The Last Lap

Tokyo

When people mention the city, we will naturally associate it with heavy traffic buzzing at every nook and corner. There must be large crowds thronging everywhere and it was just satisfying that we have seen the number 1 city of Japan. 

We touched Odaiba, a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay. It was across the Rainbow Bridge in Central Tokyo. The view is mesmerizing and the evening sun at the background added a perfect hue.

The loving couple had to pose in this manner to have the photo taken.
On ordinary times, we do not do that.
So selfie is truly commendable.

 A good night's rest at Tobu Hotel gave us the much needed energy for a long day in the city before we embarked for home. When in Tokyo, this is a routine place; the Asakusa Kannon Temple. Apparently this is the oldest in Tokyo and many come here to ask for favour, protection and prosperity.

Here too is the shopping spot for all. There are hundreds of small stores offering goods of multiple kinds and colours. Just name them. All things Japanese are found in the shops lining the streets around this temple albeit most are traditional products like kimonos.

 This one product surely caught my attention as I remember dad used to carve mice and squirrels out of the brown brushes and we place them as decorative items around the house. The children will remember it well.

 This father and son team are into some craft making and they seem traditional and I am amazed that the son is obedient enough to continue the family trade.

The items are representative of most stalls found here.

Souvenirs, art and craft and the like.

 The Imperial Palace is in the city of Tokyo. The much loved Emperor is revered among the Japanese. We could not go any closer as it was heavily guarded. The moat around the palace is so typical of all palaces as it provides extra security.

We stole a shot here and that's the closest we could manage.

The park to the palace is vast and spacious.

 High rise buildings are seen from afar.

 The well looked after park is so typical of Japan.

To plant is easy, to keep it well maintained is the test of tenacity.

 Our last shopping was in the city of Ginza.

But before that we were at a mall that had that huge robot representing the futuristic trend of the country. In fact, chores and businesses will be taken over by them one day. The trend is towards that. ROBOTIC in every way.

 Ginza is for the rich and famous.

It is to be seen only.

For the affordable ones, this is a shopping haven for the latest and most trendy.

As tourists, the more spendthrift will find their match here.

But what's there to buy that we cannot have back home?

But how can we leave the country without this kitty product for our Emily?

Dad patiently walked around the mall and finally found it for his beloved grand girl.

Yes, it is time to see Emily again.

She is so adorable, isn't she?

With a look at Tokyo, it also meant the end of the Japan tour.

To God we give thanks for the privilege, journey mercies and good company.

Mount Fuji

En route to the coveted spot of Mt Fuji after the wasabi experience, we put a night at Matsumoto.

In Matsumoto, we were introduced to the oldest castle in the prefecture of Yamanashi. Well, to me it is so alike the castles in Korea as they are neighbours and carry architecture similar to each other.

With a moat around it, the castle is the most visited spot for tourists I guess but the hot afternoon with its strong breeze took a toll on my umbrella. It overturned and I lost it ! This is what I remembered of the town.

The evening though was quite authentic as we got to experience to dress ourselves in their different forms of kimono known as montsuki? It was truly a chance of a lifetime to be in them. They were placed at the hotel we stayed for the night.

The futon bed together with the tatami mat was a final touch to our Japanese experience. But I am afraid that I have to confess that it was not altogether comfortable as getting up in the night to ease was a challenge. Given a choice, I would still go for the conventional bed. But nevertheless an experience I would hate to miss.

The Japanese Koi was a friendly lot; at least they like dad. He loves the species and has never stayed in a house without them. Yes, dad must have fishes wherever he puts up a home. So, it was a mutual affection.

This was the group that travelled together throughout the 8 days. All 29 of us come from all sorts of background but there were at least 3 teachers among us. Most travelled as families taking the Hari Raya break reason to be together. It was nostalgic as I recalled the days when dad and I travelled with our girls. Now it is getting extremely challenging to make a trip together. Truly challenging.

We dressed to the night for the group shot; didn't we?

We jolly well sleep well.

For the next day we went up the most talked about place in Japan.

Mount Fuji is graced by different levels according to heights.

Many have scaled it but never try to venture it alone.

Clement told us that an Ipoh young student lost himself and his remains to be found only many years later to the agony of his parents.

Yes, thank you dear God for a chance to be photographed with Mount Fuji behind us. It was easy to teach it as a subject in Geography but altogether different to touch its soil. It was hot but cool at the same time.

Dad took a panoramic shot and yes a shot to be etched in our memories. I am glad I can record all the experiences for us to recall in our older days.

 It was unforgettable .

Some are even more adventurous as they put up nights at the site; to explore in greater details. So, it is not surprising that hotels are available for rent and stay.

It is not cheap though as the products sold at the souvenir shops were hiked up in price. Truly to capture the tourists.

Horses are here for rent too. We saw many hikers ready for the climb and there were guides willing to help them make the climb.

Here, tourists of all nations are seen.

Many came for the highest mountain in Japan and see its beauty.

If you ever have a chance to be here, this is the first spot that will greet you.

Very touristy and cheerful.

In our 60s, we look forward to more experiences that will add enrichment and rest for ourselves. When children cannot travel where we go, we still hope we can make a good trip with them someday too.

 Mount Fuji was a great maiden visit.

After Mt Fuji, it will soon be time to go home.

The Wasabi Farm

Daio Wasabi Farm

I have heard and consumed wasabi especially when I have Japanese treats. But to see how the plant is grown is surely the first time I have experienced. It was a learning visit as we witness before our eyes how the plant thrives. Apparently there are some nutritional value attached to the plant but the obvious reason is the punch you receive when it accompanies Japanese cuisines.

Clement told us that the Daio farm in Matsumoto is probably the biggest in Japan producing wasabi. The plant is sensitive and several physical conditions must first exist for its growth.

The journey to the farm was across tunnels built to overcome the rugged terrain on the Japanese Alps. It was breathtaking as you go through thick and beautiful greenery, pine trees,conifers and deciduous trees. Cedar trees are abundantly available perhaps as timber for construction. The hilly ride cut across ridges but the roads were well built.

That's the best representation of the plant. 

I could not resist a photo with it.

The summer heat was scorching and wasabi ice cream was the antidote.

A sumptuous Bento treat with of course the Hida beef.

Lunch was so delicious accompanied by most things wasabi! 

Witness the picturesque landscape with its mountainous background and streams of flowing water from the Alps.

Yes, the conditions for good wasabi harvest include cool, clear flowing water from the Alps and shade. This Azumino town has everything bestowed for wasabi growing. It is amazing to see the cool waters flowing through the fields without break.

This is how clear the water can be. 

You can almost see everything below that cover.

 Pebbles and deposits of varied kinds line the bottom of the bed and easily accountable. That's how the water flows here.

The summer sun is avoided by the vast coverage of the net.

Wasabi must have a constant flow of water flowing across its growth with extensive shade.

Please be informed that across each row of wasabi plant is seen a stream of flowing water; probably constant as it comes down from the nearby Alps.

Therefore it is true that wasabi cannot just grow anywhere.

It takes 2 years for a wasabi plant to mature and it can grow to a length of 4 inches. This place has the biggest wasabi farmland in Japan.

Besides the wasabi plant, we had the opportunity to see the natural surroundings of this pristine landscape and the indigenous flora growth. 

It truly was worth a visit.

Of course, we were tempted with the wasabi plant on the way out. You can actually grind yourself at home and be assured of the originality of it. The supermarkets may not be able to display such a pure version of it and some concoction may have been involved. However, how does one take them home?

The Wasabi Visit In Matsumoto.