Sightseeing Route Reopens in Owakudani, Hakone

Hello everyone.

Welcome to "Learn Japanese from the News."

Thanks for joining us.

In this program, we'll learn Japanese and about the country from Japanese-language news stories.

So, Chiara, have you ever been to Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture?

Yes, I've been many times.

It's very famous for its hot springs, the art, and of course, the beautiful views of Mt. Fuji.

Right. It's a very popular sightseeing area.

And it's really near Tokyo.

Today we have a news story about Hakone.

The headline is: Sightseeing route reopens in Owakudani, Hakone

Hakone is a mountainous area centered on Mt. Hakone, an active volcano.

"Owakudani" is a valley that's famous for its close-up views of Mt. Hakone's steam vents.

Yeah, it's a place where you really feel the power of nature.

There's bubbling pools and steam everywhere..., it's very dramatic.

There's a popular nature trail that runs right through the valley.

But back in 2015, it was closed to tourists because of increased volcanic activity.

Our story today is about how the trail has reopened.

That's a great news!

Now, here are the keywords for today's news.

"kazan" volcano

"kanoosei" possibility

"omiyage" souvenir

OK, let's watch the news clip.

In Owakudani in Hakone, Kanagawa Pref., there is a trail that allows you to see
volcanic plumes up close as you walk.

However, seven years ago, in May, the possibility of eruption increased,
and entry was restricted.

Kanagawa Pref. and others have built seven shelters to protect from
rocks that come flying out of eruptions.

And since March 28, visitors have been allowed to enter
the Owakudani hiking trail.

For safety reasons, visitors walk together
in groups of up to 30 people.

On the 28th, the mayor of Hakone
greeted tourists and gave them "black eggs,"
a well-known Owakudani souvenir.

A woman from Kawasaki City said, "I've wanted to come for a long time,
so I'm glad (it's been reopened).

I'd also like to come back
in other seasons."

OK, let's review some sentences from the story.

In Owakudani in Hakone, Kanagawa Pref.

as you walk allowing you to see volcanic plumes up close

there is a trail "Kanagawa-ken Hakone-machi no Owakudani ni wa

aruki nagara kazan no kemuri o chikaku de mirukotogadekiru

koosu ga arimasu" "Kazan" means volcano.

If it's an ACTIVE volcano, we call it a "katsukazan．" Japan has 111 "katsukazan" - that's around 7% of all active volcanoes in the world.

That's why the country is known as a "kazan-taikoku" - a "volcanic country."

So, "kazan" are very much a part of the culture.

For example, an erupting volcano can be a metaphor for someone who can't keep their temper.

We say "ikari o bakuhatsu saseru" to describe someone who's furious who might look like an erupting volcano.

Do you regard yourself as a "kazan" type of person?

I think more than a volcano, I'm more of the "arashi no mae no shizukesa."

Wow, that's so scary.

Yes, it's the same as in English, which is, the calm before the storm.

Before the storm.

I hope the storm doesn't come to me.

OK, all right, so let's move on to the next sentence.

However seven years ago, in May

the possibility of eruption increased and entry was restricted

"shikashi, shichi-nen-mae no go-gatsu ni

funka ga okoru kanoosei ga takaku natte hairu koto ga dekinakunarimashita"

Now we have our second keyword for today, "kanoosei," or possibility.

"kanoosei ga takai" means chances are high, and you can say "kanoosei ga hikui," if chances are low.

It is a kind of tricky word, I feel, because you hear it a lot in business,

but you don't really use it when speaking with your friends.

Instead of saying "kanoosei," you would say "kamoshirenai."

"Might." "There is a possibility."

Or the shortened version, "kamo."

Yes, but we use the word "kanoosei" in the news.

"tsunami ga kuru kanoosei ga aru" means there is a chance of tsunami,

and it is a very important phrase you should remember.

Today we're spotlighting the word "omiyage."

"Omiyage" refers to souvenirs
you bring back from your travels, or the gifts you bring with you
when you visit others.

In Japan, "omiyage" are often
sweets, snacks, or other food items.

"Omiyage" need not be physical items.

When we tell stories about our travels,
That's called "miyage-banashi."

If you just came back from a trip
and someone says to you: "Miyage-banashi o kikasete!"

They're not asking about
what souvenirs you bought.

It's an invitation to share stories
about your recent travels.

Chiara, what do you think about our custom of giving "omiyage" on many occasions?

Well, it's definitely a given that if you work for a company in Japan and you go somewhere on vacation, you need to bring back "omiyage."

And it's kind of nice to receive them.

And it's also sort of like a little apology.

Because, you know, your coworkers helped in your absence.

So it's kind of a little "omotenashi," maybe, even.

Hakone is home to many natural attractions shaped by the "kazan," Mt. Hakone.

So, this is Ashi-no-ko, or Lake Ashi, which was formed in the caldera of the "kazan" after an eruption.

How gorgeous.

You can see Mt. Fuji reflected on the surface of the water.

And this is Sengokuhara, a marshland that was also formed after a volcanic eruption.

When you think about it, Mt. Fuji is also volcano, right?

Yes, it is!

So, a lot of Japan's most iconic landscapes have actually been shaped by the power of "kazan."

Well said.

And Japan has even more natural wonders of volcanic origin.

Volcanoes have brought many blessings to Japan.

Rejuvenating onsen.

The country has about 28,000 natural hot springs, mostly found near volcanoes.

It's truly an onsen paradise.

And that's not all.

The area around the foot of this volcano is especially fertile.

Here's a giant daikon radish.

Volcanic soil is soft and drains well, allowing the crops to thrive.

And here is a geothermal power plant that harnesses volcanic heat.

Japan has about 90 of these power stations.

The country is seen as having high geothermal potential.

Well there's lots of cool things that you can do and see thanks to volcanoes.

But we mustn't forget that they are quite scary and can be dangerous.

However, I think the government here has done a lot to prepare for it, right?

Yes.

Municipalities with active volcanoes publish maps showing areas which can be dangerous if the volcano erupts.

Also, be sure to check the information provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency when you plan to visit somewhere around a volcano.

We'll see you next time.

Thanks for joining us and see you soon.