Our Fuji-san Excursion

On Sunday we visited the Mount Fuji area.  The weather was not ideal - it was cold and windy on the mountain - but the fall colors were beautiful and we had a great time.  This is the view from the 5th station, a popular starting point for climbers.  Fuji-san is over 3700 meters, just short of Mt. Ranier's height.

Next, we went to Lake Kawaguchi, one of Fuji's five lakes.

Here's a disposal receptacle for cigarettes.  You can click to enlarge and read.  It's comical.

We took a boat tour on the lake.

Lunch overlooking the lake - Hou-tou nabe is a specialty of the area.  It's a soup with large, flat noodles served in cast-iron pots on individual stoves at the table.  Our's had mushrooms, Japanese pumpkin, chicken, carrots, and cabbage in a miso-based broth.  Delicious!
Our next stop was the famous Sengen Shrine, located at the base of Mount Fuji.  A Shinto shrine founded in the 8th century, it was built during a period of intense volcanic activity in order to appease the spirits of the mountain.  In the ninth century, pilgrimages up the mountain became common and the shrine was a stopping point for purification before beginning the ascent.  The shrine is famous for its towering cedar trees.



We were amazed by the colors.  You can click to enlarge for a better view.

When you visit major shrines in Japan you can get a calligrapher to write in a book made for this purpose to keep a record of your visits.  Then they use a red stamp which creates a nice design.  Maddie was very impressed at the skill of the calligrapher, as she studies shu-ji(calligraphy) in school.

Posted by Vanessa.  Maddie says, "Peace!"