"West of Izu Beach and Mountain View"

For more photos click "title" above, to connect to Picasa Album. Photos were taken on August 10 & 11, 2009 during our stay in Matsuzaki city, West of Izu.

What a lovely summer it was on August 10. But, the weather changed the next day, with typhoon approaching and a big earthquake that hit Shizuoka Prefecture quite badly. Awoken early by the earthquake and avoiding the typhoon, we left Matsuzaki and drove up north, still West of Izu, where we get to enjoy another summer day. In the meantime, on the other side of the mountain, South of Izu the sky was cloudy and in some part it was raining.

It reminds us all of how fragile we, human beings are. But we should never loose hope at anytime (with the help from the Above).

Those visiting Japan should note that earthquake occurs quite frequently here. It is important to remain calm and make sure to turn on local news or check with the local people about any warnings and what to do during such a situation. For accurate and latest information on warnings of earthquake, tsunami, and other natural disasters occuring in Japan, click: www.jma.go.jp/en/quake

Well.... beauty comes with a price .... the same it is with nature, i guess.

Lunch and Dinner @ West Izu (August 10, 2009)

In Yugashima (for lunch), we went to an "ayu" specialist restaurant where you can eat freshly caught "ayu" (あゆ). You can have a choice of plain charcoal grilled fish, deep fried or cooked in soy sauce. My favorite is the simple charcoal grilled fish - yummy! You can order one with eggs inside, they taste marvelous!


A typical dinner at ryokan usually includes at least 8 types of dish, called the "kaiseki". Most of the food are usually cooked and presented in a Japanese style in a way that reflect the season of that particular month. In August main food will include grilled fish or meat, summer vegetables like tomatoes, eggplants, eda-mame (young soy beans) are used. For more photos of a typical dinner menu at Japanese ryokan, click on the title above "Lunch and Dinner ...." that will link to my Picasa album.

Fashionable Bags - Furoshiki

You can make your own bag using a square type cloth of various color like these ones. This cloth is called furoshiki, a traditional Japanese cloth that was traditionally used to wrap gifts/presents, bring books, but nowadays it has become an alternative to the new style of fashionable bags. Many size and color of furoshiki are available in department stores.

Average price for this furoshiki is from 5000 Yen each. However, if you look around, you may find a cheaper version, made in China, from as low as 1000 Yen.

These photos were taken in a department store in Kyoto station.

Mt Fuji For Climbers and Hikers

To those visiting Japan and see Mt Fuji, come to Fujinomiya station. You may also find this map (in English) useful to understand what facilities are available surrounding Mt. Fuji.

Those climbing Mt. Fuji usually usually arrives at this station. For beginners or first time visitors, it is better to take tours. Check out various types of tours from this website.

http://www.jtb-sunrisetours.jp/JTB.SunriseTours/FrontEnd/tour.aspx?TariffCode=TYOOF777&gclid=CImdqIHniZwCFZMwpAodS2ADZQ