Takao San − Tokyo’s own mountain

The Manila Times

Takao San − Tokyo’s own mountain  Mount Takao, less than an hour by train from central Tokyo, is a popular place for people of all ages. With about three million visitors a year, it’s the world’s most climbed mountain. Home to a vast range of vegetation, it contains over 1,600 plant species. Mount Takao is historically a site of spiritual importance, and believers still flock to its temple of Yakuō-in. This area is also home to the traditional craft of Tama-ori weaving, and we watch as weaver Sawai Shin makes his own dye from local mulberry leaves. Mount Takao’s deep connections to its local community led to it becoming Tokyo’s first officially designated 'Japan Heritage.'  VIDEO BY MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF JAPAN  Subscribe to The Manila Times Channel - https://tmt.ph/YTSubscribe  Visit our website at https://www.manilatimes.net  Follow us: Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebook Instagram - https://tmt.ph/instagram Twitter - https://tmt.ph/twitter DailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotion  Subscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digital  Check out our Podcasts: Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcasts Amazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusic Deezer: https://tmt.ph/deezer Stitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcher Tune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein  #TheManilaTimes #DailyNews #Japan #Takao #Tokyo #Yakuō-in #Tama-ori

Transcript

00:00 The vast metropolis of Tokyo, home to over 14 million people.

00:16 But did you know there's also a mountain in the city?

00:19 Less than an hour from the center.

00:23 This is Mount Takao, on the westernmost edge of the capital.

00:29 With about 3 million visitors a year, it's the world's most climbed mountain.

00:35 Takao rises 599 meters above sea level.

00:39 You can ascend by cable car, making it popular with the elderly and people with children.

00:48 The more adventurous can choose to climb a number of challenging trails.

00:54 At any time of the year, this is a great place to walk in the woods and get in touch with

00:58 nature.

01:01 The range of vegetation native to this area is vast.

01:04 Over 1,600 species have been identified.

01:09 More than 60 plant species were first discovered here on Mount Takao.

01:17 You never get bored coming here.

01:18 There's something different to see in every season.

01:22 In spring, over 10,000 plum trees brighten the mountain slopes.

01:27 In early winter, crowds flock to see the spectacle known as Diamond Fuji, the sun setting behind

01:33 Japan's most famous peak.

01:37 The temple of Iyaku-oin dates back over 1,200 years.

01:44 Mount Takao was historically an important site for esoteric spiritual training.

01:51 Fire walking and other rituals for purifying the body and exorcising evil spirits are still

01:56 held on the mountain.

02:00 The people of this area have always worshipped Takao as a sacred mountain.

02:07 In the old days, believers planted a cryptomeria forest to protect the mountain.

02:12 Today they donate to preserve Takao's towering trees, and the main approach is lined with

02:17 the names of donors.

02:20 Because of its close connection to its local community, Mount Takao was Tokyo's first

02:24 officially designated Japan heritage.

02:30 Halfway up, you can take a break while admiring this gigantic lantern.

02:34 Depicting the mountain's plants and animals, it's made of silk woven in a style called

02:39 tamori.

02:42 This has been a traditional local handicraft since the 11th century.

02:49 This weaving method is known for its lightness and resistance to creasing.

02:55 Tamori weavers produce five distinct varieties of woven fabric.

02:59 There have always been mulberry orchards around Mount Takao.

03:06 Their leaves fed the silkworms that produced the yarn for tamori textiles.

03:16 One of these tamori weavers is working to spread the word about the attractions of this

03:20 area.

03:21 This is Sawaii Shin.

03:25 Sawaii makes his dye from mulberry leaves too.

03:34 These are some fabrics he's made using the tamori method.

03:38 He dips the fabric into dye extracted from mulberry leaves.

03:50 After it dries, the cloth has the natural hue of the plant.

03:56 A traditionally woven scarf made from natural, locally sourced materials.

04:02 I'm working on a project to encourage local, self-sustaining industries like mulberry growing

04:08 and textile weaving.

04:10 My main goal is to preserve the tamori weaving tradition.

04:17 Thanks to the loving care of its local community, Mount Takao remains beautiful.

04:21 An ancient guardian silently watching over the city below.

04:24 [music]

04:36 [music]

04:37 [silence]

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