In early July we held the 5th monitoring tour for international visitors. In continuing this series of monitoring tours, the first four were all based on existing tour courses, however, this time we created a brand-new course, the first of its kind, the "Best of Samani" tour. This course was created based off of feedback we had received from the participants of the previous monitoring tours. A one-day course to see the best that Samani has to offer. Perfect for visitors who only have a limited amount of time to explore the geopark.

The morning started off overcast with Mt. Apoi hidden behind a curtain of fog. The participants met with the geopark guides in front of town hall and immediately headed to the Mt. Apoi Geopark Visitor Center to get an overview of the geopark. The guides used the new projection mapping display to show the participants the tour route we would be taking that day.

Next, we headed to Mt. Kannon where we were greeted by some young fox kits relaxing in the parking area. Here the participants learned more about the history of Mt. Kannon and the 33 Kannon statues that are enshrined there. We climbed up to the observation deck just in time for the fog to thin and catch a glimpse of Mt. Apoi.

After Mt. Kannon we headed to the Ainu chise located in the Okada district of Samani. This is a traditionally built Ainu building. The roof and walls are made from reeds that were taken from the nearby Samani River. Since the reeds are hollow it makes for excellent insulation in summer and winter. We were able to go inside this traditional Ainu building and see how it was constructed and learn about the different rites and ceremonies that are conducted inside. Even though the sun had come out and it was starting to warm up outside, it was nice and cool inside the chise.

We were closing in on lunch time, so after a quick restroom break we went to the Samani Dam for a very special lunch. Everyone sat down at a small gazebo right next to the dam and eagerly opened up the Apoi Dream Bento boxed lunches. These boxed lunches are designed by the Samani Junior High School students and made from locally sourced ingredients like Apoi Rice, salmon, and sea whelk. It was a wonderful assortment! After everyone finished eating, I began preparing for a special outdoor tea ceremony for the participants to experience some traditional Japanese culture. The participants enjoyed the outdoor tea ceremony in the beautiful weather.

After lunch our guide explained a little about the dam then we headed towards the Samani Folk Museum. Some of the exhibits are in the middle of being renewed, but we were still able to hear more about the history of Samani and see some of the Ainu artifacts.

After visiting the Folk Museum, we went to nearby Cape Enrumu. By this time the clouds and fog gave way to clear blue skies and we were rewarded with a wonderful view of Mt. Apoi and the surrounding area.

The last stop was Oyako-iwa Fureai Beach, where the participants learned the Ainu legend behind the Parent-Child Rocks. We sat down to enjoy a new treat, Mokka Butter Cream Sandwiches in strawberry and kelp flavors that is now being sold in the geopark. Afterwards the participants took off their shoes and headed down to the beach to look for seashells. We found a variety of things including a starfish, a washed-up jellyfish, sand dollar, and goose barnacles. The cold ocean water felt food, and it was a relaxing end to a whirlwind tour of Samani and the geopark.


(D)