Wabi-Sabi Sole

Finding Beauty with Imperfection

Category: Hiking

K-I-S-S

By

On March 31, 2017

In Hiking, Japan

I thought I would keep it simple for a Friday. Dina and I hiked Mt. Takatori this morning hoping to see Sakura. We were a little too early. We only saw a few.


In a week or so, the main tree lined street will be amazing. We walked to the Buddha and then back home.

I was expecting Sakura. What I wasn’t expecting was the range of emotions when I saw the Buddha. Seeing her, I experienced a variety of unexpected emotions. The last time I saw this Buddha was on a hike in early October. Almost six months ago. Standing there, I realized how many experiences I have had and how much confidence I have gained over the past few months. I felt very proud, fortunate, and humbled.

Do you see the tiny yellow daffodil specks at the base of the Buddha? These little guys are barely visable to the left of the offering. An up close picture that removes all perspective. 


Yet again, I feel a direct connection and representation to my favorite flower. The daffodils are so small and Buddha is so large. They are a tiny blot on the rock of Buddha. I am only a tiny speck on Earth. My presence is small and the universe is greater. 

I could go on and on… But, enough. I promised a simple Friday. Kanpie!

Mt. Takao

By

On March 13, 2017

In Hiking, Japan, Mt. Fuji, Mt. Takao, Temple

The ITT trip we took on Sunday dropped us off at the base on Mt. Takao around 8:30am. We had about 3.5 hours to walk around and explore the mountain before we needed to find our spots for the fire-walking ceremony. We posed for a couple pictures with the map of the trails on the mountain.

We were given tickets to ride the chair lift up and down the mountain. The ride on the chair lift took about 12 minutes. Once we arrived at the top of the chair lift, we had about a 45 minute walk to the summit. In true Japanese fashion, there were directions for how to enter and exit the chair lift.

The ride up the mountain on the chair lift was breathtaking. Literally and not because of the views. I didn’t realize how steep the chair lift would be and how far off the ground we would be at times. Please keep in mind also, there were no seat belts.

The chair lift took us up the steep mountain!

Don’t look down!

I did have to breathe a little deeper and remind myself not to look down!! Once we were on solid ground, I was much happier!

The walk to the summit included a couple of highlights. The first was the monkey park. Unfortunately, it wasn’t open and we didn’t have time to stop. Maybe next time! Fortunately, we brought our own monkey! The picture of Dina’s youngest daughter photo bombing is one of my favorites. Talk about monkey business.

Next we passed the octopus tree. The “octopus cedar” is a 450-year-old tree given its name because of its unique root structure.

Continuing along the trail, we walked passed many lanterns and large wooden slats leading to the Yakuo-in Temple. We couldn’t figure out what the meaning of the wooden slats. We were really confused when we saw “Gloria.” Our best guess was, these were names of people who made donations to the temple.

The temple is dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of medicine and healing. The temple was very large with a lot of stairs between the two levels.

Dave and I walked around the corner right at the time the head priest was leaving the temple. Here they are starting their ceremonial walk to the fire-walking! Look how close we were!!

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We continued our walk up more stairs…

Until finally reaching the summit. Although it was a very hazy day, we had a small glimpse of the top of Mt. Fuji. Mt. Fuji is the small white spot in the middle of the picture.

Summit proof!

Going down the mountain was a lot faster with only a couple stops for silly pictures.

Even the chair lift seemed to go faster on the way down. Surprisingly, the chair lift wasn’t nearly as scary going down. Perhaps, because we knew what to expect.

The view was lovely. Dave and I discussed making a trip back to Mt. Takao in the fall when the leaves are turning. Now that we know we can easily arrive in two hours by train, we have a new place to see beautiful leaves and Mt. Fuji!

Mt. Miurafuji and Mt. Takeyama

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On March 8, 2017

In Hiking, Japan, Miura Peninsula

The Miura Peninsula has several great hiking trails that provide magnificent views. Here is a picture of The Miura peninsula, we are the blue dot near Zushi.  The naval base is in Yokosuka. My journey today took me to the bottom middle, where I have placed a gold star and green marker.

Today, I invited my new friend, Sonia, to join me on a hike through the Miura Hills. We took the train to the Tsukuihama train station and then walked to the trail head marked with the green marker. There are two distinct peaks in the Miura Hills –  Mt. Miurafuji and Mt. Takeyama. These two peaks are connected by a network of trails and on a clear day, from  Mt. Miurafuji you can see Mt. Fuji.

My research told me the trail head was located behind the elementary school and marked with a Tori gate. Bingo! We began our upward climb.

The view from Mt. Miurafuji didn’t disappoint. We were so happy to have a clear enough day to see Mt. Fuji!

No matter when I see Mt. Fuji, it makes me super happy! There was a shrine at the summit and we took a few pictures before continuing on our hike.

The trail took us down and then back up to Mt. Takeyama.

Along the trail we passed an old gun turret.

We also passed a map and signs giving us updated directions.

I took a picture of this sign for my mom. I hope it makes her chuckle. She would tell us a story when we traveled on road trips about “Falling Rocks” – it was a ploy to keep the three of us quiet for a little bit…

We continued up and down.

Finally, we made it to Mt. Takeyama and enjoyed more beautiful views.

We also discovered a hidden away temple.

We finished our hiking loop and made our way back to the train station. What a great day! This will definitely be on our list when you visit!

One more thing, I took a couple of close up pictures of the map. The characters are hilarious.


And my favorite sign from the day!!

Hahahahaha

Sasuke Inari Shrine

By

On January 17, 2017

In Google Map, Hiking, Japan, Kamakura, Shrine

The Sasuke Inari Shrine is known as the “White Fox Shrine.” The Shrine is located in Kamakura and very well hidden. My neighbor invited me to go this morning with two other spouses. We drove because the temple is off the beaten path and not convenient to a train station. I put a gold ⭐️ on the location of Shrine. I know this area well and if you are interested visiting during your stay, we can incorporate stopping during one of our Kamakura hikes. It is very close to the Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine, the money washing shrine I went to with Dina last month.

According to legend, an Inari (white fox) came to the first Shogun of Kamakura, Minamoto Yoritomo, in a dream and advised him when to attack his enemies. He followed the advice of the Inari and was victorious over his enemies. To show his gratitude, Minamoto Yoritomo built the Sasuke Inari Shrine in the 12th century.

The steps leading to the shrine are flanked with Tori gates.

Climbing the steps to the temple was like traveling back into a different era.

Being located on top of a steep hill made the Shrine easier to defend against attacks. When you reach the top of the stairs, you are transported to a fox loving world.

A hand drawn map of the Shrine peaked my curiosity. It appeared to identify small shrines within the shrine.

I walked around the main building and more stairs led me to a shrine on the hill. So many foxes!

Walking around and down the side steps revealed another miniature shrine.

As I continued down, I came across a super cute fox village. The moss covered stone houses were captivating.

Heading down the steps through the Torii gates transported us back to modern times.

And back to my friend’s car where a local Japanese resident had taped a piece of paper with “no parking” written on it to the window. Guess I will definitely walk next time!!

Happy Pancakes & Money Washing

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On December 6, 2016

In Hiking, Japan, Kamakura, Seven Lucky Gods, Temple

I am not sure I could think of a better start to a Tuesday morning than with a happy pancake. Dina and I set off for breakfast in Kamakura followed by a urban hike to the Zeniarai Benten Shrine. We arrived at Happy Pancake slightly before it opened and there was already a line!

Fortunately, we were early enough to be seated and selected our pancakes. We both opted for the original “happy pancakes” for our first tasting.

We when visit when you are here, I will encourage you to try one of the specialty happy pancake selections. They include options like fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, cream cheese and even a scoop of ice cream. To wash down my happy pancakes, I ordered a caramel vanilla latte.

That is a scoop of honey butter on top!! These pancakes are nothing like American pancakes. They are NOT made with buttermilk. They are not heavy nor do they absorb the syrup. The texture is light and fluffy. More like a crepe that has been inflated. The syrup had a hint of caramel and they were topped with a scoop of honey butter.

They were absolutely delicious! I did not feel nearly as full as I anticipated. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t hungry for lunch. I just didn’t feel the lethargic pancake bloat one would expect when looking at these delicious monster-sized happy pancakes.

After we finished our meal, I had to take a picture of the check. Noticed it is placed on our table with a cute and tiny clothespin. Adorable.

We headed out on our urban hike. We had about a 25 minute walk to the Zeniarai Benten Shrine. Despite the December date, signs of fall are still around.

The Zeniarai Benten Shrine is commonly known as the “Money Washing Shrine.” The legend claims, money washed in the Shrine’s spring will double. Information from the temple provided the background for the legend. 1185 was the first year of the snake. (Think back to yesterday’s discussion about Chinese Zodiac. 1185 was the first year of the snake.) During this first year of the snake, on the day of the snake, in the month of the snake, Minamoto Yoritomo (founder of Kamakura government) had a dream in which the go Ugafukuji (one of the 7 lucky gods – God of fortune and happiness) delivered a message. Minamoto Yoritomo was told to go and find a spring in the northwest valley, worship the Shinto gods and peace would come to the people of Kamakura. He went, he discovered the spring and he built the shrine for Ugakukuji. It is believed, if you spend money that has been washed in the spring’s water, it will increase many times and come back to you.

To access the Shrine, you had to walk up a rather long hill and then through a small tunnel. It was lovely.

Inside the grounds of the Shrine, was a prayer wall, fortune wall and huge incense burner.

Walking further in, was the area for washing your money.

Dina snapped a few pictures as I washed my money from the spring.

And of course I took a few action shots of Dina. My favorite is her face when I said, “say, money!”

After we thoroughly soaked our money, we explored the rest of the temple. I observed more paper cranes. Since my visit to The White Lady of Ofuna, I have learned the meaning of the paper crane leis. Thanks to the help of a couple of my close friends and blog followers, Sara and Sue. During a conference call earlier this week they helped me piece together an understanding of their significance. The significance is based upon a story of a young Japanese girl, Sadako Sasaki (1943-1955). She was only two years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima very near to her home (~2km away from ground zero). She miraculously survived, only to develop swellings on her neck and behind her ears in 1954. The swellings turned out to be acute malignant lymph gland leukemia. She died less than a year later. It was during her time in the hospital she learned of the Japanese legend that a person who folds 1,000 cranes will be granted a wish. Legend holds she was 644 short when she passed away. Her family and friends folded the remaining cranes and buried all 1,000 cranes with her. Sadako became one of the most widely known hibakusha (bomb-affected person).

It was interesting to see all the tori gates in natural wood – not painted red.

We retrieved our temple books with the new stamp and headed back to Kamakura.

The hike back was beautiful as well. To get back, we had to go up before we went down!!

It was another delightful day exploring Kamakura. This last picture was one of my favorites from the day.  I took it as we were leaving the Shrine. I love the fall colors, the fortunes hanging and the trees framing the picture. It really spoke to me as “wabi-sabi” when I noticed the bright orange construction cone. Beauty in the imperfection.

Red Leaf Trail

By

On November 3, 2016

In Hiking, Japan, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji, Temple

The Kamakura Red Leaf Trail or the Kamakura Ten-en Hiking Course is located near the Kita-Kamakura train station. It was about a 25 minute train ride/ walk to the trail head from where we live. From what I read, on a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji. Let’s hope today is clear enough! Fortunately, before leaving the train station, I snapped a quick picture of the route. 


We were entering through the neighborhood and it was very useful to have the map for reference as we walked towards the trail head. We were also pretty lucky to have the trail head well marked. Also notice on the sign is the sign for a Buddhist temple. It looks like a reverse swastika. The first time I saw it, I had to do a double take and ask Google for clarification. It is in no way associated with any anti-Semite movement. In fact, completely the opposite. It means, “that which is associated with well being.”

A front yard! Lakewood circle needs some of these bridges!

Another front yard!

The only red leaf tree I saw on the Red Leaf Trail.

A shrine, of course

And another shrine.


We continued on our way and found a cute little neighborhood lending library. Too bad all the books are in Japanese! 


A few more signs marking the trail head. Be cautious not to follow the direction of the hiker man! 

The roads are so narrow, mirrors are helpful!


This sign was my favorite of the day. The Japanese don’t like to tell you NO or NOT to do something. Sometimes it is absolutely necessary. For example, “Don’t Litter.”  So, when they do, it is said so nicely and with rainbows. 


Finally, at the trail head and up we go… 

Yokohama in the background

Obviously, the Red Leaf Trail is not living up to its name. I will need to return in a few more weeks to capture the foliage. 

We made it to the top and went out onto the overlook. After a minute of getting our bearings, we saw Mt. Fuji!! And a Japanese sea hawk!! 

Every time I have a chance to see Mt. Fuji, I get very excited. Often the clouds are blocking it. Having the opportunity to catch a partial glimpse is spectacular. 

After viewing Mt. Fuji from the lookout, we headed down a lot of stairs to a temple. 

Steps going down to the Temple

Pray cards

Another glimpse of Fuji

Even in Japan Pokémon isn’t appreciated everywhere.

Steps going back up


Once back on the trail, we finished the hike at another… Temple! 


The temples might be an unexpected aspect about Japan I truly appreciate. The temples are welcoming to all visitors regardless of faith. They encourage you to visit and ask nothing in return other than kindness. Honestly, the world could use a little more kindness. The Gardens of temples are meticulously maintained and provided great care. When you visit, I hope to share with you a few of my favorites. 

Continuing on our way through Kamakura to the train station, we passed through another temple. Fortunately for us, it is the Japanese holiday, “Culture Day.”  It is a day the Japanese nationals spend appreciating and teaching the youth about Japanese culture. We saw several kids dressed in kimonos. 


And a wedding!! 


This trail and walk through Kamakura will definitely be on Julia’s tour list. Hope you can join us! 

PS. Go, Cubbies!! 

No More Boxes

By

On August 26, 2016

In Hiking, Japan, Mt. Fuji

As of Friday, 2:30 pm local time, all boxes were out of the house. Whew. 

Navy housing here is managed by locals. The benefit of not having Hunt Housing as a management company means fast responses to service request and bulk item pickup. The Japanese take pride in their work and tidiness is paramount.  When we took possession of the house, we were told our bulk items would be picked up on Saturday. I called Thursday to report I would need cardboard picked up and they picked up the boxes about 3 hours later. I can just imagine how they cringed with the thought of leaving the boxes for two days. I called again on Friday at 1:30 pm and requested another pick up. “More cardboard?” Yes. I actually felt badly to have more cardboard. My pick up was scheduled between 3 – 4 pm. Realizing about a dozen boxes remained and I would have to call again, I jumped into action. I cracked open the remaining boxes and piled them on top of the rest. 

It is now I realize I should have taken a picture of my cardboard mountain. Sorry. Invision a huge pile of flat cardboard boxes. 

More importantly, as I type, Dave and I are sitting on a bus on our way to Mt Fuji. It is 2:30am on Saturday – local time. We should be hiking by 5:30am. It is a 10 mile round trip hike. Here is a picture of our itinerary. 


Hiking Mt Fuji was in my list to do before we even arrived. The mountain is open to hiking July – early September. The logistics were a little tricky to sign up and thanks to the help of my newest friend, we are on our way. 

To say I am excited is an understatement. My next post will have complete details. In the meantime, a little information about the mountain and our route. 


PS. 3,776 meters converts to 12,389 ft. 

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