Report on the Monthly Tour on 17th Sep, 2023

 We met the guest at the station of Takao-san-guchi at 9:30. The guest comes from California, USA. We made an self-introduction on each other. She said to us that she first flew to Hong Kong and there got the free ticket to Japan fortunately. How lucky she is ! We took on the cable car which brought us to the middle of mountain.

Then we ate Tengu-yaki, that is sweet waffle with red beans paste. Its shape is the mask of Tengu, who is legendary creature with long nose. That is her request to eat this original sweet, so she looks so happy.  We went to Tako-sugi, that is huge cedar tree, living for more that 500 years old.

Then we visited at Yakuo-in temple, and saw Life-size Tengu statue. At the king of eight dragon, the guest washed her money, because we told her the legend story that if washing meoney there, it would lead to come back double in money.  

Then we went worship at the main hall of Yakuo-in temple, where it is almost at the top of the mountain. After enjoying the grand view from the top, we would have a lunch. When chatting during lunch time, neighboring Japanese jumped in our chatting.

He spoke English very well. He said he never been to foreign countries and had no passport. He has studied English, by watching Sesame street. It’s so nice to chat together on lunch.

When going down, we took Route NO4 in trail, and in the middle of this route, we saw suspension bridge It was a great experience to walk over the river.

We enjoyed the nature of Mt. Takao, bathing the shower of healing power in nature.

After returning down to the start, we together went to the Café, keeping chatting and

 it was so fun to have international friendship !

Report on the TENGU Tour held on 9 September 2023

 It was drizzling in the morning and was a little cooler after the heavy rain caused by Typhoon No. 13 while the moisture in the air prevented us from enjoying a clear view from Mt. Takao.

 Our guests are six (6) trainees from various countries (i.e., Cambodia, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lao-PDR and Papua New Guinea) to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japan International Forestry Promotion & Cooperation Center (JIFPRO).  Our guests are attended by two (2) people each from JICA and JIFPRO.　TENGU team consisted of Nabe-san, Keita-san, Ken-san and myself as a tour leader.   So, our tour members consisted of four-teen (14) people in total.

 Although we were originally scheduled to meet our guests at 10:00 am in front of the Takaosanguchi Station, the bus arranged by JICA/JIFPRO was caught in a traffic jam and their arrival was delayed by almost two (2) hours, which was unfortunate.　Eventually, we took a cable car leaving Kiyotaki Station at noon after we introduced to each other very quickly. 

After the six (6) minute cable car ride, we found that everything was enveloped in a fog or mist.　By that time, we had already decided to give up the idea of going up to the peak of the mountain.

After guiding our guests on Monkey Park, Octopus Cedar Tree, Flora of Mt. Takao (including its rich biodiversity thanks to the geographical location, geological features, etc.) and Joshin-mon Gate, it’s almost lunch time.

Then, we moved on to the peak of Jimben-yama (Jimben Hill), a little elevated place between Trail No. 1 and Trail No. 4 where there is a newly established memorial monument for forestry martyrs.

 During the lunch time, one of our guests was looking at me eating an onigiri rice ball with great interest.  If fact, he asked me if a piece of black paper wrapping a rice ball is edible at all. I explained to him that a black paper　like one is a kind of seaweed called “nori”, that Japanese people eat many kinds of seaweed and that　each seaweed has a different name, respectively.

Actually, he had already finished his rice ball lunch assuming a piece of black paper is a part of wrapping materials.  As he was fully aware of our “Don’t leave any garbage behind” campaign at Mt. Takao, he still kept a piece of black paper as a part of the garbage he should bring back to the JICA Dormitory.  Then, understanding that a piece of black paper is a part of his lunch, he started eating it with a nice smile!  I was happy to see that!

After spending some twenty (20) minutes there, around 1:10 pm we moved back to Trail No. 1 around the Jimben-do which is dedicated to En-no Gyoja, the founder of Shugendo for some guiding there.

 At the fork in Trail No. 1, I tried to convince our guests to take an easy route nicknamed “women’s slope”, saying that they appeared to be free from the 108 worldly desires.

 Unfortunately, our guests were full of energy (and full of worldly desires?) and were willing to follow the more challenging route nicknamed “men’s slope” involving the 108 stone steps to eliminate their 108 worldly desires.

 Then, we moved forward on Trail No. 1 guiding on the list of contributors, huge old cedar trees, Shitenno-mon (the Gate of Four Heavenly Kings), etc. on the way to the grounds of Yakuo-in Temple.

Guiding and spending some time in the grounds of Yakuo-in Temple, in front of the living quarters of monks, we were able to witness the procession of Buddhist monks on the way to their 5th performance of Buddhist fire ritual called “Goma Fire Ritual” starting at 2:00 pm at the main hall of Yakuo-in Temple.

After looking at the procession of Buddhist monks and mountain priests, some of our guests asked us how Buddhist temples are financially supported, what is the population of Buddhist and Shintoist like, etc.

 In the course of answering their questions, our explanation to the effect that it is said that Japanese people are born as a Shintoist and die as a Buddhist and that the aggregate of the population of Buddhist and Shintoist in Japan is some 1.5 times of the Japanese population might have been surprising and interesting to them.

 Then, going through Nio-mon (the Gate of Heavenly Kings), we moved on to the main hall of Yakuo-in Temple where our guests were listening to the monks chanting Buddhist sutra during the Goma Fire Ritual.

 The final destination was the Izuna Gongen-do Hall in this tour.  We explained the comparison between the main hall of Yakuo-in Temple and the Izuna Gongen-do Hall, etc.

 We left the Izuna Gongen-do Hall around 2:30 p.m. 

 On the way back, we took the same route except that we detoured by visiting Yuki-en (literally, Joiful Garden) where we saw the Thai style white stupa and the bronze statue of Izuna Daigongen, the ruler of Mt. Takao.

 

Then, for a change, we took a chair lift from the Sanjo Station to the Kiyotaki Station, which might have been more exciting to our guests.

We came back to the foot of the mountain around 3:45 p.m. and took a group photo with our guests again in front of the cable car station, which was the end of the tour.

 

　Written by Shiro

Dated: 11 September 2023

We enjoyed hiking at Mt.Takao in the scorching heat on July 16th.

 Around 9:30 am on July 16th, at ticket gates of Takaosanguchi station, we, two guides, met up a woman from Singapore and Malaysian family of three. After each introduced themselves, we left for cable-car station in the lush greenery of summer.

 At the statues of Japanese giant flying squirrels which is native to Japan, we explained these beloved nocturnal creatures. It has a flying membrane between its legs which is used to glide between trees. It has also a long thick tail which is used as a rudder when it glides. They eat leaves of a tree, flowers, pollen, nuts, etc. When they fly or gride, they climb tall trees and jump off from it. Their gliding distance is generally about three times the height of a point of the tree where they jump off. They could glide more than 100 meters riding the wind. They breed twice a year in spring and autumn. The rich wildlife of Mt. Takao is not limited to Japanese giant squirrels but around 30 kinds of mammals and 5000 kinds of insects. There are also 1600 kinds of plant which accounts for some 30 percent of all the plant life in Japan.

Mt.Takao offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for all levels of hikers, from beginners to experienced trekkers. The trails almost well-maintained, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a leisurely or challenging hike. We planned to take cable-car to halfway up then trail-1 visiting Yuki-en, Yakuoin temple then to the top of Mt.Takao. From the Kasumidai observation deck, we could enjoy a wonderful view of Tokyo including high-rise buildings in Shinjuku and Tokyo Sky Tree tower. The height of Tokyo Sky Tree is 634 meters, which is taller than that of Mt.Takao of 599 meters.

 In front of the monkey park, we explained the native species known as the Japanese macaque which are found in various regions but in Hokkaido. As the unique behavior of Japanese macaques as they soak in the hot springs to keep warm during the cold winter months. At Mt.Takao area they are found frequently and they occasionally raid crops such as vegetables and fruits. Measures are taken to deter monkeys from damaging agricultural fields, such as installing electrical fences or using noise-making devices.

 Next of “jinben-do” shrine, there is the stone monument of the teaching of not taking any life. This is one of the most important teachings in Buddhism. The principle of non-harming is not limited to human life but extends to all forms of life, including animals and insects. Since Buddhism and Chinese characters came from China in the 6^th century, Japanese people gradually began to avoid eating meat. After modernization of Meiji era, Japanese people start to eat meat. For Buddhist monks to keep this principle, they have a meal of Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, Shojin-Ryori. At this temple, Yakuo-in, serves Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, Shojin-Ryori.

 We went on the trail-1 onto men’s slope which has 108 stairs, then Yuki-en where white structure of stupa in which Shakamuni Buddha, founder of Buddhism, was enshrined was shining in the summer sun. Walking through between large cedar trees and the wooden boards written the names who contributed to Temple, we arrived shitenno-mon gate. There are stairs to main hall where we were able to see monks going back after regular Goma Fire ritual. There are more stairs to the upper temple. We are all dripping with sweat. I learned later that the highest temperature was over 38degrees Celsius at near Hachioji-city. We arrived the top of Mt.Takao before noon. As a reward for devote to get to summit, we could look Mt.Fuji though half of it was hidden by cloud unfortunately. We took lunch at Soba noodle restaurant.

 On the way back, we took trail-4, which is a mountain path and attracts people by suspension bridge. We took two breaks until arriving chair-lift station. Descending by the chair lift makes us feel comfortable with gentle breeze. We arrived at Kiyotaki-eki station around 14:30, then ended this hiking tour with satisfaction of accomplishing something. (Comson)

Private tour on July2,2023

 We had 2 Mexican guests, a gentleman and a lady, both young and merry.Weather had drastically changed from yesterday’s heavy rain   we  tarted the hike in sunny and comfortable condition.

【Explaining about Mt, TAKAO】

Our guests are eagerly listening to our explanation about Mt, TAKAOand the tour schedule.

【At the look out】

At the lookout point near upper cable car station, we enjoyed in the very clear air, panoramic view around and very far, including Tokyo Sky Tree. 

【Colorful new leaves, deep green and yellow green 】

Guests were impressed with rich and beautiful nature of mountain and fully enjoyed walking through it.

 

【The special gate】

By going through this gate, you are supposed to be free from suffering.

【TANABATA-The Star Festival 】

Coming Jul.7 is TANABATA day in Japan. We explained origin about the festival. They are writing their wishes on the paper. We hope their dreams come true.

 

【Souvenirs】

They bought many lucky charms as souvenirs for their family and friends in Mexico.

【Wooden plates of donors】

Those wooden plates are showing donors’ names and amount.

Guests were impressed with so many donors and also interested in the

difference of the plate size by donation amount.

【Lunch time at a hut】

We had lunch at a hut restaurant near summit. Gest enjoyed Japanese food KONNYAKU. (KONNYAKU is jelly food made from the starch of devil’s tongue. Here, they serve it boiled and with flavored Miso-soy bean paste) 

【Suspension bridge】

Beautiful and popular all season.  They are very happy and having fun.

【Char-lift going down】

Another experience, different from the cable car. You can feel the breeze

and smell the nature.

【In front of cable car station】

Recording the happy ending of the tour but tour did not end here.

Please see the next phot.

【 Komagino Japanese Garden】

After the regular tour at Mt.Takao, guests were young enough to do an optional tour to the Komagino Japanese Garden, 15 minutes walk away, where they enjoyed traditional Japanese garden as well as BONSAI exhibition. The photograph shows they are listening to the sound of SUIKINKUTSU(water harp cave).

Report of the Monthly Tour on May 21

 

At long last I started TENGU activities again after the pandemic of Covid-19 seemingly somewhat calmed down finally.

This was applicable also to the guest of the day, a nice outgoing young lady from Hong Kong who had made frequent visits to our country before then.

Yes, we had one guest, while we were 4 old men.

Composition of participants seems odd, but this isn’t unusual. And our guest warm-heartedly understood our position, as usual, to take this tour also for our internal training, though we’d hoped to include female guides.

The weather was rather cloudy, yet comfortable enough to enjoy new green leaves on Trail No.1 for ascent and No.4 for descent.

Lastly, we were very grateful for her decision to spend a full day for this tour during her short stay of 4 days in our country this time.

We all had a wonderful time with her, and we hope she did too.

Here are some photos including ones taken by her.

(By Sumo)

 

Picnic at a mountain hut at Momijidai near the summit

At a suspension bridge on the trail No.4

In front of Stupa and Altar of Fire Ritual

At the cable car station before saying farewell

The Tour on 6th May (Sat) 2023

 

As the tour day was still in the so called Golden Week and besides it’s on Saturday, we were afraid that we might have to que for the cable car for long time, but it turned out that the crowd was just as usual. The weather was fine and we started the tour smoothly at 10:30 a.m.as scheduled in the crisp spring air. We took Trail No.1, the front approach to Yakuoin Temple.

This is “Otoko-zaka”, meaning men’s slope. It is said that you will be purified by climbing up those 108 steps. They now look purified, don’t they?

This is at Yukien garden, where the guide is now talking about a stupa built in Thail style. Don’t you want to know why it is built in Thai style? Join our tour!

In front of “Contributors List”

Contributors’ names are written on each cedar tree board. The bigger the amount, the bigger the board. You learn the fact of life.

A guide is working hard at the precincts of Yakuoin

                    

One of colorful Gongendo hall carvings depicting Chinese legend, of which guests are taking photos.

At the summit. Regrettably we couldn’t see Mt.Fuji today.

 

Going down was via Trail No.4, natural walk with beautiful greens all around.

We call it “love-love tree”, secretly popular among young people.

I agree that World needs Love.

The famous suspension bridge.

 Trail No.4 led us back to Trai.No.1 and we took the chair lift going down, enjoying fresh breeze and panoramic view of mountains and suburbs around and in the distance.

Trail

We safely arrived at the starting point and we took the last photo of the tour. 

We thank all guests for joining us today and hope they enjoyed the tour.

 

(Written by Nori)

Report on the private tour on March 20,2023

 

Today’s guest was a woman from New York, USA. After we exchanged greeting each other, we left TAKAOSAN GUCHI station at 9:20 a.m. Today’s weather was fine but visitors were few.

I guided her at the SWEEPER BOY STONE STATUE for my first explanation. 

Next point was GIANT FLYING SQUEAL BRONZE STATUES After that, we took the cable car to get  TAKAOSAN station which is the halfway up  the MT. TAKAO. Getting off the cable car, we took her to the both CASUMIDAI and 11-CHOME viewpoints. Unfortunately, we could not see TOKYO SKY TREE TOWER and SAGAMI BAY. Because it was hazy over there.

  KASUMI DAI VIEW POINT

                    KIJYO LAN

                                                                                                                     

From the JAPANESE MONKEY GARDEN   to the GONGENDO which is the SHINTO SHRINE, I explained about 20 highlighted point of interests.  

AT the board of TRAVELLING butterfly (Chestnut TIGER). Our guest suggested that KIJYORAN is not PARASITE, but it is SYMBIOTIC. It was new for us.

At the folk way, the point next to the ORIGIN OF MT. TAKAO, she made a good

choice for elderly persons.　Namely, WOMEN’S SLOPE

 RELIC   STUPA

              

                                                    SHOUJIN CUSINE

Right after we passed by GONGEN-TEA HOUSE, we arrived at the monument of Michelin Green Guide Japon , ranked as Three Stars in 2007.

 When we arrived at the ground, we heard the sound of SHELPHONE that was the notice of Monks line who were going into the inside of YAKUOU-IN.

After we saw off them, we went the guest house to have lunch. SHOUJIN RYOURI, Vegetarian food in English was reserved in advance by her.

She told us that her partner recommended to have this SHUJIN RYOURI. We talked about many things. At the end. she put three questions to us.

1.Do priests have the same cuisine of lunch while they are religious training?

2.How many chefs joined usually to cook this kind of cuisine?

3.Is there any order to eat this cuisine?

Right after we left this restaurant, we took her to the YAKUO-IN TEMPLE. I explained what visitors performed at the big incense burner in addition to the history of the temple.

On the way to GONGEN-DO Shrine,　I stopped over at the SEAT OF LIONS Stone statues, which is said to be expressing “BIGINING AND ENDING of EVERYTHING”.

After we enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Mt. FUJI and took photo at the summit.

AT THE SUMIT

we took the trail 4 and chair lift to go down. It was the first time for me to ride

 the chair lift with her.

We said ”Good By” at the entrance of TAKAO ONSEN at around 14:30 .

                                                                   Written by NABE.