The Izu Peninsula is a peninsula rich in nature that was recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2018 and can be reached in about one hour from Tokyo. The Izu Peninsula is also famous as a hot spring resort on the seaside, but this time we will introduce Mishima, Izu Nagaoka, and Shuzenji in the Naka Izu area, where you can relax and enjoy nature in the mountains.
Mt.Fuji and Izu city from Izu Panorama Park
What is a Geopark? Geopark is a combination of the words “Geo” meaning earth and “Park” meaning park. As the name suggests, a geopark is defined as a management area that integrates “protection,” “education,” and “sustainable development,” which have international value from a geological point of view, as well as World Heritage sites, and Japan has 10 regional geoparks that have been recognized as world-certified. In this area, we learn about the earth’s past from geology and topography, think about the future, and protect the rich nature as a place to work.
In 2018, the Izu Geopark became the ninth in Japan to be recognized as a global park. The Izu Peninsula was originally a group of submarine volcanoes. The movement of the plates continues, continues to push into Honshu, and tectonic movements continue to create various topography. These geological peculiarities form the Izu Peninsula, which has many beautiful landscapes and hot springs.
Mishima City
Mishima The lava that flowed out from the eruption of Mt. Fuji about 10,000 years ago created the land around Mishima Station and the northern part of the Izu Peninsula. Near the station, you can see a garden called “Rakujuen” where lava can be seen here and there, and a river flowing with spring water from Fuji can be seen here and there in Mishima City. Walking along the walking path in the beautiful river is also very pleasant in the summer.
Rakujyuen Park
Mishima Taisha Shrine, which has a deep history and connection with Mishima, is one of the highlights. This shrine is located on top of the mudslide caused by the Great Collapse of Mt. Fuji that occurred 2,900 years ago. The shrine grounds are decorated with large stones that were carried by a mudslide. Mishima Taisha, located in this volcanically active area, enshrines a god related to volcanoes.
Mishima Taisha Shrine
Izu Nagaoka Izu Nagaoka is a station on the way from Mishima to Shuzenji. There is Mount Katsuragi, which is 452 meters above sea level. This mountain is called a “volcanic root” formed by the uplift of the magma path that passes deep underground due to tectonic movements. The summit of this mountain is a panorama view spot called “Izu Panorama Park“, so you can see a superb view of Izu city and Mt. Fuji from the summit.
Shuzenji It is a historic city centered on Shuzenji Temple, which is said to have been opened by Kukai in 807. It is located in a valley at the foot of a volcano that repeatedly erupted until 500,000 years ago. Shuzenji is a small hot spring town, but it is a place that has been loved by many artists for its very calm atmosphere.
Shuzenji Hot Springs Town
There are places where you can see cherry blossoms in spring and beautiful autumn leaves in autumn. Niji no Sato and the maple forest are especially worth visiting as they are dyed with bright red autumn leaves.
Shuzenji Temple in SpringShuzenji TownNiji no Sato
There are many places rich in nature within about one hour from Tokyo. Why don’t you get out of the city for a while and enjoy a trip to enjoy nature slowly.
Many people still climb Mt. Fuji, which is a sacred pilgrimage site, and in the 12th century, many people came to worship there as a Shugendo dojo. Mt. Fuji was born 100,000 years ago and has repeatedly erupted, taking its current form due to a major eruption in 1707. It has been dormant since then.
Its majestic appearance has influenced various artists and has been featured in many works of art. Fuji, the object of this faith and the source of art, was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2013.
The belief in the god who lives on Mt. Fuji has given rise to a tradition of valuing coexistence with the volcano and being grateful for the spring water at the foot of the mountain. The spirit of pilgrimage to Mt. Fuji has been passed down through the ages, and the diverse cultural assets born of the faith are evidence of the continuing mountain worship.
Mt.Fuji, which fascinates many people both domestically and internationally due to its beauty. Therefore, many people think about where the best view is.
This time, I will introduce some view spots where you can see Mt. Fuji from the Yamanashi Prefecture side.
Here is the list of view spots
Kawaguchi Asama Shrine
Fuji Panorama Ropeway Observatory
Chureito on Arakurayama Park
Fujiyoshida city
Oshino Hakkai
Kawaguchi Asama Shrine Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is one of the nine shrines that make up the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Site. Kawaguchi Asama Shrine was built in 865 to quell an eruption. There are vast shrine grounds, waterfalls, cedar trees that are over 1,200 years old, and a torii gate in the sky built to worship Mt. Fuji. From this place of worship on the mountainside of Lake Kawaguchi, you can see the red torii gate and the beautiful Mt. Fuji.
Tenku no Torii
You can drive up from the main hall of the shrine at the foot of the mountain, but it’s even more special to take a leisurely 20-minute walk and enjoy the scenery before seeing the torii gate in the sky.
Beyond this torii gate is a small waterfall where Shugen monks used to cleanse their bodies and pray for safety before climbing the mountain.
Haha no Taki
Taking a break while looking at Mt. Fuji from the scenic terrace cafe on the way here will also be a wonderful experience.
Panorama Terrace cafe
You can reach to the Kawaguchi Asama Shrine by car, bus or bicycle.
Fuji Panorama Ropeway observatory If you want to easily see Mt. Fuji up close, this Fuji Panorama Ropeway is recommended. This ropeway, which can be reached from Lake Kawaguchi station by bus or 15 minutes on foot, has a platform in front of the bus stop. It takes about 3 minutes to reach the top of Mt. Tenjo. There is a tea house, swings, and an observation deck at the top of the mountain. Since there is not much walking involved, anyone can easily see the spectacular view of Mt. Fuji.
Observatory on the Mt.Tenjo
Chureito Arakurayama Sengen Park Chureito built in 1958 on the Arakurayama Sengen park to enshrine about 960 citizens from Fujiyoshida who died in the war. The pagodas size is 19.5m high and 7.3 square meter. It’s one of the 100 beautiful night view in Japan. Nowadays, the great view became famous as the symbol of Japan in the world.
Chureito
You need to climb 398 steps to see the great view, but you can get reward of the valuable scenery. To get to the Chureito Pagoda, visit Sengen Shrine, which is about a 10-minute walk from Shimoyoshida Station, and then climb the stairs or slope on the side to reach the observatory.
From 398 steps
Mt.Fuji can be seen beautifully from the grounds and stairs of Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, so you can enjoy various scenery. The contrast with the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves makes it even more beautiful.
Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine
Fujiyoshida City
Fujiyoshida City is located very close to Mt.Fuji Station. You can see Mt.Fuji, which coexists with your daily life, from Honmachi-dori shopping street, Kanatori gate, rural park, and Fujimi Bypass. You can also visit to Chureito Pagoda and Oshino Hakkai from Fujisan Station.
Honmachi Street
There are many must-see spots such as the Kitaguchi Sengen Shrine, which is the gateway to climbing Mt. Fuji, and the Mt. Fuji Museum, so you can take a bus, but you can find wonderful spots just for you by pottering around on a bicycle.
Noson Koen Park
Oshino Hakkai Oshino Hakkai is a small village with eight ponds of spring water from Mt. Fuji. The carp swimming in the transparent pond looks fantastic.
Oshino Hakkai
This small village is full of shops offering souvenirs and food. It is a popular place among tourists for its beautiful rural scenery where traditional houses and Mt. Fuji coexist. You can get there by bus, taxi or bicycle from Fujisan Station.
During the cold season, on sunny days, and early in the morning, you can see the beautiful Mt. Fuji without a cloud in sight. Clouds tend to cover the area from around noon, so we recommend getting up a little early and heading to your favorite spot.
It’s almost done the hottest summer ever. The weather in nighttime is much better than July or August. I’m looking forward for coming the cool and beautiful Autum season from end of September. This time I’d like to share with you some summer festivals which I visited. It was so excited in these festivals. It’s my pleasure if it will be supporting your better planning next summer.
Gion Festival (Kyoto)
Event date and Place: All July, highlight day is 14th-to 17th July 2023, Karasuma street Kyoto
What is the festival:
Gion Matsuri festival is the famous festival for one of big three festival in Japan. Gion Matsuri is one of the most important festivals of Yasaka Jinja Shrine in Kyoto with a tradition of more than 1150 years and takes place over the entire month of July. The month-long Gion Matsuri is a festival to prevent epidemics. During this period, various rituals and events are held, and the downtown of Kyoto is in a festive mood. Its highlight is the magnificent Mikoshi-Togyo and Yamahoko-Junko on July 17 and 24. The festival can be observed as soon as getting off the train at Karasuma station.
History: Gion Matsuri originated in 869 (Jogan 11th) when a terrible pestilence spread across the entire land of Kyoto, and people were suffering from it. In the past, people used to think that the cause of it is vengeful spirits and evil deities. The people of Kyoto attempted to appease them and pray for an end to the pestilence by erecting 66 spears (called Hoko) representing the provinces of Japan in Shinsen-en, a sacred imperial garden in Heian Capital, and carrying around the Mikoshi (a portable shrine) for the deity of Yasaka Jinja Shrine to Shinsen-en. In this way, Gion matsuri began as a festival to eradicate pestilences and prevent epidemics. The people of Kyoto have protected and supported this festival to this day in the face of many interruptions caused by civil wars and political reasons.
Highlight The highlight events of Gion Matsuri take place in the Karasuma Street. During the three days preceding the procession, the respective Yama and Hoko are displayed within about a half kilometer of the intersection of Karasuma and Shijo streets. While they are on display, some of the floats can be entered by tourists. The Matsuri festival becomes most exciting in the evenings, when from 18:00 until 23:00 the streets are closed to traffic and the area swells with food stands, drink vendors and other festival hallmarks. These festive evenings leading up to the procession are known as Yoiyama (July 16), Yoiyoiyama (July 15) and Yoiyoiyoiyama (July 14). Similar festivities also take place on the three evenings leading up to the procession on July 24, albeit on a smaller scale and with fewer road closures and stands. In 2023, road closures will happen only on July 15 and 16.
The processions of floats (Yamaboko Junko) take place between 9:00 and 13:00 on the 17th and from 9:30 to 11:50 on the 24th and follow a three-kilometer-long route along Shijo, Kawaramachi and Oike streets. Some paid seating is provided in front of the city hall (4100-5100 yen; advance booking required), but because the procession takes place over quite a long route and duration, good viewpoints can also be found elsewhere without too much trouble.
Tsukuda Festival （Tokyo Central）
Event day and place: beginning of August, Tsukuda Tokyo
What is the festival: A summer of fisherman’s festival ”Tsukuda Matsuri” in Tsukuda and Tsukishima. Main place is Sumiyoshitaisha shrine in Tsukuda. Tsukuda and Tsukishima in central Tokyo, are areas that were all sea about 400 years ago. Fishermen from Osaka Prefecture landfilled and created this piece of land. The prayers of those fishermen still live on. The main festival of the Sumiyoshi Shrine is held once every 3 years. The excitement of the boisterous fishermen comes to a peak during the festival. . The festival can be observed as soon as getting off the train at Tsukishima station.
History: It was fishermen who came from Osaka that began to landfill the mudflats of the Sumida River inlet and settle there. This was about the time when the Edo shogunate was established in Tokyo. The Sumiyoshi Shrine built in Tsukuda in 1590, Tokyo is the Shinto deity re-enshrined from a shrine of the hometown of the fishermen in Osaka. Wishing for plenty of catch and safety at sea, the fishermen started a festival in 1646. The mikoshi, or the portable shrine, is raised high, to worship the Sumiyoshi Shrine.
Highlight: The Oonobori flag, a symbol of the festival 18 meter high from 1798, has erected for on 4th August 2023. For the next 4 days, the town will be full of festive activities. The main spectacle of the 2nd day is a competition in which participants try to grab the rope at the tip of the snout of lion figures. Grabbing the snout of the female lion brings the highest esteem. The main mikoshi will parade all over Tsukuda and Tsukishima the following 2 days. Many portable shrines parade through the streets of Tsukuda and Tsukishima. It is also called the Water Festival because sprinkled water on the mikoshi for purifying.
Hachioji Matsuri （Tokyo South）
Event day and Place: beginning of August, Hachioji Tokyo
What is the festival: Hachioji Matsuri is the one of the best float festivals in the Kanto region. Along with the spectacular floats to appreciate, there will be taiko drumming performances, a cultural exchange with performers from Kaohsiung in Taiwan (one of Hachioji’s sister cities), a Hachioji lion dance display (an Intangible Folk Cultural Property), and more. The festival can be observed as soon as getting off the train at Hachioji station.
History: The float festival in the central city has been passed down since the Edo period, and the festival at Yahata and Yakumo Shrine is known as the Shimono Matsuri, and the festival at Taga Shrine is known as the Upper Matsuri Kamino Matsuri.” In the mid-Meiji period, it was a festival of doll floats, and from the late Meiji period to the early Showa period, it was famous throughout the Kanto region as a festival of carved floats with 20 carvings carved all over the bottom and top.
In 1945, eight of the floats were destroyed in a fire during the war, but they were rebuilt and the doll floats were restored. Currently, 19 floats from the 19 town associations participate in the Hachioji Festival, and every year they stage a spectacular float festival picture scroll along the Koshu Highway.
Highlight: Nineteen floats with elaborate carvings will appear. During the night parade, the floats are lit up by tomoshibi, creating a fantastical spectacle that is different from the daytime.
In addition, traditional culture that Hachioji is proud of, such as the lion dance, which is an intangible folk cultural asset designated by Hachioji City, which is transmitted to shrines in the city, the Kanto Taiko Drum Battle that echoes in the summer sky, and the folk dance that dancers in yukata gather on the Koshu Kaido. We believe that you will be able to fully enjoy the many.
Fukagawa Festival （Tokyo）
Event day and place: Beginning of August, East Tokyo
What is the festival： The Fukagawa Hachiman Festival is one of three major festivals of Edo (the other two being the Kanda Matsuri and the Sanno Matsuri). It is particularly famous for the scenes of water being thrown at the mikoshi carriers by visitors, leading to the festival being known more informally as the Mizukake Matsuri or “Water Splashing Festival”. Every three years, the festival becomes the “hon-matsuri” when there is an added procession of the Hachiman imperial carriage along the streets of Koto Ward accompanied by 120 smaller mikoshi. The festival takes place over five days, but Sunday is the day of the main parade (神輿連合渡御)—an 8km route which loops the shrine to the north from 7:30am to 3:30pm. The water-splashing starts once the procession has crossed Eitai Bridge about 1km northwest of Tomioka Hachiman Shrine The festival can be observed as soon as getting off the train at Monzen nakamachi station.
History: The festival was instituted by the Tokugawa shogunate in 1642 when the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, celebrated his first son, Ietsuna, becoming his successor. This event laid the foundation for the festival, symbolizing the close ties it has with the Tokugawa shogunate and the Imperial household. So popular has this event become that it was known to have caused a bridge to collapse due to the crowd’s size in 1807. This event also gives the festival its other name, the “Water-throwing Festival,” as bystanders splash water on the Mikoshi carriers to cool them in the summer heat.
Highlight: Every three years, a significant event known as Hon-Matsuri takes place, which is a spectacular parade of the Mikoshi (portable shrines) where the deities are carried from the shrine. The festival involves dozens of Mikoshi from different neighborhoods, parading an approximately 8-kilometer route that starts and ends at the Tomioka Hachiman Shrine, traveling through various districts of Koto Ward. This grand procession paints a vibrant picture of communal spirit and historical continuity, attracting spectators from around the world. The carriers chant “Wasshoi!” in unison, a lively cry that ripples through the neighborhoods. The festival stands as a beacon of cultural heritage, a lively testament to Tokyo’s rich past.
Koenji Awaodori （Tokyo）
Event day and Place: End of August, West Tokyo
What is the festival: The Koenji Awa-odori Dance has become one of Tokyo’s most renowned summer events, with more than 10,000 dancers and a million spectators. Embedded within its 66-year history is the desire to bring joy to people through the smiling faces of the performers. This is the first time in four years performances will be held outside, with passionate dancing taking place at eight venues.
During the day, two locations will present thrilling stage shows. Enjoy the return of Awa-odori dancing to the streets of Koenji over two days. The festival focuses on the traditional dance, whose origins can be traced to O-bon, a Buddhist ritual held to celebrate the return of the deceased in the world of the living for a few days. The festival can be observed as soon as getting off the train at Koenji station, from 5 p.m. The groups successively parade until 8 p.m., and spectators can watch from the sides of the large Konen Dori avenue, that stretches toward south until Shin-Koenji subway station.
History This festival started with the purpose of revitalizing the town of Koenji in 1957. Because no one in Koenji had actual Awa odori experience, the initial years of the festival didn’t look much like the Tokushima original, but it slowly came to resemble the real thing as the years went on. The celebration also expanded in scope, with several other Koenji shopping streets joining in on the action.
Awa was the name of a province on the eastern edge of Shikoku (present-day Tokushima Prefecture), and “odori” is the Japanese word for “dance.” The Awa odori ren (dance troupes) typically dance in a two-step rhythm called zomeki. Women wear large, pointed straw hats and dance on their tiptoes in wooden clogs with their arms waving in the air, while men take a crouched position, sometimes wielding uchiwa (fans) or chōchin (lanterns). They’re followed by the hayashi, or instrument section, which features thundering taiko, gongs, shamisen and flutes.
Highlight: Over 10,000 dancers and musicians, men, women and sometimes children, gather in Ren groups to parade performing an original choreography with the same basic steps and following the rhythm of lively music over the two days on the streets. The friendly atmosphere and memorable show are the staples of entertaining evening.
Summer festivals is almost finish, but other season festivals will continue in various places. Although daytime sightseeing can be quite difficult in the hot summer, there are many fun events such as fireworks and night festivals.
It’s been very hot summer day in Tokyo every day. According to the weather forecast, there is a danger of heat stroke, so Japan government advise you to refrain from going out during the day. But don’t you want to do something memorable since it’s summer season?
So, this time I would like to tell you some ways to enjoy summer. How about making fun summer memories? Here is the list of summer activity options.
Workshop and factory tour
Visit immersive museum and aquarium
Go to see Sunflower
Watch the fireworks and festival
Spend time in cool mountain and riverside
１．Workshop and factory tour Many workshops are held in various places in Tokyo such as Nihonbashi, Asakusa, and Yanaka. Among them, there are various things such as making Japanese sweets, tea ceremony, making Japanese paper, making candy, making soba noodles, making food replicas, and dyeing Japanese Tenugui. There are many things that can be experienced by families, so you can enjoy it with your family while avoiding the heat.
Amezaiku and Washi Japanese paper craft
Suntory Fuchu factory tour is one of interesting tour. You can watch the factory and drink free beer and soft drinks after the tour.
Suntory Fuchu factory
If you need a more information of workshop, please check the tour image.
Immersive museum and Goldfish aquariumTeam Labo Digital art
In addition, you can see fish swimming in the cool water at Sunshine Aquarium in Ikebukuro and Aquarium in Shinagawa. How about finding your favorite museum?
3.Go to see Sunflower Sunflowers are summer flowers. Sunflowers are full blooming at Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa. There are many other places to see sunflowers. However, you will be able to see the sunflowers during the day, so please be careful of the heat.
Showa Kinen Park
4.Watch the fireworks and festival
In summer, fireworks and festivals are held all over the country to pray for peace and good health. There are major events such as the Sumida River Fireworks, as well as events held in rural areas, so we recommend visiting for a Japanese cultural experience. Festivals include portable shrines and floats during the day, as well as dances that can be seen at night. How about finding your favorite festival?
You can stay cooler than in the city center, such as in the mountains with many trees or along the river. Akikawa Valley in Okutama, Route 6 on Mt. Takao and Villa area in Karuizawa are good place to relaxing and strolling. It is recommended because you can leave the city for a while and refresh your feelings.
Mt.Takao route 6Akikawa ValleyKaruizawa
Summer is just beginning. Please enjoy and making only your summer memories.
Japan has rainy season around middle June to Middle July. The weather has changed every day. In rainy season has also enjoyable season of hydrangea and Japanese iris anywhere. You may spend a lot of time in your room during the rainy season, but there is a place to visit during this season when the hydrangea and Japanese iris are in full bloom. Kamakura and imperial palace is the one of those options.
Kamakura
Kamakura has many places to see the beautiful temple with hydrangea such a Meigetuin, Hase temple and Kenchoji.
MeigetuinMeigetuin
Meigetsu-in is famous for the garden that can be seen from the round window, but there is a large garden behind it, where hydrangeas and irises are in full bloom, so we recommend you enter there.
Hase temple is famous for the Hydrangea temple in Hase area at Kamakura. The seaside view and hydrangea contrast and backside of temple garden is nice to see.
Hase TempleSeaside view from Hase temple
It not only famous temple, but also small size of temple is calm and quiet atmosphere. If you wanted to avoid crowd, please visit small size temples.
Tokeiji Temple
Tokeiji placed near Meigetuin in Kita-Kamakura. The Kita-Kamakura area is good to strolling the many historical temples and beautiful gardens. The ancient city of Kamakura is a place where you can enjoy a stroll while thinking about history.
Toukeiji Temple
Jochiji Garden has beautiful and calm atmosphere.
Jochiji garden
Tokyo Imperial palace and Hamarikyu garden
Of course, there are many hydrangea spots in Tokyo, but I recommend the Imperial Palace East Gardens and Hamarikyu Gardens. Imperial palace east garden has beautiful Ninomaru garden inside. The garden made for entertainment or strolling at Edo era such a tea ceremony.
Hamarikyu made in Tokugawa era for brother’s house of fourth shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu. In Meiji era, the garden became a detached place for the imperial family. In 1952, it was designated as a national special scenic spot include the surrounding water surface and historic site.
Hamarikyu Garden
These two places are historically very old and have existed since the Tokugawa period. It is a place where you can enjoy the contrast between beautiful gardens and historic buildings.
Hamarikyu Garden
Please enjoy to find your favorite place to see the beautiful flower in rainy season in Japan.
I visited Mt. Nokogiri in May to experience the amazing scenery. This mountain is about two hours away from Tokyo by train, but it’s definitely worth a visit. I share the Mt. Nokogiriyama hiking story.
What is the Mt. Nokogiriyama?
Nokogiriyama is a low mountain with an altitude of 329m at the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, which is selected as one of the 100 low mountains, and is about the height of Tokyo Tower. Because there is nothing to block the surroundings, the scenery is a mountain that has been selected as one of the 100 views of Mt. Fuji in Kanto.
At the Nihon-ji Temple near the summit, there are photo spots overlooking the sheer cliffs called “Japan’s Biggest Great Buddha”, “Hyakushaku Kannon” and “Jigoku Nozoki”.
On the course, you can see the remains of a stone quarry that has been in operation since the late Edo period. These industrial heritages have been left as they were, and you can not only feel what it was like back then, but the moss-covered forest makes you feel as if you have wandered into the world of Studio Ghibli.
How to visit
From Tokyo, you can go by train, ferry, car, highway bus, etc.
In the case of trains, the “Limited Express Sazanami” runs from Shinjuku to Hamakanaya, so you can arrive in about two hours without changing trains.
If you take a ferry, it takes about 40 minutes from Kumihama in Tokyo to Hamakanaya Port, and after a short walk beyond Hamakanaya Station, you will find the trailhead.
This time, we took the train to Hamakanaya Station, followed by the Sharikido to the top of the mountain via an observatory where you can see the round earth. From the stone quarry, I selected the course that goes through Iwabutai, peeks into hell at Nihon-ji Temple, sees Japan’s largest Buddha statue, and descends to Hota.
You can also climb Mt. Nokogiri by ropeway, but it may stop depending on the weather, so be sure to check the website on the day.
Hiking Course
When you arrive at the trailhead junction from Hamakanaya Station, you will be divided into the Fureai-no-michi course and the Shariki-michi course. The course is divided into three.
1.For beginners, the “Quick Jigoku Peeping Sightseeing Course 1.9 km, 60 minutes.”
2.For beginners and intermediate level “Industrial Heritage Tour Course 2.6 km, 90 minutes”
3.For intermediate and advanced climbers “Mt. Nokogiri Climber Course 3.9 km, 150 minutes”
Course 1 involves climbing about 500 steps first, so please do your best. Click here for details of each course.
We selected course No.3.
In the olden days, women carried quarried stones back and forth three times a day. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. The stairs are different here and there, so I’m a little out of breath, but I’m going while resting.
At the next fork, the trail splits into Nihon-ji Temple and the summit. This time, we will aim for the “observation deck where the earth looks round” and the “mountain summit”. To get to the observatory, you have to go up the stairs made on a fairly steep slope. Hold on to the handrails so you don’t fall down.
When you finally reach the top, you will reach the observatory where you can see the earth in a round shape. The scenery is indeed wonderful!
From the top of the mountain, we will head to Nihon-ji Temple. Along the way, you will pass through quarries and rock stages. It is exciting to see industrial heritage here.
From the Edo period to the Meiji era, it is deeply moving to think that the stones were really carried by human hands from here.
From here, cross the wall of Laputa and head to the Japanese temple.
After climbing the stone steps, you will arrive at the north exit of Nihon-ji Temple. When you pay the entrance fee and go inside, the first thing that surprises you is Hyakushaku Kannon. My height is 156 cm, so can you tell the difference in size?
There was a little line for “Jigoku Nozoki”, but soon it was my turn and I looked down. It’s quite high, but if you climb all the way up here, please try going to the tip. It’s safe because there is a fence.
Well, all in all, enjoy Mt. Nokogiri and descend. I would like to get off the ropeway and walk to Hamakanaya in 8 minutes, but since the ropeway is stopped, I will head to Hota Station through the approach to the temple.
The approach was well maintained, so it was very easy to go down the mountain.
When you go down the mountain, you will reach a place where you can see the railroad tracks by the road, so it will take 20 minutes to walk to Hota Station from here.
Summary
2 hours by train to Hamakanaya Station. It took about 4 hours on the “Mountaineer Course”, slowly going around the car power road, the summit, Nihonji Temple, and the roadside station. Overall, there are many things to see, and the mountain has a relaxing atmosphere, so it was a fun course to take a lunch and take a rest.
If you wanted to see the video, please click here.
On March 5, 2023, a warm day with spring approaching, I participated in the Tokyo Marathon. It was fun and exciting 26.2-mile Marathon race in Tokyo 2023.
In the race held on March 5, 2023, 38,420 runners gathered from inside and outside Japan and started in front of the Shinjuku Metropolitan Government Building. This year’s tournament was a year when the COVID-19 calmed down, so there was no limit to cheering, and many people rushed to cheer on the roadside.
What is Tokyo Marathon
The Tokyo marathon has the holding as the annual marathon sports event in Tokyo since 2007. Nowadays, Tokyo marathon has become a Japanese phenomenon as the one of the Top6 city major marathon in the world(WMM) from 2013. It’s one of the biggest marathons in the country, drawing elite runners from around the globe and local citizens. There are wheelchair races for men and women as well.
Shinjuku start point
Marathon course
The Tokyo Marathon course starts in Shinjuku and runs through many famous places. It runs through the streets of Shinjuku, Akihabara, Ueno, Nihonbashi, Asakusa, Kuramae, and other tourist spots, and ends near Tokyo Station. On the course, you can run while sightseeing in Tokyo, such as Tokyo Sky Tree, Asakusa, Kaminarimon of Sensoji Temple, and the streets of Nihonbashi with many long-established stores.
Asakusa Sensoji Temple
The time limit is as long as 7 hours, and a lot of cheering will liven up the race, so you can enjoy the fun of being at a festival.
Taiko team
How to enjoy Tokyo marathon
The excitement of Tokyo marathon has started from the Marathon expo. It is necessary to go to the Tokyo Marathon Expo by the day before to receive the Tokyo Marathon bib. The expo is held in a large venue, but Friday nights and Saturdays are crowded, so we recommend going on Thursdays and Fridays in the morning or early afternoon.
Also, on the day of the race, you will run through the city, so if you visit the famous places by the day before, the race mood will be even more exciting.
Asakusa, Ueno, Akihabara, Sky Tree, Nihonbashi, Ginza, Shinjuku, and more are all wonderful tourist spots.
The day of the race
On the day of the race, the race will start in front of the Shinjuku Metropolitan Government Building. You have to check in your luggage at 8:45 and get to the starting point by 8:55. It takes about 15 minutes to walk from Shinjuku Station to the gate. On top of that, you should arrive at Shinjuku Station at 7:30, taking into consideration the waiting time for security checks at the gate entrance, baggage deposit, and restrooms.
It’s still a bit chilly season before the start, so we recommend bringing a jacket. There is a jacket collection box at the start point, so if you don’t need it, you can ask for it.
A lot of drinks such as water and sports drinks are prepared on the course. Most of the food is not provided, so it is a good idea to bring an action diet if you need it.
If you have the chance, why not participate in the Tokyo Marathon, one of the world’s 6 major marathons?
Kita-Kamakura is a popular destination for enjoying bright red autumn foliage within an hour of Tokyo.
Kamakura is a coastal town in Kanagawa Prefecture, less than an hour south of Tokyo. The town became the political center of Japan when Minamoto Yoritomo chose it as the seat for his new military government in the late 12th century. The Kamakura government continued to rule Japan for over a century, first under the Minamoto shogun and then under the Hojo regents. Kita-Kamakura is a small neighborhood within Kamakura City. The area is particularly famous for its traditional atmosphere and many temples – a result of being the home base of the Hojo clan, which ruled Japan for over 150 years (1185-1333). Three of these temples are of the five highest-ranking Rinzai Zen temples in Kamakura, known as the Kamakura Five Great Zen Temples or the Kamakura Gozan. This time, we visited the most famous temple Enkakuji (円覚寺), Meigetuin（明月院）, and Kenchoji（建長寺）.
There was amazing scenery for the end of November, the best season for dried red autumn foliage. I recommend visiting in the early morning or staying one night in Kamakura city this season to watch beautiful scenery, avoiding the crowds. Recently, Kamakura has renovated some interesting old houses to be like a homestay, and these are intriguing for those looking for a trip different from the norm.
You can take a 60-minute JR train from Shibuya or Shinagawa directly, and Kita-Kamakura is the station after Kamakura. You can also use the Odakyu line via the Enoshima leg. In just an hour, you will be free from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
Engakuji(円覚寺)
Engakuji (円覚寺) is one of the leading Zen temples in Eastern Japan and the number two of Kamakura’s five great Zen temples. Engakuji was founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokimune in the year 1282, one year after the second invasion attempt by the Mongols was reverted. One purpose of the new temple was to pay respect to the fallen Japanese and Mongolian soldiers.
Engakuji is built into the slopes of Kita-Kamakura’s forested hills. The first main structure encountered upon entering the temple grounds is the Sanmon main gate, which dates from 1783. Behind it stands the temple’s main hall, the Butsuden, which displays a wooden statue of the Shaka Buddha. The Butsuden was rebuilt relatively recently in 1964 after the former building was lost in an earthquake.
Meigetuin Temple(明月院）
Meigetsuin Temple (明月院) is a temple of the Rinzai Zen Sect founded in 1160 in Kamakura. It is also known as Ajisaidera (“Hydrangea Temple”) because hydrangeas bloom in abundance on the temple grounds during the rainy season around June. 95% of the hydrangeas here are of the Hime Ajisai (“Princess Hydrangea”) variety; they are thus named because of their pretty blue colors.
The temple was originally a repose built by a son in memory of his father, who died in the struggle for power between the Taira and Minamoto clans in the late Heian Period. It later became part of a larger temple complex called Zenkoji, which was abolished during anti-Buddhist movements soon after the Meiji Restoration, leaving only Meigetsuin to remain as an individual temple today.
In the back of Meigetsuin’s lush temple grounds stands the main hall (Hojo). The building features a lovely circular window, which frames the scenery of the inner garden behind it. The inner garden is known for its irises. It is open to visitors only during two periods of about two weeks per year: in June when the irises are in bloom, and in late November/early December, when the autumn colors are at their best. An additional admission fee applies.
Kenchoji(建長寺）
Kenchoji (建長寺, Kenchōji) is number one of Kamakura’s five great Zen temples. The oldest Zen temple in Kamakura, Kenchoji, was founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokiyori in 1253 during the Kencho Era, after which it was named. Its first head priest was Rankei Doryu, a Zen priest from China.
Although considerably smaller than during its heydays, Kenchoji still consists of many temple buildings and sub-temples. It stretches from the entrance gate at the bottom of the valley far into the forested hills behind. After passing through the Sanmon main gate, visitors will see Kenchoji’s temple bell (Bonsho), designated a national treasure, on their right.
Lunch at a Japanese restaurant
We luckily could reserve Japanese Kaiseki (懐石料理) lunch during the peak season for autumn foliage. It was beautiful, and we filled our hearts with Japanese cuisine.
Kita-kamakura Summary
We could see the lovely, beautiful scenery at the end of November. Kita-Kamakura is also famous for the cherry blossoms in April and Ajisai flowers in June. Especially, a slow morning walk felt free and relaxing from the busy Tokyo.
Kamakura is also where you can enjoy the autumn foliage, seasonal flowers, and relaxing wind. It’s a walking and healthy food spot that’s easy to reach from Tokyo, so if you haven’t experienced it yet, why not go there?
Location: Kamakura, Duration: 5 hours Start Time: 9:00 Back to Tokyo time: 3:00
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