At the Summit with the crater behind me

A month ago our expedition was thawted by a typhoon that rolled through Japan. This time nothing was going to stop us from conquering the highest peak in Japan - Fuji-san. Most people who want to say they’ve stood on the roof of Japan start from the half way mark at the 5th Station; Zurui! Not us. The real way to climb a Mt Fuji is from the bottom.

And so we set off from the Fuji Yoshida Sengen Jinga, which gave us a special feeling of ritual before our ascent. We collected some Dragon Water from the honourable dragon at the foot of the shrine, which no doubt would boost our strength and stamina to super human levels.
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Gujo Bon Odori, Dancing

Its a hot one in Gifu, ‘a stinka’, we’d say in Nyuu Jiirando. Since the rainy season petered out some weeks ago the needle has nudged 40 degrees on a few occassions. I’m reliably told that Gifu is the hottest place to be in Japan in summer. The hills trap all that heat in, and there isn’t a breeze around to let it out. There’s only one thing for it - jump in the river.

I’ve been doing just that every other day. Sometimes we mix it up and have a BBQ down on the shore and stay till dusk when the Ukai boats drift down. And just as last year, 2 monster fireworks festivals lit up Gifu, a different fire festival (like Techikara) sparked up, and we broke up work for an Obon holiday.

Sean with Mikoshi Boys who had carried their Mikoshi under the hot sparks

The Obon highlight is the Bon Odori; old skool japanese dancing. I donned my Yukatta and headed up to Gujo Hachiman again as I did last year, half fell in a rice paddy field, and then met up with friends. The Odori is celebrated as a reminder of the gratefulness one should feel toward one’s ancestors. In the true spirit of the night, Sean and I danced till dawn. See kids, you don’t need alcohol to have a good time!

My English buddy, Chris, came down to Gifu in August, on his DJ world domination tour. One little trip we made was to Ibukeyama for a dance party on the side of a mountain. We had a twisted good time, although had we known Israeli Goan Trance was on the bill we might have looked for a different mountain. Worst. Music. Ever.

Chris and Party Kids at Ibukeyama

Still, I won’t ever forget the pixies and manga characters some Japanese clubber kids transformed into. The trippy manga/neon look was contrasted by hoards of the petitest girls wearing outfits and heals that I may never again see on the side of a mountain. But, all in all, good times and good company.

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Otherwise, I’ve been hard at work redesigning this site. Feedback is welcomed, for example contact me if something doesnt work, text is too small, whatever…or to say it’s good

And lastly (Ill post more soon) Ill be leaving Japan in a few weeks on what promises to be an amazing voyage around the world… stay tuned!