Shinobu Mountain

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Mount Shinobu is the name of the closest mountain range to my apartment in Fukushima. It's about a 15 minute walk to the base of the North side of the mountain. I stumbled upon one of the paths leading up the moutnain yesterday and decided to have a look around. Since I was inappropriately dressed for mountain hiking and climbing uneven stone steps- flip flops and a long skirt don't work to your advantage- I made it up to the first level area to a shrine. I planned on hiking up furhter today, but overcast skies and the muggy weather have pu tmy plans on hold for another day this week.

I will also be starting to teach an English class next week. It's a once a week thing where I will teach Japanese English tachers who run private home schools for children out of their own homes and community centres in the Fukushima carea for a company called ECC Jr. I will also more than likeely be picking up a steady weekend teaching job with ECC Jr. through June and July. Sounds good to me.

I also managed to chek out the local movie theatre ($12 admission, Tuesday is "Ladies Night for $10) for the Da Vinci Code (awful film!). The interesting part is that you have assigned seats in the theatre- you can't just walk in and sit where you like. So, of course, our assigned seats ended up being in the very front row of the theatre! Not wanting to sit for 165 minutes with my neck craned at odd angles to see the screen, my friend Donna and I hung out at the back of the theatre, spying on empty seats. We found 2 together near the back. Every time the doors opened and people came in looking for their assigned seats, we held our breath. Luckily, we seemed to have found the only 2 unassigned seats in the theatre so we were able to "enjoy" the film from afar while laughing at our friends in the front row.

The other fun thing about the theatre- they have a store that sells movie memorabilia. I think I'll have to go back and do some shopping...

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Photos

Bird Map
The map of the trails on Shinobu Mountain. The map doesn't really tell you anything other than what kinds of birds you can find.

Fukushima
A view of the city from the mountain, facing West.

Fukushima 2
Another view of the city.

Statue
When you get to the top of one of the trails, this statue of a man is waiting for you. Of course, the plaque explaining who he is is all in Japanese, so your guess is as good as mine.

Ox
In front of a temple for offerings. Possibly as a zodiac reference for whom the temple is dedicated to.

Entrance
Another part of the temple complex.

Typical
One of the most common sights- old men on bicycles.

Market
One of a few markets in Fukushima.

Comments

[jen from ctf]

how about japan?
hi rachel jen from the ctf here...ruth sent me your blog. i used to live in tochigi city conveniently located in tochigi prefecture...it is really fabulous to see your photos and here your impressions of a country that i love. i find myself missing japan a lot lately and your blog takes the edge off. have fun j

[Max]

Meeting in Fukushima
Hello! I'm very happy to read somebody that is in Fukushima. My girl friend is also in Fukushima for some months, that's why I'm searching on the net some more informations (to prepare a trip there). What are you doing in Fukushima ? Could you take soem pictures from the city center (railway station), park, a view of the mountain from the city, etc ? I hope to read you soon (my email [e-mail]). Max