June 9, 2014

Hike from Hinohara Village to Lake Sagami: Mount Usuki, Mount Ichimichi, Mount Daigomaru & Mount Jinba

After visiting the Hossawa Falls, which was actually a detour, I turned east to reach Mount Usuki (臼杵山) and continued to Mount Ichimichi (市道山). Those are two of the “Three Togura Mountains” (戸倉三山). After Mount Ichimichi, I walked south to Mount Daigomaru (醍醐丸) then went down to Wada Pass (和田峠) before climbing the stairs leading to the summit of Mount Jinba (陣馬山). I then walked part of the trail to Mount Takao but went down the mountain at Myo Pass (明王峠) in the direction of Lake Sagami (相模湖), passing Yose Shrine (与瀬神社) along the way. I then took the train back to Tokyo from Sagamiko station.

June 9, 2014

Tsukemen Burger at Lotteria in Shinjuku

Taishoken tsukemen burger (normal size). This was disgusting.

June 8, 2014

Hossawa Waterfall

The Hossawa Waterfall (払沢の滝; Hossawa-no-taki) is located in Hinohara Village, in western Tokyo. It is only about 10 minutes from the bus stop, next to the trailhead to Mount Sengenrei. This page has a map and directions to its location.

June 8, 2014

Katsu Curry at Kazakare in Mita

Katsu curry.

June 6, 2014

Miso Ramen at Ramen Oyaji in Machida

Oyaji-men, with additional egg.

June 3, 2014

Sagami River Koinobori Matsuri

The day before Children’s Day (May 5th), I went to Suigotana (水郷田名), in Sagamihara City (Kanagawa prefecture), to visit the Sagami River Koinobori Matsuri. Koinobori are carp-shaped wind socks traditionally used to celebrate that day. During the festival, over 1,200 koinoboris are hoisted up to blow in the wind (which fortunately was very strong that day).

June 2, 2014

Kurayami Matsuri

In May, I attended the Kurayami Matsuri (Darkness Festival) held at Okunitama Shrine in Fuchu City, Tokyo. It was one of the biggest festivals I have been to. It lasted for a few days but I only went there once. The day I attended was the day of the mantou competition (万灯大会): It is a contest between neighbourhood groups about which team can hold a decorated pole and twirl it around the longest. There were also other events involving mikoshi and children dancing to hayashi music. Unfortunately, I missed the main event, which is the carrying of mikoshi at night.