The end point of “Hozugawa Kudari(Hozugawa River Boat Ride)” is that scenic spot, and you can enjoy about two hours boat ride.

If you ride on a boat from Kameoka, where is about 16 km upstream from Togetsukyo Bridge, a famous sightseeing place, there expands gorge and dynamic landscape, which you cannot imagine from calm and elegant atmosphere of Arashiyama.

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The River Boat Ride Conveys a History of About 400 Years

When you speaking of Kameoka, a region of Tanba, located in north west of the Capital of Kyoto, you know that it is known as a castle town among mountains, where Mitsuhide Akechi was a lord.

The boat boarding place of Hozugawa Kudari is located where about 8 minutes walk from JR Kameoka station that is the gateway of the town.

The photo on left is a boat boarding place is located on a riverbank of Hozugawa.

The history of Hozugawa Kudari is old.

Ryoui Suminokura, a wealthy merchant of Kyoto, opened it as an industry canal in Keicho 11 (1606), early Edo Period, for the purpose of sending products, including timbers, firewood and charcoals, of Tanba region to the Capital.

After replaced to a land transportation by appearance of railways and cars, it composes a history as a sightseeing boat that you can enjoy the beauty of gorge of four seasons.

The photo on left is Hozugawa River where they transported timbers by making rafts in the Taisho Period.

The boat of Hozugawa Kudari is a small boat of flat-bottomed with 16 passengers as maximum.

There, three boatmen as one group get in, and the boat goes down the flow where rapids and large rocks scatter.

It is one of the must-see points that the posture of operating skillfully the boat with a long bamboo pole.

Hiroshi Kawarabayashi is the one of those who resigned a company employee and entered to this world, having thought that “wish to do a work that has a history and only in the local region”.

Although he is a veteran boatman experienced for more than 20 years, still it is said that he is yet a middle level.

“You need to experience, of which not only operating the boat, but accumulating knowledge and experience including of shape of the river, change of seasons, for at least 10 years to become qualified.”

Repairing and preserving nature of the river and the riverbank is also an important work of a boatman.

It is said that recently they are studying together the guidance in including English and Chinese for the purpose of guiding tourists from overseas.

During a season of cherry blossoms and an autumn leaves season, there may be sailing some 100 boats a day, so physical strength is also required.

But, he told that “works of a boatman also is that to make everybody, who rode on the boat together, excited and enjoy the history of 400 years, the nature of full of must-see spots, and the sense of unity.”

During winter season starting from mid December until March 9th, the boat becomes an ozashiki (like a parlor with tatami mats) heated boat.

The snowscape is also distinctive beauty.

Now, Let’s Leave for Toward Arashiyama

hozugawakudari.jp

The regular boat is on sail from 9 in the morning, and fares are adult 4,100 Yen and child (ages 4 to 12) 2,700 Yen (tax inclusive).

Even in the morning, there are usually full of tourists waiting for a ride.

Riding on a boat from the under the Shin Hozu Ohashi Bridge, and let’s go on a sail!

Inside the boat, there are lined six rows of seats in a bench type, and one row is for three to four persons to be seated.

The writer was on the boat with other15 passengers.

On left and right side, there prepared sheets for water guard.

That means you will be wet pretty much, doesn’t it?…

A bit pounding.

The river width is still wide and the flow is calm.

The boatman on left is “a poling”, and the right is “a paddling”.

Each of three boatmen has its role, and the one on the boat head operates a long pole, or “a poling”.

He poles on river bottoms and rocks so that he can move the boat forward and control the direction.

The one who rows a wooden paddle is of a role of engine of the boat.

And, on the rear, there is “steering” that decides direction of the boat, and it is said that it is the most important to get in sync of these three boatmen.

The boatmen introduce humorously how to operate the boat, the history of Hozugawa Kudari, and where to see around, etc, and the inside of boat becomes very friendly atmosphere before you noticing.

There runs the Sagano Romantic Train along Hozugawa River, connecting Kameoka and Arashiyama, and there may run sometimes in parallel with a boat.

When you look up from the surface of water, there are many people waving hands toward to our boat.

Everybody on the boat also are so excited that they wave hands back not to be outdone.

Thrills of Rapid Current and Splashes during Hozugawa River Boat Ride

Although calm flow continued for a while since boarding, it finally goes into the rapid current area after about 20 minutes since the start.

Here is called as “Koayu no Taki (Sweetfish Falls)”, and it is the only place in Hozugawa River where is named with falls.

The height of the waterfall is 2 meters, and it is said that it was named so because a small sweetfish cannot swim up to the waterfall.

Among boatmen, it is said that it was also told that the pronunciation of “Scary falls” has been changed. (It is because the Japanese pronunciations of “Sweetfish Falls” as “Koayu Taki” and “Scary falls” as “Kowai Taki” are somehow resemble.)

If without skillful pole operation and sync of three boatmen, it cannot pass through narrow spaces among rocks.

Faces of the boatmen who were talking some jokes until a few minutes ago become serious, and you will be charmed by such differences and coolness.

During the river boat ride, it will pass under five bridges of JR Sanin Main Line, and one bridge of the Sagano Romantic Train.

As the railway of JR runs almost straight, so it means that the river flows repeatedly meandering twisted.

After you saw Atagoyama Mountain, known as the god of fire prevention, on your left, and it appears in your front at the next time you see, you become losing your sense of direction…

As the boatmen push the pole at the same place, there remain marks of the pole even on solid rocks.

It is a prove that boatmen have carried cargo and people since the past of Edo Period.

When Ryoui Suminokura opened Hozugawa River as a canal, around the middle of the course, where “Magoroku Iwa Rock” that is covered with moss exists, were considered as the difficult place to pass until the end.

That was the time when there was no large drilling machine, and it is said that because Magoroku, a rock master, could break this huge rock, it was named after him.

The tragedy is also told that in the rapid current although he could put the last hit into the rock, Magoroku lost his life, and he sacrificed his life for the canal.

Even after passing the rock, if you see well, you can find that some rocks among them are shaved artificially.

And, when you see appearance that mosses and woods grow there, you may remind back to the hardship of predecessors.

Sometimes, the boat passes so close as if it may rub rocks.

End of the Hozugawa River Course

We came to the last rapid current, called “Ose rapid”.

Here, although the width of river is wide, rock places that splash water continue long.

During the course, every time the boat goes in a rapid current, the boatmen shouted that “Be prepared with the sheet!”, so you just got a bit of water splashes.

But, it is of course possible that you deliberately select to become soaking wet.

After passing through Ose Rapid, and when the flow becomes calm, you will find a boat with paper lanterns beyond your sight.

Somehow good smell is drifting.

It is a shop boat, a specialty of Hozugawa River.

After the boat comes and stops beside the shop boat, you can buy and taste freshly cooked oden (fishcake and vegetable stew) and mitarashi dango (skewered rice dumplings in a sweet soy glaze) on the boat.

For those sitting far from the shop boat, the other passengers help each other, passing money and dishes back and forth.

During the two hours boat ride, there happened sense of unity by shouting and laughing each other repeatedly.

It is funny that there is atmosphere inside the boat that indescribable friendly.

Oden, including en egg, konnyaku (yam cake), and radish, is 500 Yen.

Mitarashi Dango is 300 Yen for three skewers per one dish. (Both are tax inclusive)

After Getting Off the Boat

Saying good-by to the shop boat, and you will see Togetsukyo Bridge far forward of the boatman.

When flowing down until here, the river becomes crowded with houseboats that going around Arashiyama and shuttle boats that send guests of the inn.

Waving to the boatmen who are leaving from the landing place, and looking to the down stream, you will find the town of Arashiyama just in your front where is crowded with tourists.

Even when you finish the boat trip, it is still before lunch, you can still enjoy strolling around here and there for half a day!

This boat trip is close to the great nature, and is a full of thrills more than you imagine.

There are full of superb views and strange views that make you wish to shoot photos unconsciously, and these are absolutely worth to shoot.

Getting into the same rhythm as the boatmen, everyone is very excited, and you can also make a trip memory that makes your heart somewhere warmful.

Access and How to go Boarding Location

If you go boarding location for Hozugawa river cruise, you need to go Kameoka region and there are 3 ways.

You can come from JR Kyoto Station, Saga Trolley train and Umeda Hankyou Line.

I recommend you to come from Kyoto station(the green route) because it is easier than 2 ways.

Here is how to go boarding location from JR Kameoka Station.

How To Make a Reservation

Here is some points when make a reservation for Hozugawa Cruise by yourself.

It’s a bit troublesome to make a reservation by going to boarding location, so using travel agencies is also recommended.

The posture of the mystic castle ruins, which stands on the mountain as if floating in the sea of cloud, is called as “the castle in the sky” or “Japan’s Machu Picchu”.

Around there are many spots that you like to stop by, such as Ikuno Silver Mine and the mine track, which supported the development of modern Japan, and hot springs and a lake.

Let me introduce Takeda Castle Ruins and recommended sightseeing spots around.

Takeda Castle Ruins

image by blog.gaijinpot.com

“Takeda Castle”, often referred as “the castle in the sky” and “Japan’s Machu Picchu”, is famous for where you can view the fantastic sea of cloud.

Trekking in early in the morning is recommended for viewing the sea of clouds of “Takeda Castle Ruins” relaxed.

Let’s try to start trekking at the same time of gate opening of the Takeda Castle Ruins entrance.

As the trekking trail is maintained for walking easily, you will reach “Takeda Castle Ruins” within some 30 minutes.

Season that you can view the sea of cloud is from late September through early April.

It tends to appear especially around autumn the most, such in the morning of very cool and fine day.

Let’s enjoy the sea of cloud hanging as if surrounding Takeda Castle Ruins by early morning trekking.

By the way, the times of gate opening of Takeda Castle Ruins entrance are varied by seasons.

Let’s check and confirm it on an official homepage in advance.

Even if you cannot view the sea of cloud, “Takeda Castle Ruins” is a spot of much worth to see.

Though there is no castle tower, stone walls that remain everywhere are must-see.

The technology called “Nozura Zumi”, gathered all the best masonry techniques at that time, which matches up big and small stones, is employed.

Who worked was Ano-shu Guild, a famous professional masonry group.

There turfed a lawn on a plain of the stone walls, and you can see the appearance of beautiful historical ruins.

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“Ritsuunkyo Gorge”, which is located in the east side of Takeda Castle Ruins and on the other side of Maruyamagawa River, is known as a viewing spot of “Takeda Castle Ruins”.

It is a nature park created on the middle of mountain surface, and you can view Takeda Castle Ruins just from the side.

The posture of Takeda Castle Ruins floating on the sea of cloud is indeed “the castle in the sky”!

“Ritsuunkyo Gorge” is recommended for the one who thinks hard to go by trekking to Takeda Castle Ruins.

As a parking place is also equipped, it is the perfect spot for appreciating Takeda Castle Ruins by a car.

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Ikuno Silver Mine

image by travelguide.michelin.com

“Ikuno Silver Mine” had been mined continuously for more than 400 years from the Sengoku Era through the Showa.

Closed now, and the mine track and mining place are opened to public as a sightseeing facility.

Mannequins that are the reproduction of how to mine at that time are called by the name of “GINZAN BOYZ (Silver mine BOYZ)”.

These are the original underground idles of “Ikuno Silver Mine”, and these are so popular that there is a fan club.

Let’s try going to see the unique idles together with precious historical ruins.

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Akenobe Mine

image by wadachi73.jp

Flourished together with “Ikuno Silver Mine”, “Akenobe Mine” was the one of the best mines in Japan, producing multiple mining products, such as copper, zinc and tin.

Now, some parts of the massive mine track that is 550 m long and 1,000 m depth are opened to public.

You have to apply to the guided observation tour for going around the mine track.

Required time is 60 minutes.

A bit different from the mine track of tourism, it is a valuable tour that you can see real structure of inside that remains almost as it was at that time.

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Mikobata Cast Iron Bridge

image by visitasago.jp

During the time when Ikuno Silver Mine was operated, the ore transport road was constructed for transporting ore mined from “Akenobe Mine” to “Mikobata Ore Processing Site” and “Ikuno Refinery”.

Remaining as the mine track is “Mikobata Cast Iron Bridge”.

It is the oldest all cast iron bridge remaining in Japan, and it is designated as a national important cultural treasure.

It is very attractive bridge, which is of beautiful arch style.

Let’s not only appreciate it but also walk and cross over actually.

Old Mouchet House

Right at the foot of Mikobata Ore Processing Site Ruins is “Old Mouchet House”.

During the Meiji Era, it was absolutely necessary the support of French engineers for developing the mine.

Mouchet who was a geologist was also one of them.

“Old Mouchet House” was built in 1872 as a residence of foreign engineer of Ikuno Mine.

“Old Mouchet House” with retro atmosphere, called as colonial style, is designated as important tangible cultural treasure of Hyogo Prefecture.

Inside there are exhibits related to history of Mikobata Ore Processing Site, and you can see the atmosphere full of energy.

Kurokawa Onsen Hot Spring

“Kurokawa Onsen Hot spring” is located alone and quietly in pastoral landscape at the foot of Kurokawa Dam.

It is a day use bath that consists of a simple inside bath and an open air bath.

The hot spring abundantly includes hydrogen-carbonate ions, and when you take, your skin becomes smooth, so it is also called as “hot spring of beautiful women”.

At a restaurant inside of the hot spring facility you can also fully enjoy gourmets, like “Dam Hayashi”, hashed beef with rice of Kurokawa Dam motif, and a boar meat hot pot limited only in winter.

Why don’t you release your fatigue in a hot spring after went sightseeing to Takeda Castle Ruins and Ikuno Silver Mine?

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Ginzanko Lake

Ikuno Dam is located along the national road the 429 that connects Ikuno Silver Mine and Kurokawa Onsen Hot spring.

The lake of dam is called as “Ginzanko Lake” named after Ikuno Ginzan (Silver Mine).

It is also famous as a mecca for lake fishing, and you can fish carp, trout, black bass, and herabuna (crucian carp), and also smelt in winter.

Around there is called as Kurokawa Keikoku Gorge, and a caravan site is also fully equipped.

It is also fun to camp in the gorge where full of negative ions.

Now You Can Make Plan of Takeda Castle Ruins And The Around

Must-see at least once in your lifetime is Takeda Castle Ruins and the sea of cloud,and it is cardinal rule that you get entered in early morning.

It is recommended to stay the night before for the one who come to see from afar.

There are some hotels in Wadayama, from where it takes about 20 minute drive to Takeda Castle Ruins, so it is good to take it in your trip plan.

After appreciated the sea of cloud of Takeda Castle Ruins, let’s visit to Ikuno Silver Mine and Akenobe Mine.

Ikuno Silver Mine is designated as Japan heritage in 2017 as “The Old Silver Mine Carriage Road and Road of Ore – Bantan’s Industrial Heritage Route, Memories of Resource Rich Japan”.

Also, it is registered as one star in Michelin Green Guide in 2016.

Let’s enjoy Ginzanko Lake and Kurokawa Onsen Hot spring as well.

Please check and confirm the latest information at official websites.

Biwako Valley many of attraction such as fastest ropeway in Japan, View of lake Biwa and zip-line.

Although Sky Walking and Zip-Line are required payment, there are also attractions that you can enjoy for free.

Let me introduce both free activities and paid activities of Biwako Valley in Shiga prefecture as an unknown tourist destination.

Access to Lake Biwa(Biwako Valley)

It takes about 50 minutes from Kyoto Station in total by train and bus.

JR Kosei Line brings you to Shiga Station from Kyoto Station.

Please be careful, Tokaido Line goes the other way.

From Shiga Station to Biwako Valley, it takes about 10 mintutes.

Check here latest infomation.

After that, the fastest ropeway in Japan takes you 1,100m above sea level.

On the way to top of the mountain, you can have fun with views which change in each season.

Note that Biwako Valley is colder than town because it’s in 1,100m above sea level.

Usually temperature is lower about 5 to 7 degrees, so if you have, bring your thin coat.

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Summer Season Activity

(Paid Activity)Sky Walking In Biwako Valley

If you want to be thrilled for travel to Japan, sky walking is recommendation.

Since sky walking is on 1,100m above sea level, thrill and views are fantastic.

Biwako Valley has 3 types of course, so both adults and children can enjoy it.

Business Hours and Charges

Sky walking is available from Spring to Autumn, but not available in winter season.

In 2019, for example, 4/27 to 11/10 is the available period.

Challenge course (Advanced & Intermediate)

Child course

Note that making reservation is necessary in Japanese and application form has to be hand in before.

You can make reservation from here although it’s written in Japanese.

(Paid Activity)Zip-Line In Biwako Valley

There are 7 courses of zip-line.

So, 7 colors of views and 7 types of shouting would make you satisfied.

The longest course is 169m long and 25m high from the ground with view of Lake Biwa.

Business Hours and Charges

Zip-line is also available from Spring to Autumn, but not available in winter season same as sky walking.

For example, 2019/4/27 to 2019/11/10 is the available period.

Note that making reservation is necessary in Japanese and application form has to be hand in before.

You can make reservation from here although it’s written in Japanese.

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(Paid Activity)Lawn Slider

Although Biwako Valley is famous for ski, you can try lawn slider riding on a sled instead.

Speed is unexpectedly fast.

Sliding from the top while cutting the wind, not only children but also adults can have fun.

Height can be selected from low, medium and high, so it is fun to start from low and gradually increase the height.

Business Hours and Charges

In 2019, for example, 4/27 to 11/10 is the available period.

(Free Activity)Sasa-hira Play Ground, Koro-Koro Batting

What is getting a little bit famous in Shiga prefecture is Koro-koro batting!

You can try handmade batting machine.

It is a game with a simple rule, just roll a ball inside of a useless long pipe and hit a ball, but this is not possible.

When a ball that rolls in a pipe(3m) appears in front of you, you need to start swinging the bat, otherwise you will be delayed swinging.

You can’t hit a ball if you don’t have strong reflexes.

The story is just a glance, so please try batting.

You can enjoy Koro-koro batting by yourself.

(Free Activity)Chiki Chiki Chicken Race

Competitive type activity is also available in Biwako Balley.

This activity is for test your courage called “Chicken Race” or “Dokyo-Damesi” in Japan.

2 of the trolley have wheels under the base.

Here is how test your courage.

It’s a simple and clear race.

If the momentum is too strong, you will fall at the end of the course, and if the momentum is too weak, you can’t reach on the circle.

Let’s compete with your friends with the Chicken Race!

(Free Activity)Water Playing Area

Please don’t forget bringing your swimsuit and towel for summer Biwako Valley.

Water playing area is opened in every year in summer.

Set on the left side of ski lift, its size is powerful as much as lift.

Dive into water slider overlooking view of Biwako Lake.

This is what located nearby boarding area of ski lift, called “Basshan”.

As the water accumulates little by little, the large bucket gradually leans, and finally the water falls.

It is an unique item splashing water.

Children would be addicted on this thrill !

(Free Activity)Japan’s Most Beautiful Swing

If you get tired of playing, it is recommended to take a break on the swing.

Overlooking Lake Biwa 1,100m high from ground while swinging is one of the most spectacular swings in Japan.

Please enjoy the superb view where even children will surely get surprised!

Winter Season Activity

In winter season activity is also available.

Here is the basic information.

Biwako Valley Ski Resort Day Tour from Kyoto

Biwako Valley Ski Resort Day Tour from Osaka

Skiing

World-class man-made snowfall equipment that replenishes natural snowfall ensures abundant snowfall and snow quality.

It has 9 diverse courses with a variety of variations, including the popular woodland course and a hooray panoramic slope with a spectacular view of Lake Biwa.

In winter, the view of the silver world seen from Biwa Lake Terrace is breathtaking.

Snow Tubing

A powerful activity where you slide down the mountain on a special course.

Both children and adults can enjoy this activity.

Take Onsen After Enjoyed Activities

After enjoying winter sports, let’s warm up your body with an onsen.

Ogoto Onsen, located about 10 minutes by train from Shiga Station, the nearest station to Biwako Balai, is one of Shiga’s best-known hot springs.

The onsen was opened as far back as 1,200 years ago. At present, nine onsen inns offer elaborate baths.

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Have A Break At Biwako Terrace After Activities

At Biwako Terrace, superb view of Lake Biwa is spreading.

There are also restaurants and cafe to take some rests.

After enjoyed activities in Biwako Valley, just let your mind soaked in the view.

Business hour and time

Biwako Terrace is open from spring to autumn.

For example, in 2019, 4/6 to 11/24 is opening, so please check when it is open.

Open 9:30～17:00

Note : Sturday, Sunday, and during August it’s open from 9:00

Oepn 9:40 to 16:00(L.O.15：30)

Note : Sturday, Sunday, and during August it’s open from 9:10

Oepn 10:00 to 16:00(L.O.16：00)

Note : Sturday, Sunday, and during August it’s open from 9:30

Oepn 10:00 to 16:15

Note : Sturday, Sunday, and during August it’s open from 9:30

Oepn 10:00 to 16:00(L.O.16：00)

Note : Sturday, Sunday, and during August it’s open from 9:30

Here is a map of Biwako Valley.

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Biwako Valley’s Appeal Is Not Only Snow

We couldn’t introduce all of the attractions in Biwako Balley, but any of them make you feel like a kid again.

Also you can enjoy a superb view of Biwako Lake at the same time.

So, it is highly recommended for family travel.

Although Biwako balley is famous for winter season such as ski and snowboard, spring and summer is also season for activities.

Let’s get exited with you children or friend!

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Then, How about true Laputa in Japan?

Japan has Takeda Castle Ruins that is like Laputa floating in sea of clouds.

About Takeda Castle Ruins

image by tabicoffret.com

Takeda Castle Ruins is famous for scenery of the castle surrounded by fog.

Takeda Castle’s appearance reminiscents us of a castle floating in the sky, and it’s called “the castle of the sky” and “Japanese Machu Picchu”

In 2012, since Takeda Castle Ruins was certificated as “sacred ground of lovers” by Hoygo prefecture, many of couples are visiting.

It’s popular in not only Japanese but also foreigners of younger generation as “sacred ground of lovers”.

You can get middle of mountain trail in 20 minutes from JR Takeda station by Tenku Bus.

Tenku Bus is available from the end of March until the end of November.

After getting off the bus, it takes about 20 minutes on foot to Takeda Castle Ruins.

Point to See the Sea of Clouds of Takeda Castle

Season and Time Zone When Sea of Clouds Comes Out

For season, from autumn to winter is the best season to see sea of clouds.

However, if it’s windy day, it’s hard to see.

For time zone, from sunrise to 8:00 am is the best timing.

Since Takeda Castle is 354 meters above sea level and is surrounded by moutains, it should be cold.

So, please wear warm clothes.

Conditions Sea of Clouds Occur

It is said that the sea of clouds is likely to occur in the following conditions are met.

The day after it rained seems to be good because it gets wet and humidity is high.

Summary:Don’t Get Disappointed If You Couldn’t See

image by twitter.com

I think you would see a lot of moving photos of Takeda Catsle in sea of clouds on the internet.

However, we can’t see anytime because it’s natural phenomena.

Although I show some conditions when sea of clouds occur, I would like you to understand it.

In a sense, Takeda Catsle is really like Laputa for its rare chance to see.

Hope you can have fun for trekking.

As a bonus, Takeda Catsle in sea of clouds might come.

If one of your families got disappointed like this, please encourage he or she.

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In this article, let me show red sights which is related to the sun.

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Daruma(Omega) Sunset / Kochi Prefecture

image by jaf.or.jp

What is Daruma Sunset

Do you know “Daruma Sunset” floating in Bay?

Sukumo Bay, Kochi Prefecture is famous for it.

The name comes from the silhouette of sunset which slowly sink into the sea surface.

image by getnews.jp

Since it’s silhouette looks like Daruma, we call it Daruma Sunset.

Daruma Sunset is also called Omega Sunset from it’s silhouette.

Best Time To See

Best time to see is Mid November-Mid February.

Although Sukumo Bay is located in the southern Kochi Prefecture, you can see interesting sights.

Why the Sunset Look Like Omega

It’s mirage caused by the difference between the temperature and sea temperature.

Even in the Autumn to Winter, warm tide come into the Sukumo Bay.

Thus, the sea water evaporate.

When the sun light passing through the water vapor layer, another sun is projected on the sea surface.

It looks like a daruma by the two suns touching.

This is how the sum look like Daruma.

Condition to See

When the temperature of the air changes rapidly.

But the temperature of the water changes slowly.

So, winter is better season because temperature is cooled rapidly.

It seems the good day to see Daruma Sunset is following situation.

It is said that we can see about 20 times a year.

So if you could see Daruma Sunset, it’s valuable experience.

Diamond Fuji / Shizuoka Prefecture, Yamanashi Prefecture, etc.

What is Diamond Fuji

Diamond Fuji is a phenomenon when top of Mt.Fuji and sun overlap.

We have chance to see it twice in a day : morning glow and sunset.

Since the sun looks like a diamond when it overlaps, the phenomenon is called so.

We have a lot of places to see Mt.Fuji in Japan, but place for Diamond Fuji is limited.

Best Time To See

Mid October to end of February is the good season to see.

And April 20 and August 20 before and after one week are better.

Lake Yamanaka of Fuji-Five-Lakes in Yamanashi Prefecture is the best place for Diamond Fuji.

Lake Tanuki on the Shizuoka Prefecture is also famous as a sacred place where you can observe Diamond Fuji.

If the air is clear you can see even in Tokyo like this.

image by:Sakarin Sawasdinaka/Shutterstock.com

Condition to See

Since the place where the sun rise and sink depend on season, you have 2 seasons to see.

However, there are not so difficult except it.

For detail information for places to see, please check for more information.

Hope to see awesome sun of Japan.

That should be because of hay fever.

Despite not having hay fever in your country, you might suffer from pollen in Japan.

There are many voices saying “I didn’t do this in my home country!”

Please be careful on hay fever when you visit Japan.

Seasons and Symptoms of Hay Fever

If you ignore the type, it is the season of hay fever all year round in Japan.

But it is said that season of cedar pollen and cypress pollen is middle of February to July.

3 major symptoms of hay fever are sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose.

But these symptoms are hard to judge if it is rhinitis caused by dust or cold.

If you misunderstand and endure using cold medicine, it might make your symptoms worse.

Then, how can we judge?

The easy way to judge is the number of sneezing and eye symptoms.

If you sneezing more than 7 times at a time, it should be hay fever.

The other feature is feeling itchy on your eyes.

Eyes would become red and tears come out.

If you rub your eyes at this time, it often hurts your eyes.

So please be careful.

What Causes Hay Fever

Simptons that caused by pollen is called hay fever.

So why does pollen cause sneezing etc?

Here is the mechanism.

So any symptoms of hay fever are caused to protect and fight off pollen.

The more pollen enter your body, the worse you suffer from hay fever.

Measures for Fay Fever

Basically, preventing or reducing symptoms of hay fever is how to reduce pollen entering your body.

When You Go Outside

As a measures for hay fever, wearing a mask when you go out is effective.

It prevents pollen to enter your body, especially during the season when pollen flies a lot.

Washing your face and mouth after you return can be also good way for hay fever.

Pollen may sometimes cause rough skin.

So it is important to wash your face.

Take Medicines Early

In many people with hay fever, even if only a small amount of pollen enter your body, the body responds sensitively.

By starting to drink before the season, you can prevent the mucous membrane from becoming hypersensitive, so you can delay the onset or make symptom mild.

If you have severe hay fever, I recommend that you take medicine early.

Or if you don’t have hay fever in your country, you should take medicine early.

History of Cedar Pollinosis in Japan

I’m not sure if you are interested in the history of cedar pollinosis in Japan.

But! Let me introduce.

May of Japanese suffer from cedar pollen.

Cedar pollinosis was discovered in 1964 at the first Tokyo Olympics.

So it is not so long ago.

Japan Has Many Cedars

After the war, a lot of wood was needed to rebuild the burnt city.

Therefore, as a national policy, cedar trees were planted in various places.

About 40% of Japan’s forests are artificial forests, and 43% of which are cedar forests.

Namely, about 20% of forest of Japan consist of cedar.

However, hay fever was not present at that time even though a large amount of cedar was planted.

Why Hay Fever Was Not Present

In fact, cedar pollen starts scattering from about 30 years of age.

Japan was in a period of high economic growth when the cedar trees planted after the war were cut off.

However, because cheap overseas timber began to come into Japan, the price of domestic cedar fell.

As the demand for cedar decreased, the number of cedar forests that had been abandoned increased.

As a result, cedar trees older than 30 years of age began to disperse pollen.

Summary

Although there were no hay fever at last Tokyo Olympics, hay fever exactly present next coming Tokyo olympics.

However, we can prevent or lighten the symptoms of hay fever.

Hope foreigners would not suffer on hay fever next Tokyo Olympics.