Reiwa, New era’s first hiking tour welcomed by thunder and rain

On May 4^th, we held a hiking tour greeting 6 guests of JICA from Papua New Guinea, Micronesia, Tonga, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar. Other than that, a Japanese enrollment applicant. The weather was fine with a little bit cloud in the distance.

 We met up at Takaosan-guchi station around 9:30AM. Today, a lot of people were visiting Mt. Takao. This year the golden week vacation lasts 10 consecutive holidays from April 27 to May 7. Thanks to celebrating holidays of new era, Reiwa.

The Japanese calendar is based on the number of years the Emperor has been in the throne. Former Emperor stepped down at the end of April. From May 1, new Emperor ascended the throne. So, until the end of April was Heisei 31. From May 1 is Reiwa 1. Heisei era (1989~2019) lasted 30years.

The fresh air and green leaves made us comfortable. We took cable car for going half way up, then Trail no-1. At the Kasumi-dai observatory, we could see plural buildings in the direction of central Tokyo. Usually we can recognize the skyscrapers of Shinjyuku, but today spring haze disturbed it. On the way to the Yakuo-in temple, guiding some spots. We reached to the top before 1 pm, where were very crowed and spring mist also prevented to look at Mt.Fuji.

For going down we took Trail no-4, which is a narrow mountain path. Along it there is a suspension bridge.

On the way to Joushinmon-gate, sky was gradually changed into darkness, then we heard several loud thundering. Then there was also terrible rain.

Because of this sudden encounter of thunderstorm, the operation of cable car and chair-lift were suspended. We walked to the foot of Mt.Takao, arrived there around 15:30 safely.

Guests wished to get on the chair-lift but couldn’t. We always welcome you guiding next opportunities. We ended this tour with the memories of nature’s greatness and fury.   (Comson)