I don't normally post photos with myself in them, but at least Miki-san is in the picture to make up for it! A couple of friends took me to Lake Saiko Iyashi no Sato, which is a reconstructed traditional Japanese village near Mount Fuji. You can see arts and crafts, try the food which the armies ate during the Sengoku period, and wear traditional Japanese clothes. You get to take your own photos while dressed up, and believe it or not, it only took a few minutes to put all that samurai gear on, although I had to bend down a lot so that the tiny lady who was dressing me could reach my shoulders or my head to put things on!

[RobG]

My friend made a video from our visit. It's a great spot to visit if you're in the Mount Fuji area!

[Sailor]

Rob - you look impressive to me! Perhaps you should take up a bit of acting on the side. This looks like a fascinating place.

Jer

[daacon]

Now that's just cool. What a place great shot.

[RobG]

Rob - you look impressive to me! Perhaps you should take up a bit of acting on the side. This looks like a fascinating place.

Thanks Jer! When I found out that I'd be able to dress as a samurai, I didn't expect to be wearing a bronze helmet and bronze chest armour!

Now that's just cool. What a place great shot.

Thanks dave! It was a lot of fun, and you couldn't ask for a clearer day. As far as I can tell, it's easier to get a clear day in winter in the Mt Fuji region, but you still have to be lucky.

[RobG]

Here's another shot of the view from the village.

[kyricom]

That looks like a beautiful place, and very interesting. I also enjoyed your friend's video. Thanks for sharing.

[burzum]

lovely shots!

[RobG]

That looks like a beautiful place, and very interesting. I also enjoyed your friend's video. Thanks for sharing.

lovely shots!

Thanks folks! It was a great taste of "old Japan".