Japan part 7

 August 3, 2026 part 2

In front of the crystal fountain, except the waterfall wasn't on.

This is really interesting. Groundwater carrying dissolved silica moves through the buried wood. Silica can come from volcanic ash or weathering of rocks.

The silica-rich water enters the tiny pores and spaces within the wood's cellular structure.

The dissolved silica precipitates (comes out of solution) as minerals, filling those spaces. Some of the original organic material can also be replaced by silica.

Over a very long period, the mineral material can crystallize into forms of silica such as quartz, chalcedony, or opal, while preserving the microscopic structure of the wood. 

When you look closely, you can see the tree's annual rings. This is said to be a stone of happiness and one that helps you achieve your goals through strong willpower. 

Old phone booth

Sengataki Waterfall

Ishimon Stone Gate

Kakuenpō - the signature rock formation of Shōsenkyō.

Well we got to the end of the trail and walked on the main road back up the mountain for more than an hour. We were super tired and so were the legs. lol

On the way driving down the mountain, we peeked into this honey shop that was about to close for the day.

Then afterwards stopped by this bakery to get the most delicious cream puff ever.

At Wing's house we drank the anti-inflammatory drink again and ate amazing dinner. 

Japan part 6

 August 3, 2026

Woke up this day, ate breakfast as usual with Wing's family, drank the amazing coffee, then headed to Shōsenkyō, Kōfu. It's a beautiful mountain gorge that follows the Arakawa River through a granite valley. 

The first stop was at Yamanashi Wine Kingdom. 

Candid photos 

We got to taste the best grape juice I've ever had.

After that, our turn was called for a table at Nagashi-Soumen & Houtou En-emon, where we nagashi-somen (flowing) cold noodles. 

You put the noodles in the cold water and when it floats around to you, just grab them out and dip in the cup of sauce. 

Then afterwards, we took a peaceful ride up the Shōsenkyō Ropeway.

This picture is made by rocks of the scenery. 

At the top, Panorama-dai Station, we hiked the mountain trails (and did some pure, natural rock climbing) to see God's astonishing creation. The main trail is Yasaburō-dake, associated with Mt. Rakanji. We couldn't see Mt. Fuji because clouds covered it.

At the ropeway summit we hiked a trail Yasaburō-dake. 

Quite a rustic hike.

The view at the top is spectacular. 

Then we saw this ladder going up a rock, so I climbed first to make sure it was safe and then Wing came. 😂That was some true rock climbing. 

How we take photos of each other. 😄

Ate grape ice cream after coming down from the trail- the absolute bomb.

Hiked the opposite way to see more amazing views.

This bell is the bell of love apparently. Ring it and you can have good luck in your love life. 😊

Rode back down the ropeway and saw these fish. 

Walked along the street and stopped in Crystal Sound, a crystal museum. 

There are these little stands along the road where you can put your phone to take selfies in front of special things. Genius idea.

And that's where I'm ending this day because there are too many pictures for one post. :)