Mt. Fuji at Sunset

Mt. Fuji as seen from Chigasaki beach at sunset. On a specific day of the year the sun sets directly behind it and photographers flock to the beach to take advantage of the photo op.

Ashigakubo, Saitama

The view from Ashigakubo Eki (or more specifically the parking at the rest stop immediately beneath it).


Three dimensional model of the campground and surrounding facilities.


One of many stone statues to be found throughout the forest immediately surrounding the campsites. There's also a frisbee golf course that winds its way through the forest, gullies, streams small hills in the surrounding forest.


The cave cricket (Rhaphidophoridae) is commonly referred to in Japan as a "benjo-mushi" loosely translated as "toilet cricket", as they can be usually found in damp, dark places...like campsite bathrooms. Occasionally they make their way into your bed..
A night walk to the drink machines, about 2 minutes away from the lodge revealed a startling amount of fauna.



A couple toads outside the door of the lodge.


What at first appeared to be a decaying ball of fur, unfolded wings and flew away upon prodding; a tired bat curled up outside the door of the lodge. The cricket, toads and bat were all found within 5 meters of each other and within 2 meters of the lodge door.


A very large stick insect on the door to one of the outdoor bathrooms.


A large kuwagata (クワガタstag beetle). (Lucanidae)




Large green cricket.


The drink machine in the middle of the forest - covered with life.