This first part of our trip is of Mt. Fuji's Welcome Center and 5th Station
The first 3 pictures were taken from the bus. The one above is in a neighborhood near Ikego. Ikego is a military housing facility that is off the main base.The next two are poor quality pictures but show the mountainous terrain that we drove through to get out to Mt Fuji.
Dylan and I had packed a breakfast since we left base at 5:30am. Yawn:) Our group did stop at a truck stop to get breakfast and use the bathroom. I assure you the truck stop was rather high quality. We didn't eat though instead we stretched our legs (as you see) and used the facilities. Yes for those of you observant enough to notice, Dylan has on a gator shirt and I my orange shirt. Back in my homeland there was a gator game going on so we had to be cheering!
Below is the Mt Fuji Welcome Center. We didn't even go up to the second floor. For one, I couldn't find an elevator and two it was so overcast and cloudy you couldn't see anything always.
I learned from my friend Yoko that Mt Fuji is really Fuji-san. Pronounced Huji-san they don't use their fs. Coffee is Cohee. Fu - rich, Ji- Samurai and San - mountain therefore you have a rich strong mountain
This begins the pictures from the 5th station. I didn't realize until we were getting close that there is a post office up at this station. I only had time to fill out two postcards really quickly - myself and my parents. The post mark is unique - obviously:)
Dylan and I had packed a breakfast since we left base at 5:30am. Yawn:) Our group did stop at a truck stop to get breakfast and use the bathroom. I assure you the truck stop was rather high quality. We didn't eat though instead we stretched our legs (as you see) and used the facilities. Yes for those of you observant enough to notice, Dylan has on a gator shirt and I my orange shirt. Back in my homeland there was a gator game going on so we had to be cheering!
Below is the Mt Fuji Welcome Center. We didn't even go up to the second floor. For one, I couldn't find an elevator and two it was so overcast and cloudy you couldn't see anything always.I learned from my friend Yoko that Mt Fuji is really Fuji-san. Pronounced Huji-san they don't use their fs. Coffee is Cohee. Fu - rich, Ji- Samurai and San - mountain therefore you have a rich strong mountain
This begins the pictures from the 5th station. I didn't realize until we were getting close that there is a post office up at this station. I only had time to fill out two postcards really quickly - myself and my parents. The post mark is unique - obviously:)You have my permission to say that I am a cheese ball!
Hey life is fun that way - you should try it!
This is the entrance to the shinto shrine at the 5th station. The red gate is called a torii gate it is the entrance way for the gods to get to the shrine. Every time you see a torii gate it is almost a guarantee there will be a shrine nearby.
Now this is an interesting ritual. Before entering the shrine or jinja a worshiper is to wash their hands with the water in the trough as well as swish their mouth. This is supposed to cleanse them internally and externally before coming before their god(s)
As I had mentioned it was way too cloudy and overcast to see the peak of Mt Fuji. There were numerous places that we would have been able to see it during our trip but...
Thus far in every shrine that I have visited there have been very horrific masks and/or statutes. The architecture can be described as beautiful, the decor as interesting but in all honesty the masks and statues are generally quite disturbing! Just check out these guys - they look like they want to eat my son.:(
Still trying to see the peak, but...
Those are some seriously large flip flops.I believe they are actually supposed to be shoes for the god(s) to wear? I am assuming this only because at the great buddha which I hope to see soon there are a set of huge flip flops as well. I have been told by a Japanese national that those are for him to relax in.
My traveling buddy did really well. I was thrilled and thankful. Of course we had our moments that he would let me know "oh Mom I am only one and this is tiring" but it wasn't too bad. My little sight seeing champ for sure!!!
Thanks for keeping mom company little man.
Below is the gate leading you to the trail. Next climbing season I really hope to be able to post pictures taken from the trail. My desire is to climb Mt Fuji while we are here.A long time ago (not sure the dates) woman were not allowed to climb Mt Fuji and it was preferred that foreigners did not. I would have been out of luck. The reason being was Mt Fuji is considered sacred to the Japanese people.
The first foreigner to climb the mountain was British and the first woman was disguised as a man.
In case you are to weary to continue or sprain an ankle here is your relief -A few horses
Busy busy 5th station. Though climbing season was over there seemed to be numerous climbers. Our guide believes this was due to the mild weather - at that moment. The weather on Mt Fuji can change in an instant thus you must be ready for anything.
Next we will visit lake Kawaguchi
Busy busy 5th station. Though climbing season was over there seemed to be numerous climbers. Our guide believes this was due to the mild weather - at that moment. The weather on Mt Fuji can change in an instant thus you must be ready for anything.
Next we will visit lake Kawaguchi
1 comment:
Your pictures of this trip came out so much better than mine. I am jealous you don't have to run after a three year old. Next time I am taking a stroller :).
Post a Comment