Tokyo Fun Hikes and Day Trips

To join this event please see below and send me a message on LINE. Without this, you will not find out our meeting point. EVERYONE needs to do this EVERY TIME, including those who have participated with me previously.

Sayama Hills is the most well-known name for the area around Lake Sayama, a man-made reservoir on the border of Tokyo and Saitama. However, Ghibli fans may well know it better as the Homeland of Totoro or the Totoro Forest. (Also referred to as the Totoro Foundation or the Totoro no Furusato Foundation).

The area has a number of natural habitats and cultural assets that are under protection to preserve not only the nature and wildlife of the area, but also real life scenes that were the inspiration for the animated movie “Tonari no Totoro” or My Neighbour Totoro.

Many places around Japan claim to have been the inspiration for the movie, and several of them possibly played a part, but the difference with Sayama Hills is that Ghibli co-founder and My Neighbour Totoro creator Hayao Miyazaki himself, contributed to the inauguration of the Totoro Foundation in Sayama Hills, Tokorozawa

◾️After you have applied to join this event, please contact Mark Sensei via the Line application quoting your FULL NAME and this message: [Totoro's Forest - 28th June] MARK's LINE ACCOUNT
If you would like to bring a guest, please ask me via Line.

◾️参加されるイベントの名前(フルネーム)と日付を付けてマーク先生にLINEしてください。
例:[Totoro's Forest - 28th June] MARK's LINE ACCOUNT
定員の都合上、お連れ様がいる時は事前にLINEでご相談ください。

We will meet at Seibu Kyūjōmae station BEFORE 11.20am. Please kindly ensure you arrive punctually.

The red line on the map (in the attached photos) indicates a popular walking trail that will take you through many beautiful attractions before eventually arriving at the Totoro Forest. On the way you might see the Lily Garden of Tokorozawa, Buddhist temples such as the Fudoji Temple and the Sayama Lake located in the Sayama Prefectural Nature Park.

## The Forest Where Totoro Lives

Leaving the lake behind, we will head to the woodland, which is home to many wild plants and animals. Once you enter the forest, it won't be difficult to see why it's considered “the hometown of Totoro”.

Except for some narrow hiking trails across the area, most of the nature in this area is untouched. This forest resembles the landscape depicted in, especially during the summer, when everything is green and it often rains.

Totoro's Forest” is a real treasure trove of nature. In this vast area, lush greenery and thousands of beautiful creatures are dwelling together in harmony.

## Kurosuke's House

In the foyer of the building they sell Totoro and Ghibli goods in this area. A life-size Totoro is in one of the tatami rooms on this floor. Upstairs is a small museum of sorts with information about the Totoro Fund, the Totoro forests and some images from Ghibli movies. On the ground there is also a tea factory and a old store house which displays a diorama from Tonari No Totoro.

A reservation is required to enter the house - see below.

Additional fees (approximate):
Kurosuke's house tour ¥500 - please make a reservation for Saturday 28th June, 1pm. Spots are limited to please apply early.

Event fee:
¥800 - early discount if you pay by 18th June (PayPay, or in cash at an earlier event).
¥1250 if you pay between 19th-27th June early evening (PayPay, or in cash at an earlier event).
¥1500 in cash on the event day (28th June) - please bring the correct money (see the NOTE below).

NOTE: requesting to pay on the day of the event is upon the understanding that you will either attend the event OR arrange for the event fee to be paid via PayPay within 24 hours. Failure to do so may result in your removal from the group. See the cancellation policy below.

If you don't have PayPay, please ask a friend or coworker to do the transaction for you (give them cash!).

Cancellation policy:

• 50% refund given if cancellation is notified BY LINE MESSAGE at least 24 hours before the event start time.
• Cancellation within 24 hours of the event start time or no-showing requires full payment of the event fee.

Tokyo Fun Events open chat group on LINE
Tokyo Fun Events on Instagram
Tokyo Fun Events on Facebook

After the event, you may submit a review/evaluation. Please kindly rate appropriately as a low evaluation has an impact on the group. Things you should clearly understand in advance:

1. I (Mark) am not a tour guide. For many events this will also be my first time, and events are mainly organised based on intensive internet research.
2. Nature cannot be guaranteed, so flower festivals may be impacted by the recent climate.
3. We aim to depart on time, however bus schedules might change. This is unavoidable.
4. We request participants arrive EARLY. In rare cases we might wait a few minutes if we do not need to take a bus.
5. The number of participants is not guaranteed. However we will not have large groups.
6. The event finish time might be earlier or later than advertised. The hiking time might be longer/shorter than anticipated. Return bus times are not guaranteed.

How to calculate your review appropriately:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars) = Everything was as described.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars) = The event was generally ok, but there were a few things that you weren't happy with (please provide further details).
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars) = The event was disappointing (please provide further details).
⭐️⭐️ (2 stars) = The event was poor (please provide further details).
⭐️ (1 star) = The event was terrible (please provide further details).

To join this event please see below and send me a message on LINE. Without this, you will not find out our meeting point. EVERYONE needs to do this EVERY TIME, including those who have participated with me previously.

Ōiso, on the scenic Shōnan coast between Yokohama and Odawara, is frequently overlooked by tourists and day trippers - but it shouldn’t be.

A post town on the famed Tokaido road between Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) immortalized by Hiroshige’s famed set of 18th century woodblock prints, and more recently a holiday home site for the rich and famous of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this is a spot with lots to see and do -- historic houses, museums, beaches and a fishing port, and heading inland, some excellent hiking.

We will commence with the sightseeing, and then do the hiking afterwards.

JOIN THIS EVENT AFTERWARDS and get a ¥300 discount.
Kantō's BIGGEST Tanabata in Hiratsuka 湘南平塚七夕祭り - illuminated!

◾️After you have applied to join this event, please contact Mark via the Line application quoting your FULL NAME and this message: [Ōiso sightseeing & hike - 6th July] MARK's LINE ACCOUNT
If you would like to bring a guest, please ask me via Line.

◾️参加されるイベントの名前(フルネーム)と日付を付けてマークにLINEしてください。
例:[Ōiso sightseeing & hike - 6th July] MARK's LINE ACCOUNT
定員の都合上、お連れ様がいる時は事前にLINEでご相談ください。

We will meet at Oiso station at 9.25am. The Tokaido line train bound for Atami arrives at 9.21am. Please kindly ensure you arrive punctually. We have a lot scheduled today.

SIGHTSEEING:

## Shigitatsuan Haiku Dojo

This haiku dojo hall with a thatched roof is just a few minutes from Oiso Station. Continuing the haiku writing tradition for over 300 years, Shigitatsuan is a remarkable historical treasure. In 1664, the priest Sosetsu built the stone of Shigitatsu-sawa on this scenic spot and named the place Shigitatsuan. This was in memory of the poet and monk Saigyo Hoshi, who is said to have sung a song about the Oiso coast in the Heian Period (794–1185). It is recognized as one of Japan’s major haiku learning halls.

In 1695, the first haiku master Michikaze Oyodo, who traveled on foot throughout Japan, lived here. The Matsuo Basho monument and Jun Matsumoto tombstone are among the numerous historical stone statues to see. The Gochi Nyorai statues, which refer to the five Great Buddhas of Wisdom are lined up behind the hermitage. A life-sized sitting statue of Hoshi is enshrined inside the Genroku-styled Enido hall. There is a lot to see in this treasure of history.

## Shimazaki Toson Old House

Only five minutes on foot from Oiso Station, there’s another treat for fans of Japanese poetry. This house belonged to the romantic poet and writer, Toson Shimazaki. He was considered the pioneer of modern literature and the first Japanese naturalist novelist. The house was his final abode where he passed away during the writing of his last work Toho no mon (Gate to the East). The architecture of the house is a point of interest as well. It was built in traditional style with features from the Taisho Period (1912–1926) including the glass sliding doors and the landscaping style of the humble garden.

➡️For the next sightseeing spots we will take a bus from Oiso station (route 47? bound for Ninomiya station south exit or route 14? bound for Ninomiya station north exit). It is approximately 5 stops to Oiso Joyama Park, ¥210.

## Shigeru Yoshida’s Residence

The former prime minister’s enormous estate spreads across approximately three hectares. Yoshida inherited the land in 1884 from his foster father Kenzo Yoshida who built the villa. Later, he took over the mansion after his foster father’s death and spent his later years here from 1945 onwards. The residence, constructed entirely of Japanese cypress, restored much of its Taisho and Showa style after a huge fire in 2009.

The villa entrance leads to a long-landscaped pathway toward the prominent wooden Peace Treaty Gate that was built to commemorate the conclusion of the San Francisco Peace Treaty. The new building was designed in the 1930s by Isoya Yoshida, pioneer of sukiya Japanese traditional architecture.
The Osetsuma-to or drawing room building was built around 1947. It was designed by architect Tokusaburo Kimura who worked on many theaters. On the left side of the residence is a large glass-walled courtyard or kotei, which filters the sunlight into the room. The Kaede no Ma or Maple Room on the first floor served as Yoshida’s office, which hosted primary dignitaries, such as former US President Jimmy Carter.
Furnishings are inspired by Japanese traditional design and Art Deco. Almost all the rooms are surrounded by large windows that reveal spectacular sceneries. The Pacific Ocean, Hakone mountains and Mount Fuji are visible from the Kin no Ma or Golden Room on the upper floor. The sprawling garden includes a pond with a wooden bridge and a bamboo grove.

## Oiso Joyama Park

Located just across the Yoshida Residence, this prefectural park was the former villa of the Mitsui conglomerate family. Now covering seven hectares, the multi-leveled grounds envelop a vast oasis of abundant castanopsis, oak and zelkova trees. They change colors with the seasons. The maple leaves in autumn are an especially popular sight.
The park also houses the lovely Joyama-an teahouse, which was inspired by the National Treasure Jo-an teahouse of the 17th century. Close to the east gate are the Oiso Municipal Museum and Fureai open inner park. Climbing up the hill leads to the observatory deck, which showcases amazing views of Mount Fuji, the Hakone mountains, Izu Peninsula, Sagami Bay and Izu Oshima island. There are scattered picnic benches and eating areas along winding trails, which make for a relaxing break.

##

HIKE:
There are a number of scenic trails leading to the summit of this 181-meter hill. Many of them transit the two neighboring lesser hills, Komayama and Awatarayama. From the plateau atop Shonan-daira, known as Komayama Park, one gets spectacular 360-degree views, including Mt Fuji on a clear day. For an additional treat, the summit is home to an excellent lunch restaurant.

The easiest way to find the trails is to drop by the friendly Tourist Information Office next door to the police box to the left across the plaza from Oiso Station. The staff there will happily provide you with maps and suggestions. If you can’t do that, then turn right when leaving Oiso Station, walk under the train tracks at the first opportunity (after about 200 meters) and continue up the road for about 100 meters until you reach a signpost indicating a right-hand turn to the trailhead of one of the most scenic trails to the top. Similar signposts will guide you along the way. The entire ascent takes only about an hour, an easy and pleasant hike.

Initially the walk continues through a residential neighbourhood, albeit steadily (and sometimes steeply) climbing along the way. Beautiful coastal views begin to appear as soon as you gain a bit of elevation. Once you pass through Takada Park, a local park named for Takada Tamotsu, a journalist/writer of the first half of the 20th century who made his home here, you are soon on a hiking trail through verdant woodland.

The trail leads up and down, with occasional forest fire warning signs and tiny local shrines. There are even a few weekender houses. Notwithstanding the well-groomed trail and the beauty of the area, there are relatively few other hikers. This solitude is rare, especially so near to Tokyo.

Being a park, the summit of Shonan-daira is a broad open plaza, rimmed by cherry trees. At the north end is a communications tower offering two levels of viewing platforms for visitors. At the south end is a ferro-concrete “rest house” with several levels of viewing platforms in all directions. There is free wi-fi and, on one of the viewing platforms, a “circle of love” sculpture on which lovers leave padlocks, “locking in” their love. On the bottom level of the guest house are toilet facilities and a small shop selling souvenirs, ice cream, and all manner of items picnickers and day trippers may be after.

There are both short and long routes back to Oiso station, but none will take more than an hour and a half.

Back at Oiso Station, it’s just a 10-minute walk down to Oiso’s broad black sand beach.

Event fee:
¥800 - early discount if you pay by 26th June (PayPay, or in cash at an earlier event).
¥1250 if you pay between 27th June - 5th July early evening (PayPay, or in cash at an earlier event).
¥1500 in cash on the event day (6th July) - please bring the correct money (see the NOTE below).

NOTE: requesting to pay on the day of the event is upon the understanding that you will either attend the event OR arrange for the event fee to be paid via PayPay within 24 hours. Failure to do so may result in your removal from the group. See the cancellation policy below.

If you don't have PayPay, please ask a friend or coworker to do the transaction for you (give them cash!).

Cancellation policy:

• 50% refund given if cancellation is notified BY LINE MESSAGE at least 24 hours before the event start time.
• Cancellation within 24 hours of the event start time or no-showing requires full payment of the event fee.

Tokyo Fun Events open chat group on LINE
Tokyo Fun Events on Instagram
Tokyo Fun Events on Facebook

After the event, you may submit a review/evaluation. Please kindly rate appropriately as a low evaluation has an impact on the group. Things you should clearly understand in advance:

1. I (Mark) am not a tour guide. For many events this will also be my first time, and events are mainly organised based on intensive internet research.
2. Nature cannot be guaranteed, so flower festivals may be impacted by the recent climate.
3. We aim to depart on time, however bus schedules might change. This is unavoidable.
4. We request participants arrive EARLY. In rare cases we might wait a few minutes if we do not need to take a bus.
5. The number of participants is not guaranteed. However we will not have large groups.
6. The event finish time might be earlier or later than advertised. The hiking time might be longer/shorter than anticipated. Return bus times are not guaranteed.

How to calculate your review appropriately:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars) = Everything was as described.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars) = The event was generally ok, but there were a few things that you weren't happy with (please provide further details).
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars) = The event was disappointing (please provide further details).
⭐️⭐️ (2 stars) = The event was poor (please provide further details).
⭐️ (1 star) = The event was terrible (please provide further details).

To join this event please see below and send me a message on LINE. Without this, you will not find out our meeting point. EVERYONE needs to do this EVERY TIME, including those who have participated with me previously.

Hiratsuka’s Tanabata Star Festival is the biggest in the Kantō region, attracting around 1.7 million visitors over the three days of the festival.

We will visit in the early evening and enjoy the illuminated spectacle. The shopping arcades of Hiratsuka city will be adorned with giant colourful streamers, which are hung from giant ornamental balls called the kusudama.

Aside from the impressive street decorations, you can expect parades, live performances, vendors selling local products and plenty of technicolour-fuelled buzz.

Japanese people celebrate Tanabata by making offerings and writing their own wishes onto strips of coloured paper, before tying them to bamboo branches. Traditionally these branches were sent down the river at the end of the festival period, but Tanabata has grown so much over the past few years that this tradition has been stopped in favour of cleaner water.

JOIN THIS MORNING's EVENT and get a 300yen discount.
Ōiso sightseeing and Shōnan-Daira hiking

◾️After you have applied to join this event, please contact Mark via the Line application quoting your FULL NAME and this message: [Hiratsuka Tanabata - 6th July] MARK's LINE ACCOUNT
If you would like to bring a guest, please ask me via Line.

◾️参加されるイベントの名前(フルネーム)と日付を付けてマークにLINEしてください。
例:[Hiratsuka Tanabata - 6th July] MARK's LINE ACCOUNT
定員の都合上、お連れ様がいる時は事前にLINEでご相談ください。

We will meet at Hiratsuka station at 5pm. Please kindly ensure you arrive punctually.

This is a celebration of the Tanabata legend, which originated in China. There are several interpretations of the legend but this is how the story is commonly told in Japan:

Orihime, the daughter of the Emperor of the Universe Tentei, was a talented weaver, but after years of working hard to please her father she realised that she had been so busy weaving that she hadn’t had time to meet a lover.

After seeing how sad his daughter was, the Emperor arranged for her to marry Prince Hikoboshi from the other side of the great river, made by the Milky Way. Orihime and the prince fell deeply in love, but Orihime started to neglect her weaving.

The Emperor became infuriated with his daughter and banished Hikoboshi back to the other side of the river, but after seeing how sad his daughter was without the prince by her side, he decided to let the couple meet once a year, on the night of July the 7th.

This would be the night each year that they, the two stars, could meet. However, on the night of their first reunion Orihime realised that she could not cross the river by herself. A flock of Magpies heard her cries and formed a bridge for her to cross.

It is said that if there is rain on the night of 7th July, the magpies can’t help Orihime, so the lovers cannot meet for another year. Each July people hope for clear skies.

Event fee:
¥800 - early discount if you pay by 26th June (PayPay, or in cash at an earlier event).
¥1250 if you pay between 27th June - 5th July early evening (PayPay, or in cash at an earlier event).
¥1500 in cash on the event day (6th July) - please bring the correct money (see the NOTE below).

NOTE: requesting to pay on the day of the event is upon the understanding that you will either attend the event OR arrange for the event fee to be paid via PayPay within 24 hours. Failure to do so may result in your removal from the group. See the cancellation policy below.

If you don't have PayPay, please ask a friend or coworker to do the transaction for you (give them cash!).

Cancellation policy:

• 50% refund given if cancellation is notified BY LINE MESSAGE at least 24 hours before the event start time.
• Cancellation within 24 hours of the event start time or no-showing requires full payment of the event fee.

Tokyo Fun Events open chat group on LINE
Tokyo Fun Events on Instagram
Tokyo Fun Events on Facebook

After the event, you may submit a review/evaluation. Please kindly rate appropriately as a low evaluation has an impact on the group. Things you should clearly understand in advance:

1. I (Mark) am not a tour guide. For many events this will also be my first time, and events are mainly organised based on intensive internet research.
2. Nature cannot be guaranteed, so flower festivals may be impacted by the recent climate.
3. We aim to depart on time, however bus schedules might change. This is unavoidable.
4. We request participants arrive EARLY. In rare cases we might wait a few minutes if we do not need to take a bus.
5. The number of participants is not guaranteed. However we will not have large groups.
6. The event finish time might be earlier or later than advertised. The hiking time might be longer/shorter than anticipated. Return bus times are not guaranteed.

How to calculate your review appropriately:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars) = Everything was as described.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars) = The event was generally ok, but there were a few things that you weren't happy with (please provide further details).
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars) = The event was disappointing (please provide further details).
⭐️⭐️ (2 stars) = The event was poor (please provide further details).
⭐️ (1 star) = The event was terrible (please provide further details).