Oshinomura

SUMMER VACATION 2008
10-11 Aug: Mt Fuji
12-18 Aug: Kansai, Hiroshima
21-27 Aug: Japan Tent, Ishikawa Prefecture

Okay, that was my plan. First item, checked. Second item, checked. Third item... Damn, they rejected me again!

Japan Tent is an annual homestay programme organized by some good folks in Ishikawa Prefecture. Free of charge - transportation, food, accomodation, everything. Sounds interesting, no? Everything that's FOC is enticing!

That is exactly where the problem lies. The number of foreign students applying for the homestay programme way exceeds the limit the Ishikawa folks set - 350 participants. So, every year, they draw lots, Bingo-styled or somehow. Unfortunately, Bingo-styled or not, when it comes to drawing lots, my chances are between nil and zero. True enough, I couldn't make it to Japan Tent.

I thought I was going to be busy this summer holidays. Okay. Cool. I'd have to make some adjustments.

Then, my host family called.

"Wanna join us for a family trip to Oshinomura?" Mrs Yoshida invited.

"Uh, Oshino.... Uh Oshimu... Oh, yeah, of course!" I didn't even have any idea where it was, but man, I was more than glad to join! From what I gathered, it's some village near Mt Fuji. Apparently, it's famous for the approximity and the view of Mt Fuji, duh.

But oh oh oh, wait! Must update my map...

2008 Summer vacation map, version 2.0. Zoomed in on Kanto region.

See? It is close to Mt Fuji! The drive there took less than three hours. It was a slow ride; should have taken less time but Mrs Yoshida insisted on showing me around the area so she took a slight detour.

The place where we headed to, Oshinomura (忍野村) is also famous for the eight springs of Fuji (忍野八海, literally translated, the Eight Seas of Oshino). Glaciers on the summit of Mt Fuji melt into water; the water then passes through subterranean rocks and makes it all the way to the eight springs. Believe it or not, the process takes 85 years! In other words, the water in the springs was formed from glaciers 85 years ago!

"Try keeping your hands in the water for 30 seconds," a signboard by spring challenged. Nah, what's the big deal, I thought. But I couldn't manage to do it. The water was icy cold!

It's a cool place alright, both literally and figuratively. Unfortunately, throughout the recent years, more souvenir shops start to pop up and one can't help but wonder if bringing in more tourists is in the best interest for the village in the long run.

The inn where we headed for wasn't far from the springs. Inn Fujitomita is run by a family whom Mr and Mrs Yoshida have known for over 30 years. It's a very nice place with tennis courts, BBQ huts, a camp site, a pool and onsen. The place is frequented mostly by hikers, especially in the summer.

When we got there, a group was already checking out. So, soon, we had the whole place to ourselves! Muahahaha! And I even had the room with the best view. Unfortunately, the weather hadn't been favorable.

"But, wake up at 6 tomorrow morning," I was told. I did, and voila, Mt Fuji was standing right there. Without the glaciers, it looked kind of bald though. This photo was taken at 5.45. Soon after that, Mt Fuji disappeared into the clouds once more.

Sorry for not posting the photos in chronological order. But allow me to rewind to the previous night, just for a brief introduction of the people I met.

This photo was taken after the nomikai (drinking party). It became sort of a reunion between old friends.

The first guy on the left owns a boutique, together with his wife (far right). We had a chance to stop by at their shop, Gabacho, just next to the torii of Sengenjinja, the starting point of Mt Fuji's hiking course in the olden times.

The second guy is the owner of the inn, Mr Tsuji, a multi-talented person. He used to study in the States, then worked for the famous John Wayne as a gardener for about five years in the 70's. After returning to Japan, he helped his parents at their inn. He expanded the building, dug a swimming pool, set up a campsite nearby, cleared a land for three tennis courts., tends the garden.. All by himself! Oh yeah, he even made wooden toys for his grandsons. A local magazine featured him in a 12-paged interviewed in their first issue. He proudly showed me one of the few yellowed copies he kept. The second lady from the right is his wife.

In the middle is the Yoshida family who was kind enough to bring me along for the trip. Though it was only a short one, it gave me a glimpse into Japanese families. Quite like a homestay, I'd say. And yes, Oshino Hakkai (忍野八海) was definitely worth a visit.

Now, one month left before the new semester starts. Of course I was already making plans for my next trip...