Mt. Takao is a lovely mountain about an hour west of Tokyo by train, with a spectacular view of the city. The day we went the foliage was just beginning to change. The natural beauty of the area was actually enhanced by a temple complex that revere the Tengu. We spent the day outside the city, which in itself was a joy. The paths, tram ride, foliage, crisp air and the sound of birds other than crows, was a pure delight.
Most days are a bit hazy, unless you break out the camera the day after a huge storm. Pictured here is the greater west Tokyo area.
There are hiking trails that meander to the top of the mountain, but they are uphill, after all! In the interest of time and my poor old body, we rode the tram most of the way. The last 1/2 hour climbing through the mountain air along tree lined paths made for a peaceful afternoon.
On the pathway to the temple and summit there stood an old cedar tree with a remarkable legend attached to it. It seems that the Tengu were building a path to the temple and this cedar was going to be cut down because its roots obstructed the pathway. The story goes that the old cedar heard the Tengu and overnight it pulled all of its roots away from the path to make way for the construction and to live out its more than 450 years. If you look closely at the picture, you can see the roots are curved back toward the tree.
Now we get to the Tengu! This is a statue of one of the Tengu found in the forests of the area. They are considered spirits with supernatural powers. They account for some of the enchanting sounds heard in the forests through the centuries. They were introduced into Japan many centuries ago and have undergone several transformations. The Crow Tengu which has a beak-like nose is the most common. I thought it was interesting that these forest "spirits" have wings....the first I have seen in Japan.
Two Tengus and one handsome mortal!
The temple complex was very beautiful and well worth the hike up the hill! Several buildings, like this one were very ornate and in perfect condition.
The relief murals are very intricate and colorful like this one depicting...who knows what!
This amazing wood carving at the entrance of another temple building appears to have been done from a single piece of wood. The detail is remarkable and the dragon looks like he might jump off the temple and have you for lunch!
Mt Takao is famous for its fall foliage and thousands of people go here in the fall to enjoy the solace and the colors. This tree at the summit (yes I made it) seems to be one of the few that had decided to display its colors early!
Mt. Takao is a lovely mountain about an hour west of Tokyo by train, with a spectacular view of the city. The day we went the foliage was just beginning to change. The natural beauty of the area was actually enhanced by a temple complex that revere the Tengu. We spent the day outside the city, which in itself was a joy. The paths, tram ride, foliage, crisp air and the sound of birds other than crows, was a pure delight.
Most days are a bit hazy, unless you break out the camera the day after a huge storm. Pictured here is the greater west Tokyo area.
There are hiking trails that meander to the top of the mountain, but they are uphill, after all! In the interest of time and my poor old body, we rode the tram most of the way. The last 1/2 hour climbing through the mountain air along tree lined paths made for a peaceful afternoon.
On the pathway to the temple and summit there stood an old cedar tree with a remarkable legend attached to it. It seems that the Tengu were building a path to the temple and this cedar was going to be cut down because its roots obstructed the pathway. The story goes that the old cedar heard the Tengu and overnight it pulled all of its roots away from the path to make way for the construction and to live out its more than 450 years. If you look closely at the picture, you can see the roots are curved back toward the tree.
Now we get to the Tengu! This is a statue of one of the Tengu found in the forests of the area. They are considered spirits with supernatural powers. They account for some of the enchanting sounds heard in the forests through the centuries. They were introduced into Japan many centuries ago and have undergone several transformations. The Crow Tengu which has a beak-like nose is the most common. I thought it was interesting that these forest "spirits" have wings....the first I have seen in Japan.
Two Tengus and one handsome mortal!
The temple complex was very beautiful and well worth the hike up the hill! Several buildings, like this one were very ornate and in perfect condition.
The relief murals are very intricate and colorful like this one depicting...who knows what!
This amazing wood carving at the entrance of another temple building appears to have been done from a single piece of wood. The detail is remarkable and the dragon looks like he might jump off the temple and have you for lunch!
Mt Takao is famous for its fall foliage and thousands of people go here in the fall to enjoy the solace and the colors. This tree at the summit (yes I made it) seems to be one of the few that had decided to display its colors early!
3 comments:
What a lovely book you are going to be able to make of these posts. Another world. You look lovely, by the way!
fabulous! I hope to see even a fraction of what you've been able to the past year or so... Happy Halloween!
We found your blog from Kathy's and it's such fun to see your beautiful little grandbabies and see the lovely places you're experiencing. We're glad to catch up with you! Loye and Vaughn
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