Report on TENGU Tour held on 11 May 2025

 Our guests were a group of seventeen (17) students from overseas studying at Tokyo Metropolitan University led by their teacher. 

 TENGU guides included Nabe, Comson, Rie, Yuko, Yoko and Shiro (myself).

At the peak of Mt. Takao

The weather was reasonably good so that we managed to see high-rise buildings in Shinjuku and Tokyo Skytree from Sumika-mae Observation Deck while it wasn’t good enough unfortunately for a clear view of Mt. Fuji from the peak of Mt. Takao.

 Before we got started, we had divided both guests and guides into three (3) groups leaving the Takaosanguchi Station around 9 am.

 Thanks to the earlier departure, we had enough time to cover many of the landmarks and sight-seeing spots at Mt. Takao before we got to the peak of the mountain.

 

In front of the statue of Osoji Kozo

In front of the life-sized statue of Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel

On the way, all the groups took a cable car leaving the Kiyotaki Station around 9:30 - 9:40 am and then followed Trail No. 1 which is the front approach to Yakuo-in Temple, the main religious structure located halfway up the mountain.

Touching the statue of Lucky Octopus for diving blessings

Around Joshin-mon tri-i gate (Gate of Purified Heart)

Braves who have chosen more challenging Otoko-zaka (Slope for Men)

Photogenic guests in front of photogenic White Thai Style Stupa at Yuki-en (Joyful Garden)

In front of Shitenno-mon (Gate of Four (4) Heavenly Kings)

Let’s purify yourselves before praying at the purification basin

At the main hall of Yakuo-in Temple

In front of Izuna Gongen-do Hall

 

After we spent some time in the grounds of Yakuo-in Temple, all the groups managed to arrive at the peak of Mt. Takao before noon.

At the peak of Mt. Takao

At the lunch table

 

After having lunch, we took group photos and left the peak of the mountain around 1 pm.

On the way back, we took a different route following Iroha no Mori Trail, then switching to Trail No. 4 which merges back into Trail No. 1. 

At the Pair of Trees （Two （2） different kinds of tree embracing each other）

 

Walking down along Trail No. 4

At Miyama-bashi Bridge (Suspension Bridge)

 

Back on Trail No. 1, we found that a couple of guests wanted to visit the Monkey Park where you can watch the life of a group of some 90 Japanese monkeys.

 Accordingly, we decided to change the place for dismissal of the tour to the entrance of the Monkey Park.

 Then, some of the students took a cable car or a chairlift and others took a walk down to the foot of the mountain.

 I myself walked down along Trail No. 1 with their teacher and was back to the Takaosanguch Station before 2 pm.

 I understand that from the perspective of students the tour was effectively a field-work for their study and that they are subject to the reporting requirements vis-a-vis their teacher.

 I wish our young guests best of luck!

 

Dated:  17 May 2025

Written by Shiro