2018 Delightfully Japanese Summer

And so after our November 2017 Japan break, we planned a delightful Japanese summer break to experience summer heat in Japan.

Upon arrival, immediately loaded our Suica cards with much amount to spend for the whole duration of our holiday.

Typhoon Jebi has already exited Japan. So the summer feeling is back.  As I checked on our prior arrangements, all is set for my 2018 Mt. Fuji summer climb. After some days of acclimatization, we took off and boarded our reserved bus ride to the Fujisan Yoshida Trail Trailhead.

The Elusive Fujisan

It was a fine sunny day as I saw the horizon from where I was inside the bus. So suddenly, after several minutes more our bus stopped at Kawaguchico and we were all asked to disembark. The road to Stn. 5 is closed due to Typhoon Jebi debris.  We inquired and waited some more time to clearly know what has been happening.  We were confident that later, we will be permitted to go on and set foot on the magnificent Mt. Fuji.  Several minutes more, group of hikers were slowly taking off, going somewhere other than all our wish….Fujisan.  Soon enough, we had to leave as well and went someplace to mend our heartbreaks. Not again Fujisan.  But pretty good reason to be back next climbing season.

The Ice cave of Narusawa and Wind cave of Fugaku

We decided to go to Fugaku Fuketsu Wind cave located at the Fujisan forest complex.  The luscious forest was formed by the ashes of Fujisan’s past eruptions thousand s of years ago. Inside the complex lies Fugaku Fuketsu Wind cave, a breathtaking cave that brings guests into a different world.  Fugaku Fuketsu wind cave is a lateral cave that has a constant temperature of 3 degrees Celsius all year round. On a clear sunny summer day…..inside a freezing cave, I had to put on my jacket I brought for my Fujisan climb.

30 minutes hike southeast of  Fugaku Wind cave is another cave, the Narusawa Hyoketsu Ice cave.  A lava cave with an air hole in a vertical circular shape created after Fujisan’s outpouring of lava thousands of years ago. With my jacket on again, we traversed the Icy cold cave swiftly to avoid chills.

Reincarnation of an old MTB

Back at the city, after getting our refund on our supposedly bus transfers back to Shinjuku, We were one whole day and one whole night early of our schedule. Our reservation on Hakun-so Fujisan mountain hut has already been cancelled too.  Nothing particular to do, I spent some time on my brother’s MTB that has been idle for years.  When it finally gotten its fairly decent look minus the dense dusts, oiled its joints and cranks, bought new inner tube and there I was hitting the roads of Kodaira for a spin.

Going around is enjoyable that I get to discover many interesting places. The Farmers’ market with vegetables produced by Kodaira neighborhood, the Old Sento which I found very interesting for a foreigner like me, the laundry shop that when discovered, I immediately tried and enjoy washing our clothes,  the nostalgic Izakaya with very accommodating owners, the Kodaira Cemetery, the Higashi-Murayama Water Purification Plant, Toritsu Sayama Park and Tama Lake. And of course the ever respectful Japanese folks which always bowed their heads whenever I bowed mine as I greeted them everytime. 

Let's go to Kyoto!

After our Tokyo holiday, we boarded the impressive Japanese Shinkansen and went to Kyoto. During our week-long Kyoto stay, we get to appreciate several Kyoto spots.   Kiyomizu-Gojo is edifying, Saga Arashiyama is equally filling not to forget Fushimi Inari Taisha with its Shinto Shrines and numerous striking red torii.

Last stop Osaka

Next to Kyoto, we then traveled to Osaka by train.  Central Osaka compared to Kyoto is diversified due to tourists’ influx. Our first time visit to Osaka was rather food filling if not substantially foodie overload!

BEAR WITH ME PLEASE................STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION

"Roof of Indochine"

My 27-inch suitcase was almost full, loaded with numerous cold weather shields ready for the worst scenario our Mt. Fansipan climb has to offer. Surely, I have prepared for this one.

A week prior, there were frosts along the summit trails.  We had a consistent negative 8 degrees centigrade temperature reading up there, while negative 3 centigrade around Sapa area.  I was anxious then my colleagues would not bear such kind of freezing condition.  But all our airline tickets were bought, early hotel buffet breakfast already reserved, 6 hours land transfers arranged, hotel accommodation booked and so there was really no turning back!

I have prepared several safety contingency measures to constantly recheck my colleagues' insights on the challenges they have to face if they persisted pushing for the climb despite the conditions.

1.       Upon reaching Sapa, with showers or not, re-asses your resiliency to cold temperature and weather.  Make use of the prepared gears while we walk around the town square. Rain? If you can bear with it along Sapa, can you still possibly hold up at 2,800-3,000 masl?  Be honest…I will understand if someone will be true to himself and back out.

2.       On our Climb Day 1, after breakfast, make your rain wears handy.  If by the start of our climb and weather is not cooperating….I will ask you again if you could not resist getting wet from the 1^st hour with expected 7-hours hike? …….anybody is free to change his mind.

3.       At a hike speed of 3km/hour, about 3-5 meters distance between colleagues, the group has to move at the same pace.  Anyone slower should be passed through.  It should be understood that the group’s speed is the slowest possible speed we could sacrifice to tolerate the weakest hiker. Slugger should be asked to abort.

4.       If there’s no rain, then we push all the way to camp 1, at 2,200 masl where we planned to have our lunch.  The question of everyone’s fitness has to be reiterated upon reaching camp 1.  If someone changes his mind, then I have to go down with him.  Camp 1 is the last and final re-assessment of one’s level of fitness where we can still have ample time to hike back and catch a ride to Sapa.  Pushing further after Camp 1 is a “No holds barred, come hell or high waters” bid to reach Camp 2 at 2,800 masl and stay for the night.

5.       Weather permitting, but if by any struck of luck that anyone persisted and defy all anticipated eventualities and reached Camp 2 but can no longer push for the next day’s summit assault, then I have to call a rescue to get someone down. Expense wise, this will cost the climber a lot and he should be shouldering all of it.

6.       On Assault day, upon reaching the last ridge, halfway to the summit, where one can clearly sight Cable cars to and pro it’s mountain station, I have to check the time and estimate the group’s arrival.  By 1100 hours, Mt. Fansipan climb is expected to be successfully concluded.

7.       If by any chance, anyone fails to beat the 1100 hours target time, no more summit bid but proceed instead to Fansipan Hai Cang entrance by 1200 hours.  Or later at 1300 hours by the cable car entrance going down to Sapa.

Sweeping is not as exciting as leading where you have to watch everybody's back to ensure safety at all times

Great weather at around 5-7 degrees centigrade with sunshine all throughout the day. Miracles do happen!

1500 hours of Day 1 and about 200 mts near Camp 2. It's  getting extra cold.

All aboard for a hefty dinner by 1900 hours Day 1 at Camp 2. With 3 degrees centigrade temperature, no one ever tried staying outside the cabin.

Day 2 still at Camp 2. All packs on backs, ready for the summit bid.

And ohhh.....Did I mention last time that this leg is more challenging than the first two yesterday?

Fast forward....the group's bid to reach the "Roof of Indochine" was an unprecedented success!  Discharging all dreadful possibilities we have foreseen though uncertain if preparation made were adequate to challenge every unseen consequence.  we were just so lucky then we all made it to the top, that was it!

All wrapped-up with cold weather shields

Toucheddown by 900 hours at the last ridge where I have to call our climb support monitoring our climb's progress. We have to be on the next mountain top by 1100 hours Day 2  

Steady struggle into a 60 ft, 60 degrees rock face

That extensive last leg to reach the stairways peak

A gift given to us enthusiastic overseas visitors on the first day of Vietnam's brand New Year.  Hurray, Vietnam Tet Holiday!!!

posers!

"Onsen": Best part of our Japan 2017 Holiday

Our November 2017 Japan holiday itinerary was divided into 4 parts: 3-day holiday at Ginza, 4-day stay and family gathering at Kodaira, 3-day “babe” time in Higashi-Shinjuku and finally 3-day “slowing-it-down” R&R at Nippori before we finally head back to Manila.

My feeling of exuberance is still on at Ginza. The crowd, exciting modern structures and numerous shops that wifey is so eager to check-on: the newly opened Ginza 6 that was still being constructed during our last Tokyo visit couple of years ago; shopping of course where wifey did not spare Coach and Joe Malone.  We can easily forget about Tsukishima and the Imperial palace but a day spent in Tsukiji Market is a must for some Yakitori, Oysters and squids, Tamagoyaki and what else but ramen tolerance!

We had some personal Kodaira vacation where we shopped at a local market and tried finding ingredients to cook some “pinoy” food contrary to the usual local practice. Adobo and “ginitla” were my best options. The “tatami” mat experience was just as special as I recalled our usual “banig” siestas during our youngsters years.

We just found out this time that Mitsui Outlet Park in Irumashi is far better than Gotemba Premium Outlet if not for the majestic Mt. Fuji view.

“Babe” time for our Higashi-Shinjuku stay where I get to again indulge on the numerous Japanese menus at a local commissary I call “tapatan” for it is located exactly in front of our fave abode. And Yes, Shinjuku Eastside Square and its arcade located underground. No way, Yamachan Tebasaki will not be missed out of course!  A sound sleep and some hot green tea to sooth my itchy throat I still got from Manila.

After our Yanaka Ginza afternoon stroll at our last stop Nippori, we can forget about anything and settle in at our newly discovered abode. A traditional Japanese ryokan where shoes are off immediately upon entering, and that all were provided by Japanese handmade slip-ons. Where people seldom speak English though all are very accommodating and attentive of anyone’s needs.  We even had a short hotel tour courtesy of the benevolent owner, showing us the hotel’s best treat for their guests: Ryokan “onsen”.

And what is it about Onsen?

There really is nothing more relaxing or therapeutic than lying back in a hot bath after a long day—especially when the weather gets extra cold, or perhaps on the beach overlooking a beautiful mountain, or listening to the sound of a rushing river. And once you’ve done and appreciate it...you'll never look back!

Stripping off in public can be very daunting at first. But once you “dare to bare” however, it really does not seem to be an issue anymore.  Soon, you will get adapted to it.  Besides, Japanese do not care bat an eyelid so in no time, you will get comfortable and eventually lose your self-consciousness.

More than the nude part, I am more concerned about the etiquette that surrounds an onsen.  I made some blunders but good enough that no one noticed my being a stranger.

And so the next day was a special immersion that I wish to spoil myself over again.  BLISS

Momentarily I realized I just had somewhat a "sento" experience since the onsen is just inside a hotel.. But having noted the essential etiquette I should remember.... I now am ready for the real Japanese public Onsen.  LATER!!!!