MT. TAKATORIYAMA



On a Saturday afternoon we spontaneously decided to take a hike on Mt. Takatoriyama. We packed a quick lunch and made the 30 min. walk over to the JR Line to get on the train. Scott had to ask a Japanese woman which train we should take since we couldn't read any of the information. Scott pointed to our map and said, "Higashi-Zushi?" Then the lady pointed out the right train so we knew how much our train fare was.



We took the JR to Higashi station and walked a couple of blocks. Through a quiet neighborhood with narrow houses and even more narrow streets. We headed up the mountain out of Higashi on a paved road that led us past a small Buddhist cemetery and about 3/4ths of the way up the mountain.


The first place we came to was a small monastery (at least we think that's what it is).
We loved this hike! It was so beautiful. I can hardly wait to go in the spring when everything will be green. Hope you enjoy the views as much as we did!





We loved the bell tower. The timbers were Japanese cedar. The dragons were our favorite but the bell was beautiful too. It took all I had to keep Scott from ringing it. I could only imagine the horrified monks racing out and all of us being carted off to some dungeon and having to do penance for disturbing the peace!

The hike winds along the ridge of the mountain and in some places it was so steep that a chain was bolted into the rock to help hikers keep to the path. Jared loved the hike - he asked if we could go again before we even left - this from the boy who complains about walking more than one block on a city sidewalk!

Toward the end of the hike there is an old stone quarry where rock climbing is surprisingly popular.

This last picture is of Yokohama and Landmark tower - the tallest building in Japan. Yes, they actually call it "Landmark Tower" in Japanese - no translation required! There are so many English words in Japanese if you can just figure out their pronunciation - ie "eentenetu."

We are loving our new home. Japan is beautiful! We love all of you and miss you!