Regular tour February 20, 2019

Regular monthly tour of February was held on February 17(Sun). This time we had four guests i.e , two were botanists from University of Hawaii and two ladies of their friends lived in Japan. Four TENGU members hosted the tour. Needless to say ,our Plants Expert ,Sumo-san, was a main player to respond Hawaiian botanists’ requests. It was another fine and warm day, but it was not so busy compared with usual weekend. After assembling the Takaosanguchi station, moved to the cable car station to catch 9:30 departure coach. At the mountaintop station,we managed to purchase the Tengu-yaki, the most popular and million seller sweets in the region, though Kei-san had to be patient making a queue to buy them. We thoroughly enjoyed the taste and texture. At the Yakuouin temple, we met group of Buddhism priests led by the  sound of triton trumpets, heading to the Gomadan fire ritual.

It is still middle of winter now, obviously it is by no means good season to observe plants,  tree leaves and flowers ,however Somo-san found some plants like Yamarurisou (Omphalodes japonica),Kan-aoi(Asarum nipponicum),Shunran(Cymbidium goeringii) .

Kan-aoi

Shunran

He also picked up suitable topics on the trees and plants to satisfy the guests’ interests. Well done Sumo-san, we are very proud of you!.

Even though it was a fine day but a little bit hazy ,therefore the views of the Mt. Fuji and Tokyo city centers’ skyscrapers from the summit were not very clear.

For the descend ,we walked the Inariyama trail ,which is approx. 4km ridge way course , enjoying hearing birds singing and feeling of the fresh air in the forest.

Whole program ended at the cable car station at around 3:00PM. It was very present and friendly tour indeed. We received very kind and worm appreciations from the guests.

Looking forward to having the guests and an opportunity to guide again!

Written by Tad,

Private Tour on ５ Feb. 2019

We welcomed a Spanish guest who has been living in Japan for 6 years.

We started walking to the top along the trail No.1.

 She was interested in so many things that she asked us a lot.

She was a good walker and sometimes made it hard for us to catch up with her.

In front of the monkey park.  After this, we went into the park. 

An earnest learner, interested in everything she saw.

Washing coins in the water, praying to be rich.            

 A serious photographer, not to miss anything. (NO PHOTO sign is meant for inside only)

A bit hazy, yet we could enjoy panoramic view

Finally arrived at the summit.

Lunch at SOBA (Buckwheat) restaurant on the summit.

On the famous suspension bridge.

JICA TOUR

The first JICA Mt. Takao tour of 2019　was held on February 2, 2019.

As many as Fourteen guests from eight different countries joined the tour and four members of our TENGU group hosted them. It was absolutory clear and sunny day though felt bit chilly.

After meeting and brief introduction at Takaosannguchi Station of Keio Line at 9:30, we moved to the Cable car station. The cable car climbed up from 200m to 472m height, rail track length is1000m, in approximately 6 minute and then started to walk aiming the 599m height summit. Views form the observation points were excellent. Skyscrapers and the Sky tree tower of Tokyo city center, which are 50-60km away, were clearly visible.

Due to some snowfall on the day before the tour day, parts of the trails surface were still covered with icy snow and was getting very slippery, therefore we were forced to pay extra attentions for safe walks. Our efforts were reworded by the magnificent view of Mt. Fuji at the summit.

 On the way to the top, we came across the group of Buddhist monks of Yakuouin Temple, wearing colorful costume, and chanting some mantra praying happiness, health and business prosperity.

After enjoying the lunch at the top, we played making snowballs and throwing the balls to the targets, it was a great fun because snow seemed rare for most of the today’s guests.

On the return journey, we chose a chair lift instead of the cable car and enjoyed better open views with a small thrill during 15 minutes ride.

Whole tour ended safely at the cable car station at just after 2:00pm and confirmed each other the tour was a great enjoyment. It is always making guide staff happy to hear some appreciation words from guests. Looking forward to seeing visitors from all over the world.

 Tad,