Satoshi Nihonyanagi
Welcome to my blog, Green Tea Club !
I'll show you all the beauties and goodies in Shizuoka through this blog.
If you have any inquiry, please feel free to post your messages on it.
Hope to see you around in Shizuoka !
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06/27/2011 [Mon]
Oigawa Railway ― Around Senzu and the way back to Kanaya [Kawanehoncho]
So I stood in front of Senzu Station, Kawanehoncho, again around 12:00. The SL was supposed to leave there at 14:58. 3 hours to go. So what shall I do ? I visited the information office for some tourist information. They were so kind as to let me have some maps and brochures. They had also English ones !
On seeing the map, my plan was fixed. Another suspension bridge !
Kawanehoncho Tourism Association
Starting from ① on the map, I walked on the red hiking pathway along Oi River as the map indicates, checking out the several sightseeing points, and in 40 minutes or so, I finally found it, Ryogyoku Suspension Bridge at ⑩ ! It looked so long. 145m, actually. The wind of valley was blowing a little strong.
I walked on it step by step, mindfully not to see beneath myself and finally, I made it ! No wasp that time.＾＾
Illustrated map (329KB)
Ryogoku Suspension Bridge
Suspension Bridge of Konagai
After returning to Senzu station, I visited “Otogi-no Sato” that stands beside the station. First I saw a roadside station that sells local products and souvenirs, and beyond it, I found a huge Sound Museum. “Otogi” literally means “ to play with sounds”. You will get startled with it because surprising sounds come out of unexpected stuff !
I bought Shin-cha green tea, one of Kawane’s specialties, at some tea-stores before the station and passed through the ticket gate to the platform briskly. Many tourists had already been flocking together in front of the first car to take some pictures of its historically dignified face. I did, as well, with all thankfulness for its longstanding hospitality. It proceeds backward to Kanaya, by the way. Can you tell the difference among pictures below ?
The old-fashioned seat was rather cozy for me. It began to move at the scheduled time after a squeaky whistle and smoggy smoke out of the blue, blotting out everything outside. A train conductor came in the car after a while to say hello and she talked to customers one by one about how they had enjoyed Kawane and Oigawa Railway. She went as far as to play harmonica to lift the audience, which seemed like a party to me.
A journey for about 1 hr and 20 min to Kanaya. I enjoyed beautiful views through the window until I fell into a blissful sleep irresistibly. When I found myself at Kanaya, I felt somehow so sad. End of dream-like days. Reality was coming up again, I felt.＾＾；
Anyway, it was definitely a good travel for me ! Oigara Railway has brought me varieties of awesome experiences. Best season now ! Why don’t you try ?
Have a good day !＾＾
“Shizuoka Guide” is our official English blog website for events & sightseeing. Always with you ! ＾＾
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Posted by Satoshi Nihonyanagi at 12:12 Permanent Link Trackback ( 0 ) Comments ( 0 )
06/25/2011 [Sat]
To enjoy Mt. Fuji Climbing safe and sound [Information]
Mt. Fuji climbing season finally starts from July. We feel so happy to have about 300 thousand climbers every year but at the same time, we feel sorry for various avoidable accidents caused by reckless climbers due to negligence of climber’s equipment. To avoid these unfavorable case as much as possible, Shizuoka Prefectural Government has made up an instructive video that would provide you with necessary knowledge about climbing Mt. Fuji safe and sound.
Those who’s been planning for Mt. Fuji Climbing
We’ll have the traditional “Mt. Fuji opening ceremony” on July 1st at each of 3 routes inShizuoka ; Fujinomiya, Gotemba, and Subashiri. I’ll let you know about it another day !
The trails might not be fully opened due to snow-coverage in early July. Please make sure of it before you visit Mt. Fuji. We will keep you updated about latest condition of Mt. Fuji climbing in the notice of Shizuoka Guide.
“Shizuoka Guide” is our official English blog website for events & sightseeing. Always with you ! ＾＾
Posted by Satoshi Nihonyanagi at 01:31 Permanent Link Trackback ( 0 ) Comments ( 0 )
06/24/2011 [Fri]
Oigawa Railway ― Yumeno Tsuribashi suspension bridge [Kawanehoncho]
I left Suikoen in Sumatakyo Onsen at 8:30 and walked toward the hiking trail to Yumeno Tsuribashi suspension bridge. In five minutes or so, I found a statue of Japanese antelopes.
That is the gateway to it. Souvenir shops stand beside the walkway. I proceeded further to get my adventure started ! Now, why had I ever thought of going on a hike that I didn’t like much ? It was because of a picture on the brochure. A suspension bridge between mountains over the indescribable blue-like green water. It seemed very artificial to me. Some kind of joking ? Just like one from another world. Maybe I should make it sure with my own eyes, I decided.
The brochure said that I might come across some wild animal like monkeys or Japanese antelopes and I was sure I would because I am such kind of man ! You know, wild animals don’t show up before people who want to see them.
The air was so beautiful with the blue sky behind it. I could see dozens of mountains, some streams, and bridges through early summer trees. A kind of lizard swiftly passed before me. Hi, you look so cute. A huge snake was also enjoying sunshine in the corner of the pathway. Not bad.＾＾
In 20 minutes or so, I found it, Yumeno Tsuribashi, if literally translated, “a dreamy suspension bridge” ! I headed for it and in another 10 minutes, I stood in front of the bridge. Just like the one in the brochure ! The color of water looked as though it had been concocted with painting colors. To try or not. I walked step by step on the bridge, gathering all the power of nature and finally, I did it, almost ! I stopped at the very way out. Why ? A wasp…I really hate it ! I turned around to walk on the way I had walked. There was another way to reach the other side. I proceeded on the paved pathway to cross another bridge and finally got to the observation square after a while. I made it !＾＾
On my way back, because maybe I was totally unguarded by the stunning beauties, I came across a monkey just in front of myself ! I dashed off, and he ( or she ? ) sprinted off into the mountain. After that happened, I became too vigilant to enjoy the exquisite views. Sorry about that.
Anyway, I came back to the entrance shopping area safely and took the bus to Senzu Station.
Next time, I’ll report the final report, Senzu to Kanaya.
Have a good day !＾＾
“Shizuoka Guide” is our official English blog website for events & sightseeing. Always with you ! ＾＾
Posted by Satoshi Nihonyanagi at 10:57 Permanent Link Trackback ( 0 ) Comments ( 0 )
06/22/2011 [Wed]
Oigawa Railway ― Sumatakyo Onsen [Kawanehoncho]
After getting my eyes exhilarated by the stunning beauties along “South Alps ABT Line”, I took the same train back to “Okuizumi” Station to find a bus to Sumatakyo Onsen hot spring resort.
As I mentioned in the first report, I was meant to stay overnight using “Fujinokuni GoGo! Campaign”. Today, I introduce one of the ryokan inns in Sumatakyo Onsen Resort, “Suikoen”, also known as one of the best ryokans in Shizuoka.
Too good room for me ＾＾；
I reached Suikoen around 18:00. I talked with the manager for a while, checked in, and did as most Japanese do. That is, yeah, onsen comes first above anything else !
Here is an interesting trivia. This mark is used in the map to show the location of “Onsen”. Now, pay your attention on the 3 wavy lines. These are generally believed to show steam out of the bath but they also have a profound meaning. That is, “Bathe 3 times”, after check-in, after dinner, and after you wake up.
←open air spa ↑indoor spa
The first bathing took every fatigue away from me. I love the hot-spring quality of Sumatakyo Onsen. The water is rather slimy and clinging to your body but the skin become silky and smooth after dried up.
Now, time for dinner ! It was too gorgeous for me. You should experience what you won’t do in your daily life when you stay in a traditional ryokan like this. See the dishes. First came a glass of Japanese Sake of Tohoku region, indicating that their hearts were always with people in disaster. The sake service is only for the campaign. And varieties of a la carte dish ! I loved the broiled salted Yamame trout. Shabu-shabu ( to soak raw meat in boiling water for a second and dip ponzu sauce ) was also splendid ! Salmon salad, Tempra of green-tea leaves, and a green-tea pudding, all good enough for me.＾＾
After dinner, when I got back in my room, I found my futon ( bed ) ready to get in. In Japanese ryokans, they usually prepare for guest’s beds during dinner. I, of course, took another bath before going to bed. Onsen is actually believed very thermal. Good before sleeping.
I also enjoyed shopping in the souvenir shop in Suikoen. They carried a great variety of goods, which honestly startled me. Green tea and Japanese sweets prepared in my room was really nice, too ! I turned on the green-tea aroma diffuser that I found in the corner of the room. In a few minutes, my room was filled with the fragrant tea scent and I had fallen into a deep sleep before I counted 10 sheep. No wonder I walked too much on that day.＾＾
The morning came so quick, I felt. I seemed to have slept very good and sound. I took a look at the clock. Third-time onsen, or breakfast ? I packed up my stuff in no time and headed for the restaurant. Buffet style. Good to me.＾＾
Now, time to leave Suikoen ! Oh, by the way, you will have a small pack of green tea when you check out, if you use the campaign. I thanked for their consideration.＾＾
“GoGo! Campaing” is being effective until July 22. Suikoen is in it for C Plan. Find any hotel or ryokan among about 740 accommodation facilities in Shizuoka Prefecture for yourself to save money and help people in Tohoku !
Next time, I’ll report “Yume-no Tsuribashi” suspension bridge.
Have a good day !
“Shizuoka Guide” is our official English blog website for events & sightseeing. Always with you ! ＾＾
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Posted by Satoshi Nihonyanagi at 10:59 Permanent Link Trackback ( 0 ) Comments ( 2 )
06/20/2011 [Mon]
Information about “ap bank fes ’11” [Information]
The “ap bank fes ‘11” is going to be held at Tsumagoi, Kakegawa City, from July 16 – 18. “AP” is said to stand for “Artist Power” and the organization was set up in 2003 by a music producer and some artists ( musicians ). They stage a large outdoor event every year in Tsumagoi to raise a fund for welfare activities. It is said this year that all profit is to be donated for the reconstruction from East Japan Earthquake through “ap bank Fund for Japan”.
Now, “ap bank fes ’11” is actually one of the largest music events that attract about 70 thousand people every year for the outdoor music live performances organized by major Japanese artists, and you may not able to find any hotels or ryokan inns available on this 3 days in Shizuoka Prefecture. I even heard that some stayed, last year, in Aichi Prefecture because they could not find any room in Shizuoka. If you have been planning to join “ap bank fes ’11” or visit Shizuoka for sightseeing, I would strongly recommend you to book your room ASAP.
Have a good day !
“Shizuoka Guide” is our official English blog website for events & sightseeing. Always with you ! ＾＾
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Posted by Satoshi Nihonyanagi at 11:47 Permanent Link Trackback ( 0 ) Comments ( 0 )
