Takao-San

(A guest post by Eric)

Sarah is so proud of making it big time in the blogosphere...she loves saying she has a "guest blogger". We're all so proud of you hon.

Last Sunday we took advantage of a sunny day and went for a hike at Mt Takao ("Takao-san"). It's has many temples, and shrines set along beautiful hikes. I had been there once, a year ago, and wanted the family to see it. There is a spot I especially enjoy where a stone temple courtyard has been hewn out of the mountain next to a waterfall. I can picture the monks from hundreds of years ago meditating in this very special place.

It's a bit of a trek to get there (an hour and a half of various trains and line switches) but well worth it. Since I knew we'd be doing a hike which would be strenuous for E's and A's little legs we stocked up on snacks at a Lawson's (it's like a 7-11) and I carried goodies and drinks in a backpack for the day.

At the start of the hike these little guys are there to say "Gambatte"! Which means "You can do it!" or "Go!". In fact, an elderly hiker decked out in his gear patted E and A on the head, giving each of them high fives and saying "Gambatte!" to them. He thought they were very cute.

Starting up the trail!

Early on we passed a prayer shrine set around a little spring.

We hiked along this creek most of the day. It was very pretty.

Another prayer shrine. This one dug into the side of the hill.

This is the temple courtyard I mentioned. Very cool. If you look close you can see a few candles burning. We smelled incense at a few spots along the way. I think most of these are Shinto shrines meant to honor one's ancestors and seek guidance from them. I did also read people used to honor the spirits of the mountain as Takao was believed to be a holy mountain.

Part of the same courtyard.

After about an hour and a half of hiking up-hill and taking snack breaks we came to a series of steps. We can do it!

We did it! We're at the top! (E had troubles opening his eyes due to the sunlight)

We enjoyed the view of the outskirts of Tokyo and beyond.

After the top we hiked down the more popular side (since we knew we could get to a cable car to ride back down). On this side there are many temples and shrines. We really liked the ornate woodwork. You can also see sake barrels offered to the spirits of the mountain and ancestors at left.

The sun was bright but don't let it fool you...we were chilled. Thankfully the hiking kept our blood moving.

After all that hiking in the cold (by now 3 hours or more on our feet with LOTS of uphill hiking) Abby fell, scraped her hands and started to get frustrated. I turned and immediately walked away. Not to get away from her of course, but because I saw something I knew would bring smiles (even on a cold day!)

Sure enough...smiles all around. It was a yummy grape soft-serve. I know because she let me have a taste...she's a giver.

Of course, the big girl needed to be happy too! ;-) Sarah and I tried something a little warmer...Mochi balls dipped in a sort of soy-sauce and warmed up over coals. Yummy! (PS - Mochi is mushed up rice which gets slimy and gooey then formed into a ball.)

Once we were done eating we found the cable cars and rode them down followed by collapsing on the train for the ride back. Abby fell deep asleep and didn't even really wake up when I picked her up to switch trains. She earned it after a tough hike!!