Our
guests were a group of fifteen (15) Russian private bankers who were attended
by a Russian organizer, a Russian guide, a photographer and a Japanese tour operator.
After learning calligraphy working on Japanese folding fans at Yakuo-in Temple
The guide from TENGU was just myself. The weather was perfect while it was a little bit cold in the morning.
Thanks to the perfect weather, my guests and I were able to see the nice view of high-rise buildings in Shinjuku, Tokyo Skytree, etc. from Sumika-mae Observation Deck and the Pacific Ocean from Kasumidai Observation Deck.
We
were still be able to enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage.
I
was explained, in advance, to the effect that the main event for our guests will
be to enjoy experience-based learning of Japanese culture at Yakuo-in Temple
including calligraphy, tea ceremony and martial arts with the entertainment by
Geisha girls.
So, my mission was quite different from a usual one and just to guide our guests on the way to Yakuo-in Temple through the Russian guide.
That is, I was requested to guide the guests from Russia by sharing interesting facts, etc. with the Russian guide while (i) taking a chairlift with her from the Sanroku Station at the foot of the mountain to the Sanjo Station at the middle of the mountain and then (ii) walking with her along the Trail 1 which is the front approach to Yakuo-in Temple without stopping at many of the usual guiding points.
The bottom line was that my English guiding was translated by the Russian guide and her translation was transmitted by wireless microphone to each guest wearing a receiver.
Russian guide and myself
In
this context, my guiding had to be focused more on general topics in relation
to (i) the remarkably rich biodiversity of Mt. Takao and its background and
(ii) Yakuo-in Temple featuring the unique Japanese religious culture
represented by the fusion of Buddhism and Shinto, the indigenous religion of
Japan.
It was a pity that it was much more difficult to know and feel any reaction from the Russian guests mainly due to the indirect guiding and the limited timeframe of the tour.
On the way, we saw that some of twisted rice straw ropes called Shimenawa that symbolize Shinto being replaced with new ones to prepare for the New Year.
It was an extremely short journey starting from the mountain base around 10:30 am and ending in front of the Guest Quarters of Yakuo-in Temple around 11:15 am.
After the tour, the Japanese tour operator kindly shared with me the photos they took including the ones in the main event at Yakuo-in Temple that I didn’t attend.
Generally speaking, learning artistic pursuits such as calligraphy and tea ceremony is regarded part of self-discipline while looking at those photos their main event turned out to be a sort of more amusement and fun, which is good!
Dated:
11 December 2024
Written by Shiro
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