JICA Tour on Sep 5, 2026: Mystical Fog, Sacred Horagai (Conch Shell Horns), and a Surprise View of Tokyo Skytree!
Date & Time: September 5, 2026 | 9:40 AM – 3:40 PM
Guests: 3 JICA Participants (from Indonesia, The Gambia, and Sri Lanka)
Volunteer Guides: Maki, Guchi, Ken, Rico, Satomi, Nancy
Route: Takaosanguchi Station → Fudodo Temple → Cable Car → Trail 1 → Joshinmon Gate → Sanmitsu Gate → Stupa (Bussharito) → Yakuoin Temple → Izuna Gongendo → Fuji Sengen Shrine → Summit → Fuji Path → Ana-Benten Cave Shrine → Nests of Japanese Giant Flying Squirrels → Chairlift → Takaosanguchi Station
Tour Highlights & Seasonal Wonders
🟢 A Mystical Misty Hike
The mountain greeted us with a dramatic blanket of fog. Hiking through the misty trails felt just like stepping into a traditional Japanese ink wash painting (Sumi-e). The cool, refreshing air brought a lovely hint of early autumn, making it a rare and unforgettable experience for both our guests and guides.
Caption: Misty Joshinmon Gate
Caption: Misty statues of Kobo Daishi
🟢 Sacred Processions and Yamabushi Horns
We were blessed with a rare encounter: two separate sacred processions of monks and Yamabushi (mountain ascetics)! The echoing sound of their Horagai (conch shell horns) felt like a warm, powerful welcome to our group.
Fudodo Temple: Shortly after starting, we witnessed the once-a-year traffic safety prayer ceremony held every first Saturday of September, complete with a fire ritual (Goma).
Yakuoin Temple: At 12:30 PM, we came across monks entering for their regular afternoon prayer. Soon after, the powerful sounds of chanting and taiko drums resonated through the temple grounds.
🟢 Kuniuke-mon Gate – The Gate to Release Suffering
The path leading from this gate represents a moving meditation in Esoteric Buddhism called the "Three Mysteries" (Sanmitsu), which purifies your body, speech, and mind:
身密 (Karma / Action): Purifying ourselves through physical practice and actions
口密 (Mantra / Speech): Focusing our mind through sacred prayer and chants
意密 (Samadhi / Mind): Training our thoughts through meditation
Walking this path is more than just a physical hike—it is a spiritual journey following centuries of Yamabushi traditions.
Caption: Guests at The Gate to Release Suffering
🟢 Stupa at Yukien
As we explained that the sacred relics housed here were donated by the King of Thailand in the early 20th century, Vitha from Sri Lanka shared a fascinating insight. In Sri Lanka, the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is the ultimate national treasure, preserved by monarchs throughout history and housed at the world-famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Caption: Misty Yukien
🟢 Post-Lunch Fun: "Japanese English" Quiz
After lunch near the summit, we hosted a 10-question quiz called "Can You Speak 'Japanese English'?" (Wasei-eigo). Explaining terms like "Paper Driver," "Baby Car," "Taipa" (time performance), and "Kosupa" (cost performance) sparked endless laughter. Throughout the rest of the hike, the conversation never stopped, and our guests loved using their newly learned phrases!
Caption: Lunch near the summit
Caption: Guests and guides at the summit
🟢 Vibrant Biodiversity After the Rain
The rain-soaked trees and plants burst with rich green colors as we fully immersed ourselves in Mt. Takao’s early autumn biodiversity.
Tricyrtis macropoda (Yamapototogisu): Along the steep banks of Fuji Path, these delicate wild mountain flowers were in bloom. Native to Japan, their petals curve downwards—a unique feature not seen in cultivated varieties. The purple spots on their white petals resemble the breast feathers of the Hototogisu (Lesser Cuckoo). Since the bird visits Mt. Takao in summer, August to September is a magical time when you can encounter both the bird and the flower on the same mountain!
- A Tiny Red Mushroom: Friend or Foe?We spotted a bright red mushroom smaller than a baby's pinky finger. Depending on its shape as it grows, it could be a harmless cup fungus (Cup O' Oysters) or the infamous Kaentake (Poison Fire Coral). Kaentake is one of Japan's most deadly mushrooms—not only is it fatal if ingested, but touching it can cause severe skin irritation! Autumn is a wonderful season for mushroom spotting on Mt. Takao, but remember: look, don't touch!
Caption: A Tiny Red Mushroom: Friend or Foe?
🟢 The Ana-Benten Cave (Fukutoku Benzaiten): The Secret Tunnel to the Sea and Mt. Fuji
This hidden shrine dedicated to Benzaiten (the goddess of wealth and fortune) is one of Mt. Takao’s best-kept secrets and spiritual power spots.
The Low Ceiling: The cave ceiling is only about 1.2 meters high, requiring visitors to duck as they enter.
The Enoshima Legend: Local legend says this tiny cave tunnel runs deep underground for 50 kilometers all the way to Enoshima Island on the coast! Furthermore, another ancient legend claims the sea caves at Enoshima connect directly to the frozen ice caves of Mt. Fuji, another 100 kilometers away.
While these are mythic tales, on a clear day, you can view Mt. Fuji both from the summit of Mt. Takao and from the shores of Enoshima, reflecting the deep ancient spiritual connection between Japan's sacred mountains and the sea.
Caption: Guests exploring Ana-Benten Shrine cave
🟢 The Ultimate Surprise Ending: Tokyo Skytree!
Just as we reached the Kasumidai and Cablecar Station observation decks on our way down around 3:00 PM, the thick fog magically cleared away! The panoramic view opened up all the way to the Shinjuku skyscraper district and Tokyo Skytree.
Everyone—guests and guides alike—erupted in cheers at this incredible surprise!
Caption: Erupted in cheers at Takao Cablecar Station observation deck
Caption: Guests and guides finishing the tour together
Mt. Takao brought another magical and unforgettable day to our guests and volunteer guides.
Thank you, Mt. Takao!
0 件のコメント:
コメントを投稿