TOKYO NATURE PICTURE BLOG

The Perfect Blog for Checking Out the Natural Wonders In and Around Tokyo  This blog takes pictures taken from in and around Tokyo, Japan, and  all are contained in the book Jumbo Jumble: A Sojourn of 366 Visual and Inspirational Delights (https://store.bookbaby.com/book/jumbo-jumble1).  The following information is given for each photo:  - Place (where the picture was taken from) In Parentheses after “Place”  Nearest train station (or bus stop, which is clearly indicated)  Train line name (in parentheses) Time to walk there (from the nearest stop or station) Year when the picture was taken  The photos herein (and contained in the book) come from Jambo (International) events. Please take a look at Jambo International, a “Having Fun Doing Good” organization (https://jambointernational.org/en/ ).   Any questions about the pictures or going to beautiful natural areas in the Tokyo area may be addressed to [email protected] .

[daffydave]

Dance it up—you’re here only a short time

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) - May 24)

Jukai Forest (Kouyoudai Bus Stop (30 minutes by bus from Kawaguchiko (Fuji Kyuukou), 30 minutes, 2009)

The Aokigahara Jukai Forest is a mystical natural environment with moss and large trees growing in an area with a lot of lava strewn rock. The forest is infamous as a place to commit suicide since few people enter deep within. Two popular tourist attractions are the Fugaku Fuketsu Wind Cave and the Narusawa Hyoketsu Ice Cave. You can easily visit both caves and explore the edge of the black lava rock based forest in a few hours. There is also a big hot spring nearby which is also a hit with people visiting this area.

[daffydave]

All mixed up? Please try to understand why

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) - April 5)

Shinjuku Gyoen (Shinjuku Gyoen (Marunouchi), 25 minutes, 2004)

Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo's botanical treasures. There is always some kind of flower blooming in this "royal park" year round. Although there are quite a few restrictions (no playing ball, no alcohol, etc) and does incur an entrance fee, it is surely worth your time to visit this natural wonder any time of year, with the cherry blossom season being the most popular time to visit. Located near Shinjuku's hustle and bustle, you can enjoy good food, drink, and shopping nearby as well. 

[daffydave]

Accord me your time, and I’ll grant you serenity.

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) - March 12)

Sasaragi Green Area (Karakida (Odakyuu), 1.5 hours, 2012)

Sasaragi Green Area is a beautifully landscaped walk Besho Park and Nagaike Park in Tama (which is a very green outer suburb of Tokyo). In February and March, these plum trees adorn the walkway, while in late November, the fall colors (especially the different shades of colors in the many Japanese maples) dazzle the eyes. Sasaragi Green Area terminates at Nagaike Park (also with its scenic walk). At the southwest end of the park, you can veer northward and walk along the picturesque Shimizu-iri Green Area on the way to Minamiosawa station (which has a delightful outdoor outlet mall).

[daffydave]

It’s so alive, even in the midst of winter.

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) - February 1)

Yushima Shrine (Yushima (Chiyoda), 5 minutes, 2014)

The plum blossoms in Tokyo start blooming in February and bloom for about a month. The pink, red, and white flowers have a delicate, sweet scent which adds to their allure. Yushima Shrine has a plum blossom festival every year in celebration of the season. It’s definitely worth the visit at this time of year, and is in easy walking distance to the well-known Ueno Park (with its many museums) and Ameyoko (the outdoor shopping street full of interesting shops and eateries).

[daffydave]

Proper alignment adds to the beauty

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) - January 28)

Enoshima Bridge (KataseEnoshima (Odakyuu), 10 minutes, 2008)

The east beach at Enoshima is a popular spot to see the first sunrise of the year (around 6:50AM on January 1) as the sun rises over the ocean and the usually clear conditions allow you to get a clear view of Mt. Fuji to the west. A crowd of people go to Enoshima Shrine (across the bridge, on the island) to make the first prayer of the year, and there are usually several brave souls who jump into the ocean as the sun surfaces on the horizon. With trains running all night (only on this day), it’s easy to go there to enjoy the celebratory atmosphere.

[daffydave]

The never-ending miracle of photosynthesis

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) - December 21)

Kofukuji Temple (Mukougaokayuuen (Odakyuu), 2 hours, 2014)

This station (Mukougaokayuuen) is the name of a no-longer-existing amusement park which was nearby. Kofukuji Temple is worth the visit, with the natural environment adorning the statues and the main temple therein. The more popular places to visit in the area are the Ikuta Rose Garden (where the amusement park used to be) and the Ikuta Green Area (with its museums, observatory, and hiking trails). 

[daffydave]

Water—such a soft but powerful force

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) - November 28)

Hiryuu no taki Waterfall (Hatajuku bus stop (20 minutes from HakoneYumoto (Hakone Tozan), 1 hour, 2012)

Hakone is a beautiful mountainous area full of hot springs about 80 minutes from Shinjuku (a central hub in Tokyo). This area is also known as a honeymoon spot as it has many unique museums, scenic railways, and the pirate tourist ships on Lake Ashinoko. The Hiryuu no taki waterfall hiking trail is especially beautiful during the fall color season (usually mid to late November) as it includes Mt. Asama and the maple tree-lined path which leads back to Hakone Yumoto Station. Definitely worth a visit!

[daffydave]

You can become farsighted wherever you live.

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) - October 8)

Kabasaka Pass (Shoumaru (Seibu Chichibu), 2 hours, 2011)

Kabazaka Pass is located in the mountainous Chichibu area northwest of Tokyo. There are numerous hiking courses and this one takes you to the north of Shomaru Station. The pass is lies on a road which is quite popular with bikers and cyclers, and you have the choice of several different mountains (800-900 meters) to ascend, depending on the course you take.

[daffydave]

I’m always dressed up, showing respect to the divinity within and without.

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) - September 3)

Osenkorogashi Hiking Course (NamegawaAirando (Sotobo), 1 hour, 2009)

The southern Pacific coast of the Boso Peninsula (Chiba Prefecture) is dotted with some beautiful beaches for good swimming and surfing. Near Namegawa Island (with the Japanese phonetics being “NamegawaAirando”) station has a short, forested hiking course and there are a few other trails in the southern Boso Peninsula, although most of the good hiking is difficult to get to without a car. The best places in the area are Kamogawa (with its long beautiful beach) and Tateyama (on the tip of the peninsula with many ocean activities, hot springs, and beautiful sunrise and sunset views (with Tokyo Bay (and a view of Mt. Fuji) to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east).

[daffydave]

All that is holy is not sacred.

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) - August 6)

Yoshimi Hyakketsu (HigashiMatsuyama (Toubu Toujou), 40 minutes, 2011)

Yoshimi Hyakketsu is a group of cave tombs built into a rocky sloped hillside. They were built near the ned of the Kofu period (late 6th century to late 7th century) and 219 caves have been confirmed. The Iwamuro Kannon Temple is only a 4 minute walk away and worth seeing.  While this area may be of archeological interest, better hiking opportunities and natural scenery lie further down the Tobu Tojo (Toubu Toujou) line.  

[daffydave]

Each element shapes its surroundings.

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) - July 8)

Gojou no Taki Waterfall (MusashiYokote (Seibu Chichibu), 40 minutes, 2014)

The small, country road running from the station to the waterfall runs along a scenic creek (about a 30 minute walk. The entrance to this waterfall was landscaped around 2015 with a series of “mini-shrines” and a colorful red bridge was adds to the magical experience. There are a host of hiking courses accessible from the waterfall, with 2.5 hour hike going through Mt. Bukken, Mt. Hiwada (with a beautiful Torii gate on top overlooking the large green area of Kinchakuda (an agricultural center), and returning to Koma Station being the most popular.

[daffydave]

So much variety to choose from

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) - June 16)

Tamagawadaishigyokushinin Temple (Futagotamagawa (Tokyuu Denen Toshi), 40 minutes,  2015)

This unique temple contains a host of interesting Buddhist statues on the ground as well as 2 rows of statues in a subterranean hall. These statues are interspersed with other religious “artifacts” such as the Hindu Ganesh statue and flags found at Tibetan Buddhist temples. Well worth a visit, and located near the lively FutagoTamawagawa Station area and the Tama River, which is full of riverside parks. 

[daffydave]

Experiencing enlightenment requires some standing back. 

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) -May 12)

Nagaramimae Mizuta (Hamura (Oume), 20 minutes, 2012)

Lying in the Tama River Valley of Tokyo Metropolitan Area, Hamura contains several natural treasures. Then tulips in this multi-colored garden are of the Nepali variety, smaller than their European relatives, and usually bloom in mid-late April. Along the nearby river, there's a line of cherry trees, which show off their splendor in early April. There are years, albeit few, when both of these spectacles can be seen as the same time.

[daffydave]

With true empowerment, there is no violence.

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) -April 17)

Sayama Fudouson Pagoda (SeibuKyuujoMae (Seibu Ikebukuro), 30 minutes, 2015)

If you hit the season right (usually around the beginning of April), you can see the beautiful weeping cherry trees (shown in the picture) and a large area of (regular) cherry trees at the nearby Sayama Park. This whole area is defined by Tama Lake (Sayama Lake is also in the vicinity), and the lake and its surroundings can be enjoyed during any season. Also, there is the Tama Lake Bicycle and Pedestrian Road, which runs 10km from the lake to the Mitaka area, wonderful for cycling or strolling.

[daffydave]

So much variety to choose from

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) -March 7)

Mt. Nokogiri Hiking Course (Hamakanaya (Uchibou), 40 minutes, 2012)

The Tokyo area is full of incredibly scenic coastlines dotted with beaches, rocky coasts and small islands. The Uchibo Line is a trail line that runs down the west side of the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture (which borders Tokyo to the east), and has scenic views of Tokyo Bay for much of its length. Hamakanaya Station lies on this line, and is within walking distance of the ferry which can be taken to the the Miura Peninsula (less than a one hour ride) as well as about a two hour hike to Mt. Nokogiriyama with its steep cliff walls and large and small statues of Buddhist heritage.

[daffydave]

Creativity unleashed can give rise to magical places.

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) - February 29)

Toushouguu Pagoda (Shinkyou bus stop (10 minutes by bus from Nikko (JR Nikko), 15 minutes, 2010)

This pagoda is in Nikko, one of the most renowned national parks less than 2 hours from Tokyo, is part of a Shinto compound built into the forest. Nikko is a wonderful area many facets of nature including hiking, waterfalls, autumn colors. Be careful of the Japanese monkeys there, which are now used to humans and are notorious for stealing goodies from unaware tourists

[daffydave]

In life and nature, challenges abound.

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) - January 19)

Mt. Kintoki Hiking Course (Ashigara (Gotemba), 1 hour, 2003)

This wonderful hiking trail peaks out on Mt. Kintoki (1213 meters above sea level), offering a panoramic view with Mt. Fuji. A 5-6 hour loop hike (with quite a steep climb up the mountain involved). There is a hot springs about a 15-20 minute walk from Ashigara Station (on the Gotemba Line, not the Odakyu Line) to soothe your weary muscles, as well as a convenience store to get some snacks/goodies if you wish.