Y o y o g i P a r k

We are too early for cherry blossoms, and it is by a mere 1 week! Come end of March till early April, this place would be filled with blooming Sakura and throng with hanami fans. Arghhhhhh.....dang! Well, that means I have the excuse to come again next spring, and hopefully, catch the hanami season.

Yoyogi Park is recommended as one of the best places to see Sakura in Tokyo. From a Google search, this is how it would look

like during hanami season.

This is all I could see on my visit, taken from the same angle. The buds are there, waiting to blossom with the right climate.

Despite the lack of flowers, the park is still filled with visitors. One of them is this adorable and tame ferret.

They are comfortably on the children's laps, waiting to be patted. Having ferret as a pet and bringing them out is not something you'd see everyday. So the children were all excited over them.

Here's another pair on a leash, handling and watching closely by the owner. 

Sharon has the chance to stroke her friendly new friend. 

Yoyogi Park is an ideal place to bring the dogs for a walk. 

Having picnic on a sunny but cooling day. 

When the children has grown and left the nest, the attention is now turned to the family pet....

.... and then when the grandchildren come along.

Jumping Jack Russell. 

Are we going to a fancy dress party?

Just the three of us.

I am tired. Carry moi mommy!

Although it is too early for Sakura, it is the best time to watch Ume (Japanese apricot) blossoms. 

Ume and momo (Peach) are early bloomers, and usually come before Sakura.

Friends gather to jam. We will rock you!

No friends? Never mind, I perform solo.

Saw this lady practising like a drum major. 

She has great handling & balancing with the mace, and her act attracted some curious onlookers. Me included.

A perfect time to catch up with the latest novel.

Scribble scribble....I tell you Snowy, I am going to be the best writer when I grow up. 

Put your right hand in, and you shake it all about....

I can't take my lips off you.

Bicycle built for mommy & daughter.

One sticky, one casual and one not-crowing-with-you couples. Is that good for a movie title?

Saturday is a great time to catch-up with friends, and spending it in the park is absolutely free.

Shots taken with my new Sony A7. I am so going to love this camera.

My trip to Tokyo is coming to an end tomorrow. I must say this trip has been fruitful. We met up with family and friends, bought stuff, visited new places, and tasted the ever delicious Japanese cuisine. I have been asked many times, why do I keep returning to Japan? My reply is, why do you keep going home? Yes, Japan is like home, and so is Korea. I just don't get sick of it.

And another travel trip awaiting....

M o u n t T a k a o

Yes! I have finally visited Mount Takao. This has been in my itinerary for the last 2-3 visits to Tokyo, but I never had the chance to visit, until now. Previously, we were either short on time, or hindered by bad weather. Even my mother has been here, when she visited with my sister last June. She thoroughly enjoyed it! So this time, I am not going to let it pass.

Mount Takao is located about an hour by Limited Express train from Tokyo City. We took a longer time via the local train and got here in time for lunch. After a nice hot soba meal, we ascended the mountain by taking the chair lift. 

You can get up/down the mountain by either the chair lift or cable car and I was pretty sure we would take the latter because of Sharon's fear of vertigo. Unfortunately (or fortunately for me), the cable car is down for maintenance and we ended taking the chair lift. 

We had a thrilling experience, though there were times I was a little frightened from the wobbling ride. Surprisingly, the wife was cool as a cucumber and seemed to enjoy it all.

 We started our ascend along well paved road.

I always believe spring and autumn are the best times for trekking. Although the route is steep, the fine but cold weather made the climb easy and effortless.   

 Banners.

According to my Japanese friend, this traditional looking restaurant serves the best soba in this region. 

There is no short on shopping even up in the mountain. 

Beware of heavenly dog....is that what it means?

 Are you the heavenly dog? He is cute indeed.

I am impressed with the locals. They love their pets by dressing them up and bringing them out. Just like a parent would do for her child.

Does this mean that this doggy took the chair lift up like the rest of us did? 

高尾山 and its sponsors.

The Japanese Ten Commandments.

 A devotee cleansing before entering into the temple ground.

  Wishing for a blessed relationship, for better and for worse.

To climb to the top of Mount Takao, one has to pass through the temple ground.

 Takaosan Yakuoin Yukiji Temple was built in 744. 

You are what you believed in. 

 Bells!

 A hard climb later, a deserving and refreshing treats.

Taking a break, bonding and enjoying each other's company.

The clear sign that spring is here. 

 Reaching the top of Takao-san, at 599.03m above sea level.

 And the reward for ascending to the top? A spectacular view of Tokyo City....

....and the majestic view of Fuji-san. We were lucky to see without it being blocked by the clouds.

Well, what do I think of Mount Takao? Minus the long journey getting there, it is really a very nice place for a day trip. Firstly, I liked the soba, which is a specialty in that region. I also like the view at the top, but to get there, I have to brave riding the chair lift. Hopefully, the cable car will be in service the next time I visit. And it has to be during the cold seasons.

And another travel trip awaiting....