After the typhoon, smiles
were all around on Mount Takao!
Even
though the skyline was hazy, we could make out Tokyo Skytree beyond Shinjuku’s skyscrapers
🟢 Our Guests & Guides
Today, we hosted five JICA young leaders
studying in Japanese graduate schools, from Madagascar, Congo, Ghana, Kenya,
and Myanmar. Guiding them were Maki, Kate, Rico, Ken, and Nobochan.
🟢 Steep Cable Car Ride
We started with Japan’s steepest cable car
which took us from the height of 202m to 472 m in 6 minutes. Sitting at
the front, we admired the 31° slope. From there, we walked 2.5 km to
the summit (599 m), enjoying Mount Takao’s nature, culture, and history
along the way.
🟢108-step
stairway
Climbing
while praying symbolizes overcoming human desires
(bonnō), helping one live peacefully in daily life, and we all made it!
🟢 The
Scenic Plaza full of cultural highlights.
·
Large Goma Fire Rituals
are held here a few times a year.
·
Buddha
Relic Tower: Houses relics of the Buddha, donated by the Thai
royal family.
·
Iizuna
Daigongen Statue: The main deity of Mount Takao, a
combination of five powerful deities, led by Fudō
Myōō, an incarnation of Dainichi Nyorai, protects
people from evil and desire,
A
guest who is Buddhist kindly explained the life of the Buddha,
reading the stone carvings for the group!
🟢 Yakuoin
Temple
We
arrived at the center of Shingon Buddhism on Mount Takao.
·
Main
Deity:
Iizuna Daigongen
·
Tengu
Guardians: Legendary creatures said to live in Japanese
mountains. The two types of tengu on Mount Takao serve
the deity and protect the temple, symbolizing supernatural
powers.
🟢 Gongen Hall
The
hall is covered with exquisite carvings. Inside
resides Iizuna Daigongen,. Guided by our quiz: “Can
you find the elephant in the carvings? If you find it, you’ll have good luck!”,
everyone successfully spotted it!
🟢 Summit (599 m).
Although
Mount Fuji was hidden in clouds, the summit
view was breathtaking.
·
We had lunch in the forest,
sharing stories and laughter.
·
One guest was celebrating a birthday,
and we all sang “Happy Birthday!”
🟢 Suspension
Bridge
On
the way down, we chose a different trail.
·
The suspension bridge
over the river was thrilling and scenic, and
everyone enjoyed the adventure!
🟢 Japanese
Toad Lily (“Hototogisu”)
Today,
despite the late-summer heat in the city, autumn wildflowers
were already blooming on the mountain.
·
The flower in the photo is called “Japanese
Toad Lily” in English, or “Hototogisu”
in Japanese, named after a bird. Interestingly, both names reference animals,
but each culture imagines a different creature!
🟢 Two-Seater
Lift
For
the descent, we took a two-seater lift instead of the
cable car.
·
Guests enjoyed the 360°
panoramic views of the forest and distant horizon, along with
the fresh mountain breeze and birdsong.
🟢 Safe Return
Everyone
safely descended, with not too hot weather.
We
wish our guests a fun and meaningful rest of their stay in Japan
and hope they join another TENGU tour soon! Mount
Takao is beautiful in every season 😃
Written by Maki
