The best running trails in the Japanese Alps

Our hike begins at the small Higashi Ome train station.

https://www.town.fujikawaguchiko.lg.jp/ka/info.php?if_id=2345

畳岩 (Tatami-iwa) refers to a rock formation that is often flat or layered in appearance, resembling the traditional Japanese tatami mats, which are made of woven straw. The name "Tatami-iwa" can be found at various locations in Japan, where the rock formations have characteristics similar to the geometric, layered patterns of tatami. These natural formations are created over time through geological processes, including sedimentation or volcanic activity, which cause the rocks to split and stack in flat, rectangular shapes.

The shrine is located near a place called Tsutsuguchi, close to the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi. Historically, this spot was known for its strong whirlpools and underwater currents, which frequently caused accidents and dangers to the local villagers. In 1193 (during the Kamakura period), the local community, seeking protection from these water hazards, built the shrine and enshrined a water deity, naming the shrine Tsutsuguchi Myojin. Bunmei 8 (1476): A worship hall was constructed. Eiroku 8 (1565): The shrine buildings were rebuilt, and it became the protective shrine of the local region of Kofunatsu. Horeki 4 (1754): The local villages Kofunatsu and Ofunatsu came together to purchase a portable shrine (mikoshi) for the deity’s processions, alternating each year with Hachioji Shrine. Horeki 6 (1756): The shrine received a formal offering and a name plaque from Urabe Kaneo, the head of the priestly family overseeing Shinto rites. Meiji 5 (1872): The shrine was officially designated as a village shrine. Meiji 40 (1907): It was registered as a shrine authorized to offer Shinto food offerings and rituals. (https://www.yamanashi-jinjacho.or.jp/intro/search/detail/7141)

Kajiwara Kagetoki (かじわら かげとき) was a samurai who lived during the late Heian period and the early Kamakura period. He is best known as a prominent retainer of the Kamakura shogunate and played a crucial role in its early history. Key Events and Contributions: Battle of Ishibashiyama: Kagetoki gained the favor of Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, by saving his life during the Battle of Ishibashiyama in 1180. As a result, he became a trusted retainer and was appointed to important positions, including the head of the Samurai-dokoro (Board of Retainers) and uma-bettoo (Master of the Stables). Cultured Warrior: Unlike many samurai of the Eastern provinces, Kagetoki was known for his education and love of poetry, particularly waka (classical Japanese poetry). He was even selected for inclusion in the "Hyakunin Isshu", a famous anthology of poems attributed to warriors, highlighting his refined tastes alongside his martial abilities. Conflict with Minamoto no Yoshitsune: Kagetoki is also infamous for his role in the conflict with Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Yoritomo's younger brother. He was instrumental in turning Yoritomo against Yoshitsune, leading to Yoshitsune’s downfall. Kagetoki's loyalty to Yoritomo earned him great power, and he was highly regarded by Kyoto's nobility, who referred to him as the "first among Yoritomo's followers" and "the true samurai of Kamakura." Downfall: After Yoritomo’s death, Kagetoki's fortunes declined. He lost the protection of the powerful shogun, and in 1200, he was exiled and later killed along with his family in what became known as the Kajiwara Kagetoki Incident (梶原景時の変). Kajiwara Kagetoki remains a significant, though somewhat controversial, figure in Japanese history. His loyalty to Yoritomo brought him great influence, but his role in Yoshitsune's downfall and his own tragic end reflect the complex power struggles of the Kamakura period. (https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%A2%B6%E5%8E%9F%E6%99%AF%E6%99%82)

This bronze statue is one of last and finest masterpieces of Japan’s great sculptor, the late Seibo Kitamura. Kitamura visited Kawaguchiko at age of 101 and was deeply moved by magnificence of surrounding mountain scenery as well as the lake itself.This statue is product of the two long and laborious years Kitamura spent to give this feeling of wonder form. The vase portion of the statue represents Lake Kawaguchiko, source of life in all things.As for two female figures dancing around the vase, woman on left represents “ positive” and woman on right represents “ negative”.the eternally varying drama of these two opposites comes together to become one in “source” flowing to on to symbolise the never ending occurrence and renewal of life. (https://thephotontravels.com/2015/08/13/statue-kawaguchi/)

Fuji Electric Railway Mo 1 Electric Train Model: Mo 1 Document Number: 100910131259 Location: Inside the Kawaguchiko Station of the Fuji Kyuko Railway Address: Kawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture Year of Manufacture: 1929 Type: Mass-produced model Manufacturer: Nippon Sharyo (Japanese Vehicle Manufacturing) Surveyed by: The Railway Technical Research Institute / Railway Friends Society Features: The Mo 1 is a half-steel electric train, built specifically for the opening of the Fuji Electric Railway in 1929. It was designed to handle steep gradients and was equipped with two pantographs and sandboxes to improve traction. It also featured multi-unit control for linked operations. Although the train was modernized in the 1950s, the original body was transferred to the Ueda Maruko Electric Railway (now Ueda Kotsu) and used as a passenger car (Kuha 251), later renamed Moha 4257. To celebrate the railway's 60th anniversary, Fuji Kyuko bought back the train, restored it as the No. 1 car, and preserved it. Exhibition Status: Not open to the public Survey Date: September 23, 1999 This train is an important piece of history for the Fuji Electric Railway, representing the early development of rail transport in the Mount Fuji area and preserving the technological advancements of the time. (https://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?no=100910131259&c=&y1=&y2=&id=&pref=&city=&org=&word=&p=240)

Ubiyasaki Shrine sits atop a cape called Yakagasaki, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji on clear days. It's a place that can be easily spotted from the Kawaguchiko Bridge, and its striking presence often catches the attention of passersby. This shrine is a branch of the Kawaguchi Sengen Shrine, and it plays a key role in the annual Mago-mi Festival (Grandchild Viewing Festival), held every year on April 25th. During this festival, a priest, carrying a baby’s swaddling clothes, leads a procession with a mikoshi (portable shrine) to Ubiyasaki Shrine. The event reenacts a legend where the shrine’s deity, Konohanasakuya-hime, visits her grandson Ugaya Fukiaezu-no-mikoto at Ubiyasaki, bringing him swaddling clothes. Deities of Ubiyasaki Shrine The shrine honors two deities: Hikohohodemi-no-mikoto: A legendary figure in Japanese mythology. Toyotama-hime: His wife, a sea goddess. Their son, Ugaya Fukiaezu-no-mikoto, was born at this very cape, which gave the area its name—Ubiyasaki (meaning "birth house cape"). The festival celebrates this event, with the Asama-sama (Konohanasakuya-hime) visiting to pay her respects after the birth. This ritual, known as the Mago-mi Festival, involves carrying sacred items like swaddling clothes and birthing tools with the mikoshi. Historical Roots and Significance Legend tells that Hikohohodemi-no-mikoto and Toyotama-hime returned from the sea and built a humble hut made of reed at this cape, where they welcomed the birth of their child, Ugaya Fukiaezu-no-mikoto. This event is the origin of the name Ubiyasaki. Annual Festival: April 25th Blessings: The shrine is known for providing blessings related to marriage, safe childbirth, child-rearing, business prosperity, and family safety. (https://kawaguchiko.net/shinto-shrine/ubuyagasaki-jinja/)