 bottles of wine in one single production. And of course, the best part of it was their unlimited wine tasting. Various types of red and white wine were served for free. I liked the more bold ones wherein the alcohol content was higher than the others and it tasted bittersweet. The aroma itself is enough to perk your senses. Within their store, you can find a 31,600 yen bottle of wine for sale. Wow. According to the staff, Solaris wine won the gold prize in a prestigious wine competition abroad. Our quest with foliage did not stop there.

Travel Mishaps in Going to Nikko

Our cravings for more foliage did not stop in Nagano. The following weekend, we headed for Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture. Perhaps this place is one of the most popular place for foliage viewing in Kanto Region. Days before I planned the routes as we are just going to go there on a local train starting off from our hacienda in North Saitama. Indeed numerous traveling mishaps occurred. First, our supposed to be “first trip” schedule was a special rapid train and it would cost us more than the usual. So we opted for the next scheduled train to arrive five minutes after. Thus, choosing this schedule would have us running for our next train in Tobu-Dobutsukoen station within a minute from the platform we get off to the platform where the Tobu Nikko line would go for. To our stupidity for carelessly and not looking at the schedule and the right platform number, we jumped off to the approaching train so quickly. Only to find out that the train we just rode was a train going to our destination. Arrrgghhh…. So we have no choice but to wait for the next train. Our target time was again delayed for thirty minutes. Then finally our train arrived and we were able to change trains successfully without any glitch in Tobu-Dobutsukoen. We rode the rapid train bound for Nikko. While inside the train for almost an hour we slept and felt confident that the train will bring us directly to Nikko station. To our surprise it did not. Here’s the catch. The six or so coach train’s last two coaches will be the one that will be going to Nikko and the first four coaches will go to Kinugawa-Onsen station. Actually we were in the second coach. And the next thing we noticed was that we were the only ones inside the coach. After confirming the route, indeed we made a terrible mistake. Arrrrgghhhh again…. So we had to get of in Daiyamukou Station (大谷向) and wait for the next train to go back to Shimoimaichi Station (下今市). Shimoimaichi station is where the train separates and the junction for both Nikko and Kinugawa bound trains. After getting off, we checked the schedule in the station. Gosh! The next train will arrive after 50 minutes. So what we did was get out of that station and walked around twenty minutes going back to Shimoimaichi. So we were like lost backpackers in the middle of the jungle walking around the lonely and empty fields of Daiyamuko town. One surprising part of this experience was that there was no train attendant in that station. My God… If we just knew it, we could have bought 130 yen tickets and got off that station. After the trek, we finally arrived in Shimoimaichi. It was indeed shameful to explain why our Suica and Pasmo cards did not work. Well I just told the attendant that we overslept and missed Shimoimaichi. And there we got in and waited for the train. By that time, we actually have never realized that only the last two coaches will be heading for Nikko. Carelessly waiting, we waited in the wrong side of the platform. By the time the train arrived and passengers disembarked, there was a commotion. We were actually clueless and surprised why the heck people are running at the end wherein there is no exit. To my amazement, this was the only train bound for Nikko. Oh my God! All people who rode the first six coached squeezed their way in the last two coaches. Including us! It felt like I was riding the Yamanote and Chuo Lines again on a rush hour. We had no choice but to endure the crowded travel. Anyway it only took around 15 minutes to arrive Nikko.

Finally at Nikko

It was already past 9AM when we arrived. We hurriedly went straight to Tobu ticket area to buy our bus pass that day. The problem was the person I am talking with insisted that we can pay inside the bus as I was insisting we needed a pass. To our confusion, we went to the bus station directly. Confused as I am sure that there was a pass, we went back again to the ticket station and searched for that brochure which shows the pass rates. There, I grabbed one and showed it to the train attendant. Beside me was another foreigner who spoke in English and the attendant also talked to him in English semi-fluently. Arrrrggghhh… To my disappointment, I talked to him in a loud voice saying “I said to you a while ago that I need these tickets.” And then he kept silent and gave us the tickets. There, another 10 minutes was lost in that confusion. We ran towards the Yumoto Onsen (湯元温泉) bound bus and queued. Another disappointment was in line. The whole travel would take the maximum of three hours because of the traffic. Arrrggghhhh.. No choice.

Senjogahara Plateau

Ernest decided that we should just go directly to Senjogahara since he has been there last year and that the view of the plateau was nice. So we figured out to get off at Sanbonmatsu Station, as our pass is only up to that station. Along the way, traffic sucked. But the entire surrounding was breathtaking. We passed by roads of psychedelic-colored trees and leaves. Shades of red, yellow, and orange captivate your eyes as we battled for the heavy traffic. Along the way, we passed by Akechidaira Ropeway. The view of the gorge was too awesome. Actually, that ropeway was supposed to be on our list but because of the delays, we skipped it. Also, that area was the reason why it was so traffic. Everyone on cars just wanted to go there. Finally, getting off at Sanbonmatsu, We ate first before we head for our purpose. One of Nikko’s meibutsu (名物) or specialty was Yuba Ramen. Yuba is tofu skin rolled into a cloth-like manner. It tasted good and the soup gave us the energy we needed for our marathon.

Senjogahara is a barren plateau filled with grass, birch and conifer-like trees. The scene resembled that of NGC’s Savannah wilderness. The only lacking thing would probably herds of wildebeests and lions. A majestic color of arid cold environment and the spectacular display of yellow leaves thrilled every single shot coming from my camera. The “ojisans” also displayed with pride their telephoto lenses and tripod as they take pictures beneath the wilderness of the valley. An up-close feel of the real birch tree that scattered within the observation platform made this experience more interesting. The trunk of the birch tree was a bit chalky and some of its skin already peeled off maybe because of the intense cold.

Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Waterfalls

Wasting no time, we waited for the bus bound for Lake Chuzenji around 120PM. Sadly, the traffic made us wait until 230PM before arriving at Lake Chuzenji. Before we could reach Yubinkyokumae Station, we decided to take a walk while we taking pictures just for us to save time and breathe the scent of autumn air beside the lake. Numerous water rides for rent can be seen beside the lake. Beneath the lake on the other side of the mountain was a mountain covered with endless foliage of red and orange. Because it was cloudy, it was a bit dim and the foliage was not that as bright as when there is sunlight. Anyway, we just can’t stop taking a lot of pictures here and there as pastels of red and yellow surround the area. The walk lasted for almost an hour with occasional stops. Mt. Nantai was just beside the lake and stretches of trees in red color the mountain. The wind blew colder that day and it almost felt like early winter. After the tireless walk, we finally reached Kegon Waterfalls as our final stop. The waterfall can be observed outside without paying any entrance fee from the ridge of the canyon beside the cafeterias. However we went down to see the waterfall up-close. Entrance fee is at 530 yen where a descent to 100 meters below will take you to the center of the waterfall. Nature has carved the rock walls of the waterfall into a splendor design of architecture similar to that of a stacked chandelier. The sound of flowing water was as relaxing as that of beach waves pound the shores. People take turns to capture their own remembrance of the waterfall. Everything was worth the effort. There are three levels of observation decks. The further you go, the more you can observe the mouth of the gorge. Kegon Waterfalls is very tall standing at 97 meters and is one of the three tallest waterfalls in Japan. Also, this waterfall is notorious for suicides among young people. Ooops. So far, this is the tallest waterfall I have ever seen.

Concluding our trip was a nice quick dinner and omiyage shopping for our beloved colleagues. By 530PM, traffic suddenly disappeared. Perhaps ETC travelers were rushing towards the expressway by that time. We arrived at the station by 630PM and rode the local train back home. Due to the mishaps, we were not able to visit Shinkyo Bridge, Akechidaira Ropeway and the famous Toshogu Temple. At least, we have a reason why we should come back again to Nikko next autumn for foliage viewing.

Such was the case this last weekend when we went down to the Capital city of Naha to take in the Ryukyu Kingdom Festival. The weather reports for that weekend called for rain and thundershowers all through the weekend. It rained most of the day before and all through the night prior. A low pressure trough settled right over Okinawa and the forecast called for rain and scattered thundershowers all through the next couple of days. It didn’t look like a good time for taking pictures at all.

As I drove from my house on the East China Sea or west side of the island over to his house on the Pacific Ocean side, I could see tall billowing storm clouds and thunderheads straddling the mountain ridge that runs the 68 mile length of the island. There were clear blue skies to the west and ominous skies to the east. It didn’t help that the prevailing winds were coming from the east.

As I crossed over the island near Nago and through a mountain pass, clouds enveloped the hillsides and winding mountain road. Coming down the road on the other side it started to drizzle a little bit and from what I could see, looking out toward the ocean, it sure as heck didn’t look like it was going to be a good day for taking pictures.

I picked up mike at his house in Kin Town and we headed south to the big city. The clouds broke open for a little bit along the way but as we got closer the skies again grew dark and ominous. We were thankful that we both use Pentax cameras and lenses which are made to withstand the elements. If there are any company representatives out there reading this, neither one of us would object one bit if you decided to sponsor us!

Anyway, we parked the car where we usually do when we go to Naha. It’s a lot on the backside of the main Naha market. The streets here are covered, mostly to provide shoppers protection from the brutal summer sun. We made our way to the parade route high and dry. But when we came out at the other end, the skies began to clear. In fact, the sun was starting to come out and it was getting a little on the warm side. I was glad I decided to wear shorts instead of jeans like my wife insisted.

We walked the length of Kokusai “international” street to where the parade was to form up and begin their march at noon. We arrived just as they were forming up, pulled out our cameras, checked our settings and began snapping away. After taking a few pictures of the King, Queen and the rest of the dignitaries, we moved to the other end of the parade route to find a place where we could set up and take our pictures relatively unobstructed by the crowd.

We stayed till 3:15 when the parade ended. Mike had estimated that he had around 70 pictures in his camera. I knew I had taken a lot more but wasn’t sure just how many. It wasn’t till I downloaded them in my computer the next day. Thats when I saw there were 290 of them to go through and develop with silkypix.

We made our way back to where we parked and prepared to head back north to our homes. As we left the downtown area, the skies again began to turn dark and ominous. By the time we had reached the restaurant where we decided to take lunch, at 4:30 PM, the skies opened up and it began to rain. We dashed into the restaurant just as the rain started coming down hard.

As we enjoyed our very late but none the less delicious lunch and talked about all of the shots we took, once again Mike brought up his theory about the Okinawan Rain God or “Ame Kami-sama.” He said, “I’ve lived here a long time and I don’t know how they do it, but it just seems that whenever they have a big celebration going on, somehow the rain gods seem to oblige them.” Having been here for a few years myself and after what I witnessed that day, I’m inclined to believe him.

Some stories and pictures we took at last year’s festival can be seen here.

http://jpgmag.com/stories/8732

http://jpgmag.com/stories/8600

For more blogs on travel visit GaijinPot blogs page.  Information on Okinawa and festivals can also be found on the In Japan pages.

September and October marked the start of some leaves turning to yellow to red in Japan, which is also known as foliage or kouyou or momiji (紅葉) in Japanese. Foliage viewing in Japanese is called momijigari (紅葉狩り). Foliage debuts as early as late September from the mountains of Hokkaido down to the hills of Kyoto and the western part of Japan until early December. As a tropical-dwelling individual, this season is a must to enjoy as we do not have this one in the Philippines. I have always been captivated by the pictures that I only see in the Internet about pictures of foliage. This time, it has become a somewhat dream-come-true.

Travel Mishaps in Going to Nikko

Last month we headed for Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture. Perhaps this place is one of the most popular place for foliage viewing in Kanto Region. Days before, I planned the routes as we are just going to go there on a local train starting off from our hacienda in North Saitama. Indeed, numerous traveling mishaps occurred. First, our supposed to be “first trip” which was scheduled was actually a “special rapid train,” and would cost us more than the usual if we embark on it. So we opted for the next scheduled train to arrive which was about five minutes after. Thus, choosing this schedule had us running for our next train in Tobu-Dobutsukoen station within a minute. We rushed to the other platform as we saw the train approaching. To our stupidity for carelessly not looking at the schedule and the exact platform number, we rode the wrong train. In fact, it was going back to our home station. Arrrgghhh…. So we have no choice but to wait for the next train. Our target time was again delayed for thirty minutes. Then finally our train arrived and we were able to change trains successfully without any glitch in Tobu-Dobutsukoen. We rode the rapid train bound for Nikko. While inside the train for almost an hour, we slept and felt confident that the train will bring us directly to Nikko station. To our surprise it did not. Here’s the catch. The train’s last two coaches will be the only coaches that are bound for Nikko while the first six coaches will go to Kinugawa-Onsen. Actually we were in the second coach. And the next thing we noticed was that we were the only ones inside the coach. After confirming the route, indeed we made a terrible mistake. Arrrrgghhhh again…. So we had to get of in Daiyamukou Station (大谷向) and wait for the next train to go back to Shimoimaichi Station (下今市). Shimoimaichi station is where the train separates and the junction for both Nikko and Kinugawa bound trains. After getting off, we checked the schedule in the station. Gosh! The next train will arrive after 50 minutes. So what we did was get out of that station and walked around twenty minutes going back to Shimoimaichi. So we were like lost backpackers in the middle of the jungle walking around the lonely and empty fields of Daiyamuko town. One surprising part of this experience was that there was no train attendant in that station. My God… If we just knew it, we could have bought 130 yen tickets and got off that station. After the trek, we finally arrived in Shimoimaichi. It was indeed shameful to explain why our Suica and Pasmo cards did not work. Well I just told the attendant that we overslept and missed Shimoimaichi. And there we got in and waited for the train. By that time, we actually have never realized that only the last two coaches will be heading for Nikko. Carelessly waiting, we waited on the wrong side of the platform. By the time the train arrived and passengers disembarked, there was a commotion. We were actually clueless and surprised why the heck people are running at the end wherein there is no exit. To my amazement, the last two coaches were the only train bound for Nikko. And they cut the train! Literally separating the Kinugawa-Onsen from the Nikko bound trains. Oh my God! All people who rode the first six coaches squeezed their way in the last two coaches. Including us! It felt like I rode the Yamanote and Chuo Lines again on a rush hour. We had no choice but to endure the crowded train. Anyway, it only took around 15 minutes to reach Nikko.

Finally at Nikko

It was already past 9AM when we arrived. We hurriedly went straight to Tobu ticket area to buy our bus pass that day. The problem was that the person I am talking with insisted that we can pay inside the bus as I was insisting we needed a pass. To our confusion, we went to the bus station directly. Confused as I am sure that there was a pass, we went back again to the ticket station and searched for that brochure which shows the pass rates. There, I grabbed one and showed it to the train attendant. Beside me was another foreigner who spoke in English and the attendant also talked to him in English semi-fluently. Arrrrggghhh… To my disappointment, I talked to him in a loud voice in English saying “I said to you a while ago that I need these tickets.” And then he kept silent and gave us the tickets. The 2-day pass until Sanbonmatsu Station is at 2,600 yen. There, another ten minutes was lost in that confusion. We ran towards the Yumoto Onsen (湯元温泉) bound bus and queued. Another disappointment was in line. According to the notice, the whole travel would take the maximum of three hours because of the traffic. Arrrggghhhh.. No choice.

Senjogahara Plateau

Jump!

Ernest decided that we should just go directly to Senjogahara since he has been there last year and that the view of the plateau was nice. So we figured out to get off at Sanbonmatsu Station, as our pass is only up to that station. Along the way, traffic sucked. But the entire surrounding was breathtaking. We passed by roads of psychedelic-colored trees and leaves. The long winding road was actually called “Romantic Highway.” Indeed colorfully romantic. Shades of red, yellow, and orange captivate your eyes as we battled for the heavy traffic. Along the way, we passed by Akechidaira Ropeway. The view of the gorge was too awesome. Actually, that ropeway was supposed to be on our list but because of the delays, we skipped it. Also, that area was the reason why it was so traffic. Everyone on cars just wanted to go there. Finally, getting off at.Sanbonmatsu, we ate first before we head for our purpose. One of Nikko’s meibutsu (名物) or specialty is Yuba Ramen. Yuba is rolled thin tofu skin. It tasted good and the soup gave us the energy we needed for our marathon.

Senjogahara is a barren plateau filled with dried grass, birch and conifer-like trees. The scene resembled that of NGC’s savannah wilderness. The only lacking thing would probably herds of wildebeests and lions. A majestic color of arid cold environment and the spectacular display of yellow leaves thrilled every single shot coming from my camera. The “ojisans” also displayed with pride their telephoto lenses and tripod as they take pictures beneath the wilderness of the valley. An up-close feel of the real birch tree that scattered within the observation platform made this experience more interesting. The trunk of the birch tree was a bit chalky and some of its skin already peeled off maybe because of the intense cold.

Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Waterfalls

Wasting no time, we waited for the bus bound for Lake Chuzenji around 120PM. Sadly, the traffic made us wait until 230PM before arriving at Lake Chuzenji. Before we could reach Yubinkyokumae Station, we decided to take a walk while taking pictures just for us to save time and breathe the scent of autumn air beside the lake. Numerous water rides for rent can be seen beside the lake. Beneath the lake on the other side of the mountain was another mountain covered with endless foliage of red and orange. Because it was cloudy, it was a bit dim and the foliage was not that as bright as when there is sunlight. Anyway, we just can’t stop taking a lot of pictures here and there as pastels of red and yellow surround the area. The walk lasted for almost an hour with occasional stops. Mt. Nantai was just beside the lake and stretches of trees in red color the mountain. The wind blew colder that day and it almost felt like early winter. After the tiresome walk, we finally reached Kegon Waterfalls as our final stop. From the ridge of the canyon beside the cafeterias, the waterfall can be observed outside without paying any entrance fee. However we went down just to see the waterfall up-close. Entrance fee is at 530 yen where a descent to 100 meters below will take you to the center of the waterfall. Nature has carved the rock walls of the waterfall into a splendor design of architecture similar to that of a stacked chandelier. The sound of flowing water was as relaxing as that of beach waves pound the shores. People take turns to capture their own remembrance of the waterfall. Everything was worth the effort. There are three levels of observation decks. The further you go, the more you can observe the mouth of the gorge. Kegon Waterfalls is very tall standing at 97 meters high and is one of the three tallest waterfalls in Japan. Also, this waterfall is notorious for suicides among young people. Ooops. So far, this is the tallest waterfall I have ever seen.

Concluding our trip was a nice quick dinner and omiyage shopping for our beloved colleagues. By 530PM, traffic suddenly disappeared. Perhaps ETC travelers were rushing towards the expressway by that time. We arrived at the station by 630PM and rode the local train back home. Due to the mishaps, we were not able to visit Shinkyo Bridge, Akechidaira Ropeway and the famous Toshogu Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Anyway, we have been there except the ropeway last year. At least, we have a reason why we should come back again to Nikko next autumn for foliage viewing.

Can’t you just taste that chill in the air?  Can’t you just feel that cold wind in your face?  Can’t you just see those changing colors of the leaves?  Yep! Fall is definitely here!

Hello everyone, it’s me, Akie here again!  I’m out at the Suishiin botanical garden here in Akita city, taking in all the changing leave’s colors, from green to red, yellow, orange, etc.  We Japanese call this kouyou.  We usually just talk about the red leaves changing, but I think all the different colors splashed across the landscape are so gorgeous and breath-taking, don’t you? Just like in the springtime when the Cherry Blossoms bloom, this time of year is special so you can find we Japanese moving all around our islands looking for the best spots to view the changing leaves.

And I must say, Akita offers some of the very best places to check out  all the fall spectrum of colors.  I mean, you can go to the northeast corner of the prefecture and see fantastic colors surrounding beautiful Lake Towada.  At this time of the year though, it is packed with tons tourists taking pictures of the awesome waterfalls, beautiful natural scenery, and of course the  changing leaves. If you like, you can also go to the deepest lake in all Japan, Lake Tazawa, which I mentioned in the earlier blogs and will no doubt bring up again. It’s where the colors are equally as beautiful.  After viewing the leaves there you should definitely take a dip in one of the many onsens in the area.  Most of them have outside baths so you can enjoy the wonderful natural waters, while taking in the beautiful scenery.  You can also head up towards the World Heritage Site – Shirakami Mountain Range.  We call it Shirakami Sanchi.  It is filled with a unique variety of wildlife, and, of course, the colors are absolutely amazing there as well! To the south you can find a never-ending sea of colors from Mount Chokai in the west to Mount Kurikoma in the east.  Everywhere you go in Akita it seems the colors keep coming out, and we absolutely love them!!!!

Well, I could talk all day about the colors up here because they really are a big part of what makes Akita what it is, and this part of Japan, so special.  These colors tell us that fall is here, but it also reminds us that winter isn’t too far off. This changing of the seasons means restaurants will offer more nabe dishes, ramen shops will be packed, and naturally, fall and winter fashions will be all the rage.  So, do you like my new fall  sweater and high boots?

Soon enough, winter will be upon us, and I will be talking with you from the snowy covered mountains ,valleys and sharing with you all that Akita offer in winter. But until then, I just want to enjoy the beautiful colors.  They don’t last very long so get out there and check ‘em out right now!

And, if you are lucky to be up here in Akita maybe we’ll bump into each other…or maybe you’ll bump into some other really nice bijin decked- out in her new fall fashion…Whomever comes first, ne…! Hehehe!

Wow,I can hardly wait until next time, so see you t then.  Mata ne!