Why this weekend is as Japanese as it can get...

This Saturday was really fun! Weak choice of words, I know, but the experience was really fun and it is hard to choose adjectives to describe it: epic, adventurous, delicious, relaxing, warm, sweaty, hilarious, wild, peaceful, beautiful, majestic, bountiful, gracious, difficult, lush and the list goes on! (can you find all these adjectives in my description of the weekend?) 

The first reason why this weekend was very Japanese is because:

NINJAS ARE REAL!

Some of the BEST club members brought costumes to the top of Mount Myogi (Myogi-san) to take pictures. Yuki brought a ninja costume!




My team, and about 15 BEST club members went to Gunma prefecture on Saturady to hike Myogi-san and see some sights in the area!

First we went to a small lake and walked around. It was beautiful and very Japanese looking with red bridges, peaceful waters, and majestic mountains. 


After this we drove to Myogi-san and prepared for our hike (2nd reason it was Japanese.. we hiked.. in Japan) . As we were walking toward the head of the trail one of my Japanese friends said, "Myogi-san is actually kind of difficult because we have to climb rocks".

 This is part of what made climbing Myogi-san such an epic adventure. I was shaky as we climbed, and finding footing was hard, but this sense of adventure is what made the whole experience really fun or "wild" as some of my friends called it, as they jumped and ran through the lush woods.
After climbing across, up and down this "cliff" the whole gang was pretty full of adrenaline, and hyped-up, which lead to some hilarious whopping and hollering. That was fun! 

The hike itself was alot of fun, but once we reached the "top" (the true summit can only be reached by professionals) the view was absolutely gorgeous! I have never experienced geography like this before. It was breath-taking, as you can see!

The 3rd reason Saturday July 14th was so Japanese is because we went to the ONSEN! :) The onsen is the Japanese public baths. It is basically a series of warm baths, some with oils or minerals. It is an extremely relaxing experience and really nice after a hot, sweaty hike. The onsen seems scary at first because one does not wear a bathing suit, but it is so refreshing and rejuvenating! I love the onsen, as do many Japanese people!

The 4th reason the weekend was so Japanese is because we were invited to our friend Hiro's house for dinner. Hiro is from Gunma and his family lives there while he goes to school in Tokyo. His parents generously fixed us a huge, delicious (Oishi!) meal! 
Their generosity was hospitality was such a blessing, not to mention some of the best Japanese food I've had. "Unbelievable" as my friend Jack said many times in awe of the food!

My friend Natsuki and I with Hiro's mom; and AMAZING chef! 

I was talking with my teammates afterwards: we would hike Myogi again, any day! And despite the full, busy day it was really kind of relaxing! 

Lovin' living here in Japan! :)