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I saw Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji in the setting sun. 00.01.04/ Temperature: 2C/ Weather: Partly cloudy/ Wind Direction: NW
Start: Watarase Marsh 36 14 11 N 139 39 15 E
Destination: Kuki City 36 03 46 N 139 39 34 E
Distance Traveled: 25 kmAside from all of my daily interactions with the people of Japan, there have been several mental landmarks which have filled me with joy throughout this journey. Seeing Mt. Fuji for the first time on "Exploration for Wisdom" made me realize how close I am to Tokyo.
On day one of 'Exploration for Wisdom' the joy I felt taking the first steps of a larger dream, when I first saw the Sea of Ohkotku, my first meaningful encounter on this journey, departing Hokkaido for Aomori with the near full moon, and passing over the snowy Mikuni Pass from Nigata into snowless Gunma Prefecture have all been very moving moments of this journey. Yesterday was another such opportunity.
Walking along the edge of the Watarase Marsh I glanced up to the setting sun. Beyond leaning reeds and mountains to the south, the sun shone gently as chilly late afternoon winds began to pick up. I took a double take when I realized the mountain I saw to the southwest was Mt. Fuji. Looking again I could make out its distinct volcanic shape; it was really Mt. Fuji.
Crossing over the Tone River also made me feel a big step closer to Tokyo. Mt. Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan, it has been an object of spirituality, and it has grown to become a symbol of Japan and its nature. On a clear day in Tokyo one can see Fuji standing tall to the southwest. Tokyo lies somewhere between me and Mt. Fuji, which only seems to be a stone throw away. Staring out to the southwest with Mt. Fuji and the setting sun off in the distance, Tokyo felt closer than ever. I have come close to 1600 kilometers, and for the first time, Tokyo is in sight.
As I left the Watarase Marsh, morning haze on the horizon blocked my view of Mt. Fuji. I was heading into a mix of rural Saitama with the urban sprawl which starts in Tokyo and has spread its way out into Tokyo's surrounding Prefectures. The number and size of fields and rice paddies slowly decreased the further I headed south. Cabbage, leeks, daikon (Japanese radish) and spinach are still growing in fields. Fall wheat has already been planted for the spring. Towards the end of the day, almost all fields and rice paddies had given way to house developments and vacant lots.
With only Saitama Prefecture and Tokyo left ahead of me I am anxious and nervous to see what we can discover in the cities of the Kanto Region.
Is there anything you all would like for me to keep my eyes out for? Tokyo in sight.
Greg
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