Day 13 – 8th April 2017
Today is the day for us to set out on a coach for the Holy Grail of a visit to Japan, a long-awaited view of Mt Fuji. Sadly the weather gods seem to be conspiring against us again and we set off west from Tokyo under ever more threatening skies.
Although viewed through mist, rain and clouds the scenery along the way is very picturesque and eventually we arrive at the impressive Fuji Sengen Shrine, dating from the 8th century. Chiaki takes us through the procedure to be followed when offering prayers to the Sun God, namely bow twice,clap hands once, a moment for silent prayer and a final bow before making one’s way down the steps from the Main Hall. We now had off to put this to the test but in spite of Chiaki complimenting me on my very respectful conduct at the altar the rain has got heavier and I can only assume that the Sun God only works on weekdays!
We notice walking through the temple park that certain large trees have ropes tied round them in a bow and we are told that this represents a bonding of couples who also leave messages on nearby wire lines.
Continuing on through more pleasant scenery and stopping for some lunch we eventually arrive at Hakone on the shores of Lake Ashi. Hakone was one of the checkpoints/guard posts along the Old Tokaido Highway, established in 1619 by Tokugawa Shogunate to safeguard the security of Edo ( now Tokyo ). A number of these guard posts were created along the road from Edo to Kyoto.
In spite of the very inclement weather ( in fact it’s bucketing down ) we decide to brave the elements and take a 15 minute ferry trip on the lake.
The umbrella that I had purchased on our second day in Japan for 4 Dollars has succumbed to the very high winds and what I thought was a very sturdy handle has snapped off. The good news is that it will now fit into my case should I wish to get a little more use out of it and the umbrella is now at the same height as most others carried by the Japanese as we make our way through the crowds!
Apparently, Lake Ashi is famous for the inverted reflection of the fabled Mt Fuji and we had planned to take a ride on the Hakone Ropeway which on its way up to Mt Komagatake offers more of this iconic view. Sadly, the gale- force winds render the journey too hazardous and we can hardly see our travelling companions let alone dear old Fuji! However, by way of compensation Chiaki allows herself to be photographed while she contorts her neck to represent the upper slopes of Mt Fuji! She is definitely not an ‘ inscrutable oriental lady!
All that remains is for us to take the return coach trip to Tokyo under slightly more promising skies and prepare for the group’s farewell dinner back at our hotel. During the journey Chiaki explains that the Japanese have a deity for almost everything. Chiaki homes in on the deity for toilets because if a girl keeps her toilet clean she will marry well. In her self- deprecating way she comments that her cleaning obviously failed to come up to the required standard!
The buffet-style meal is of the highest order and starts off on a great note when Sally is surprised with a cake to celebrate her birthday. The evening is made all the more memorable by some truly heartfelt words of appreciation to Chiaki from Ray, Keith and Mirec on behalf of the whole group. Keith, in particular, gives a very fine speech which perfectly encapsulates what we all feel about Chiaki and her immense contribution to making the trip so memorable.
Tipping or giving gifts in such a situation is not the accepted norm in Japan but her performance has been such that we feel justified in ignoring protocol and presenting her with a couple of gifts.
For Gail and myself and no doubt many in the group she has been truly remarkable in every way and is certainly the best guide we have encountered on our travels.
Cheers
The Obese Ferret
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