 Last additions - YAMANASHI 山梨県
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Fire watch tower.Jan 30, 2013
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They allow you to walk around like this.Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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This house rented samurai armor and kimono to dress up in for only 500 yen. Jan 30, 2013
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Stuffed bearJan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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2nd floor of this house had woodblock prints.Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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The outdoor museum is not huge, but big enough to spend a good amount of time. On clear days, it gives good views of Mt. Fuji.Jan 30, 2013
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Bird house.Jan 30, 2013
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Souvenir shop.Jan 30, 2013
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Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba, Lake Saiko.Jan 30, 2013
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Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba, Lake Saiko, Yamanashi.Jan 30, 2013
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Growing wasabi with very clean water at Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba.Jan 30, 2013
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Wasabi garden.Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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The gourds grown here are used for decorative purposes. Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba, Lake Saiko, Yamanashi.Jan 30, 2013
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The gourds grown here are used for decorative purposes.Jan 30, 2013
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A house with an irori where we could have tea and sweets.Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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Ancient varieties of rice.Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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In 2006, they opened this outdoor museum as a testament to the old villagers here. Over the years, they expanded and added more houses. There are now 20 houses.Jan 30, 2013
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In 1966, a big typhoon bringing heavy rains caused a mudflow that destroyed the homes here, killing 94 residents. The entire settlement was destroyed so the survivors moved to the opposite side of the lake.Jan 30, 2013
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There are mostly tourist souvenir shops selling food and local crafts. One house sold ancient mochi (dark and red colored) and had an irori fireplace. Another house rented samurai armor and kimono to dress up in for only 500 yen.Jan 30, 2013
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Entrance to Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba. Jan 30, 2013
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About Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba. There used to be a real village here until it was destroyed by a typhoon. Residents moved away, and the village was reconstructed with thatched-roof homes. The museum opened in 2006.Jan 30, 2013
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Gourds growing at Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba. I was soon to find out why they are growing these gourds. (Not for eating.) Whenever I see gourds, it reminds me of Hawaiian hula because they are used as hand drums.Jan 30, 2013
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Gourd garden at Lake Saiko"s Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba.Jan 30, 2013
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On 2010, Lake Saiko garnered national attention when the native species kunimasu, a type of salmon or black kokanee, thought extinct for 70 years, was discovered in the lake.Jan 30, 2013
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There are five lakes at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji known as Fuji Goko (富士五湖). They are easily accessible by bus from Shinjuku, Tokyo, taking 2-3 hours for around 4,000 yen round trip.Jan 30, 2013
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If you visit Lake Kawaguchi, you might as well visit Lake Saiko or Lake Sai, a short bus ride away. There are a number of tourist attractions like ice caves and bat caves.Jan 30, 2013
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Decided to visit Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba, an outdoor museum of thatched-roof houses. It is one of the stops on the tourist bus circuit. 西湖いやしの里根場 Jan 30, 2013
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Morning view of Mt. Fuji from my room at Lake Kawaguchi. This is the only glimpse of Mt. Fuji I got during a cloudy and sometimes drizzly weekend.Jan 30, 2013
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Nice Japanese-style room, but no Internet connection. I needed a break anyway.Jan 30, 2013
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My room where I stayed at Lake Kawaguchi. It had a sun deck which provided a good view of Mt. Fuji. I paid only 4,800 yen for the night without meals.Jan 30, 2013
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Statue of Kajiwara Kagetoki (1140-1200 梶原 景時) at Lake Kawaguchi. A warrior against the Taira.Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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Maple and ginkgo trees on the southern shore of Lake Kawaguchi.Jan 30, 2013
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Southern shore of Lake Kawaguchi with gingko and poplar trees. I saw quite a few foreign tourists, including Chinese. It's a great weekend getaway for Tokyoites.Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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ABout the statue of two sister goddesses dancing over the lake. The sculptor was Gakuryo Nasu.Jan 30, 2013
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Southern shore of Lake Kawaguchi with a statue of two sister goddesses dancing over the lake. The sculptor was Gakuryo Nasu.Jan 30, 2013
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Southern shore of Lake Kawaguchi with a statue of two sister goddesses dancing over the lake. The sculptor was Gakuryo Nasu.Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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View of Lake Kawaguchi's northern shore.Jan 30, 2013
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Panorama of the southern shore of Lake Kawaguchi.Jan 30, 2013
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Herb Museum at Lake Kawaguchi.Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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Museum at Lake Kawaguchi.Jan 30, 2013
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Bus stop for the retro tourist bus.Jan 30, 2013
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Manhole at Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi.Jan 30, 2013
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About Fukurokuju. This area of the lake has seven shrines for all of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. Jan 30, 2013
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Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, is the god of God of wisdom and longevity.. 福禄寿Jan 30, 2013
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A small shrine dedicated to Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. He is the god of God of wisdom and longevity. 福禄寿Jan 30, 2013
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There would be a view of Mt. Fuji from here. Most hotels are on the northern shore so they can see Mt. Fuji across the lake.Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi.Jan 30, 2013
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On the nearby shore, a few more maple trees.Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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Maple trees at Lake Kawaguchi. One of the few that was red.Jan 30, 2013
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Autumn leaves at Lake Kawaguchi (northern shore). The trees are also lit up at night during the Koyo festival.Jan 30, 2013
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What in the world is this doing here, I asked myself at the end of the maple tree corridor. That's what I like about Japan, always something totally unexpected.A Japanese Zero fighter plane??Jan 30, 2013
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Most of the maple leaves at Lake Kawaguchi were still like this when I was there. They are late in turning color this year. Give them 10 more days. Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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Adjacent to the maple trees was this park or garden featuring small thatched-roof houses.Jan 30, 2013
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Jan 30, 2013
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Corridor of maple trees (momiji), but I was too early in Oct.Jan 30, 2013
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A few food stalls.Jan 30, 2013
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Lake Kawaguchi holds its autumn foliage festival (Koyo Matsuri) from late Oct. to mid-Nov. on the northern shore where there is a long corridor of maple trees. Jan 30, 2013
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I caught a retro bus to go to the other side of the lake.Jan 30, 2013
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Lake Kawaguchi is quite well developed for tourists with lodging, shops, museums, onsen baths, and tourist buses. It's the second most popular Fuji Goko lake after Lake Yamanaka.Jan 30, 2013
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You can also catch a bus to Lake Yamanaka and to Mt. Fuji's 5th Station which is about halfway up the mountain.Jan 30, 2013
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Bus stops in front of Kawaguchiko Station. Jan 30, 2013
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Two types of retro tourist buses. One goes to the other side of Lake Kawaguchi and one goes to Lake Saiko.Jan 30, 2013
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In front of Kawaguchiko Station are a number of bus stops. A convenient tourist retro bus goes around the lake and neighboring lakes. I visited in autumn.Jan 30, 2013
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Next to Kawaguchiko Station is this tourist information office. Get free pamphlets, maps, etc. English spoken. Many foreign tourists also visit the Five Lakes of Mt. Fuji.Jan 30, 2013
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Train display in front of Kawaguchiko Station.Jan 30, 2013
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Inside Kawaguchiko Station on the Fujikyuko Line. Buses from Tokyo stop at Kawaguchiko Station as well as local toruist buses. Kawaguchiko Station is the area's transportation hub.Jan 30, 2013
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There are five lakes at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji known as Fuji Goko (富士五湖). They are easily accessible by bus from Shinjuku, Tokyo, taking 2-3 hours for around 4,000 yen round trip.Jan 30, 2013
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The second largest of the five lakes at the foot of Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi is well developed for tourists. This is Kawaguchiko Station on the Fujikyuko Line. From central Tokyo, going by bus is more convenient, although traffic delays a always possibleJan 30, 2013
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After climbing for about 40 min., we reached the 6th station here. We're already above the clouds.Jul 14, 2009
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After climbing it, my image of this mountain will never be the same.Jul 14, 2009
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Watching the sunrise from outside our hut.Jul 14, 2009
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Rocky trail looking up on Mt. Fuji.Jul 14, 2009
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Mt. Fuji toriiJul 14, 2009
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Our mountain hut on the 8th station, called Toyokan. 東洋館Jul 14, 2009
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Jul 14, 2009
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We spent the night in the mountain hut with a small dinner.Jul 14, 2009
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A good part of the trail had us going on all fours.Jul 14, 2009
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Branding my walking stick.Jul 14, 2009
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Reaching the summit.Jul 14, 2009
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Hut roofs are weighed down with rocks so it doesn't blow away with the wind.Jul 14, 2009
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At the summit of Mt. Fuji. It was so windy and rainy that we couldn't walk around the rim. Could hardly see anything.Jul 14, 2009
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Jul 14, 2009
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Rock and more rock on Mt. Fuji.Jul 14, 2009
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Looking down at the trail.Jul 14, 2009
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Our bunk bed.Jul 14, 2009
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Bags of drink cans.Jul 14, 2009
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Shadow of Mt. FujiJul 14, 2009
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Going down was tiring too. But better than going up.Jul 14, 2009
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Jul 14, 2009
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Yoshida-guchi trail entrance, we started from the 5th station.Jul 14, 2009
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Yoshida-guchi trail entrance sign.Jul 14, 2009
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Jul 14, 2009
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Jul 14, 2009
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Mt. Fuji as seen from the shinkansen bullet train.Jul 14, 2009
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Smokestacks mar the view of Fuji.Jul 14, 2009
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Mt. Fuji from the air.Jul 14, 2009
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Taba bus stop and bus garageMar 05, 2007
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Mar 05, 2007
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Bus to Okutama, TokyoMar 05, 2007
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Taba bus stopMar 05, 2007
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Fishing pondsMar 05, 2007
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Camping bungalows along the river. For warmer months.Mar 05, 2007
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Roadside waterwellMar 05, 2007
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Riverside picnic pavilionsMar 05, 2007
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Taba bus garageMar 05, 2007
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Outdoor stageMar 05, 2007
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ScarecrowMar 05, 2007
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Mar 05, 2007
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Camping bungalowsMar 05, 2007
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ScarecrowMar 05, 2007
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Mar 05, 2007
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Glorious Tama RiverMar 05, 2007
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An observation deck is also provided.Mar 05, 2007
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Picnic pavilion with charcoal grill (for the fish caught).Mar 05, 2007
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WaterfallsMar 05, 2007
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Mar 05, 2007
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Path from above.Mar 05, 2007
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Tennis courts with snow.Mar 05, 2007
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Otaki WaterfallMar 05, 2007
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Mar 05, 2007
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Fishing pondMar 05, 2007
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Trail to waterfallsMar 05, 2007
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When I was walking here, I did not know there was a waterfall.Mar 05, 2007
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View from the observation deckMar 05, 2007
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Trout fishing ponds for customers in warmer months.Mar 05, 2007
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Path to Otaki Waterfalls 雄滝Mar 05, 2007
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Mar 05, 2007
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Tama River, looks very inviting in summer.Mar 05, 2007
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Waterwheel 水車Mar 05, 2007
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When I walked around, my planned 20-min. stay turned into a 2-hour walking tour of this pacifying place, full of mountains and a clear river. A delightful discovery. Suigen ParkMar 05, 2007
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Waterwwheel (not working)Mar 05, 2007
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Mar 05, 2007
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Riverside fishing pondsMar 05, 2007
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Mar 05, 2007
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A few bridges span the river.Mar 05, 2007
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Upriver as seen from the bridge.Mar 05, 2007
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Mar 05, 2007
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Completely surrounded by mountains with a clear river running in the middle.Mar 05, 2007
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Bus to Taba. The bus runs from Okutama Station in Tokyo. It is the only public transportation link with the village.Mar 05, 2007
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I was in Okutama and noticed that the bus goes on to Tabayama village in neighboring Yamanashi. I got really curious and rode the bus to Tabayama. This is central Tabayama.Mar 05, 2007
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WaterfallMar 05, 2007
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Mar 05, 2007
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Mar 05, 2007
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Trail to Mt. KumotoriMar 05, 2007
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Mar 05, 2007
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Mar 05, 2007
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Trail to Mt. Kumotori, Tokyo's tallest mountain. That's where the hikers were headed.Mar 05, 2007
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Tama RiverMar 05, 2007
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By coincidence, I found this man-made waterfall.Mar 05, 2007
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Mountain with a patch of green.Mar 05, 2007
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Numerous monkey poop along the road.Mar 05, 2007
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Pretty scenic area.Mar 05, 2007
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The area is part of the Chichibu-Tama National Park.Mar 05, 2007
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There were many hikers on the bus, and I wondered where they were going, so I followed them.Mar 05, 2007
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Bus stop. Notice the monkey crossing the road.Mar 05, 2007
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These photos were taken in Feb. Probably scenic in fall.Mar 05, 2007
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Crystal clear water of Tama RiverMar 05, 2007
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Crystal clear water of Tama River with fall leaves.Mar 05, 2007
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Mar 05, 2007
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A suspension bridge over the river.Mar 05, 2007
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Tama River, very quiet and peaceful.Mar 05, 2007
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Tama River as seen from the bridge.Mar 05, 2007
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Tama RiverMar 05, 2007
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On the side of the road near the bus stop, there is a trail going down to Tama River.Mar 05, 2007
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Omatsuri bus stop for Okutama.Mar 05, 2007
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Omatsuri is actually a place name. The small settlement has a lodge and restaurant.Mar 05, 2007
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Omatsuri bus stop for Taba.Mar 05, 2007
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Jan 29, 2007
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Jan 29, 2007
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May 09, 2005
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Mt. FujiMay 09, 2005
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Mt. Fuji from Lake YamanakaMay 09, 2005
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May 09, 2005
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Lake YamanakaMay 09, 2005
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Statue of Takeda Shingen.May 09, 2005
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Park in front of Kofu Station.May 09, 2005
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JR Kofu StationMay 09, 2005
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