It is Golden Week. Many may work only three days this week (sympathy to those working through the holiday). Enjoying yourselves? Many likely plan for May 3–6 in the second half.
So — on April 28 in the first half, I went to Mount Takao. From central Takebashi via Shinjuku, the Keio Line express to Takaosanguchi takes about 50 minutes fastest. You can also take JR to Takao and change. This time not a serious climb — left in the afternoon, rode the
cable car up＝photo left, at the monkey park and wildflower garden a li
ttle play, then walked down — a light stroll.Photo right is near the monkey park entrance. Very crowded, but walking in fresh green in perfect weather felt wonderful.
The main goal was food. We visited "Ukai Toriyama," about 10 minutes by shuttle from the station＝photo below. Famous for a 6,500-tsubo Japanese garden where elegant detached rooms in sukiya style line the eaves — renowned for ryotei atmosphere.
From horigotatsu and chair rooms to grand halls for every banquet scene, charcoal-grilled local chicken, wagyu, and seasonal vegetables are served＝top photo. Some buildings were relocated from Hida-Takayama. Water wheels outside the windows — a delicious, dreamy escape from city noise. I won't say anywhere noisy is the same...
Do you know the origin of "Golden Week"? It came from the film industry. In 1951, box office this season exceeded New Year's; a Daiei executive coined the term to draw more audiences, and it spread nationwide in following years.
NHK news, meanwhile, says "long holiday." Some explain public broadcasting cannot promote one industry's slogan — fair at first, but now it feels late. Others say "Golden Week" is nine characters on screen, so four-character "long holiday" fits better.
Anyway, the second half of GW looks fine in Kanto and elsewhere. Where shall we go this weekend?