Day 2: Milk Land Farm, Waterfall, Shrine Visit & Tests

Waking up to the beautiful sight of Mount Fuji is a rare privilege that the participants are entitled to with their stay at the activity centre. It was indeed a breath taking view of the clear and crisp snow-capped mountain. After which we gathered and had our breakfast. Then, we boarded the bus and headed off to the milk land farm.

Breakfast

On the bus

Arrived

Milk Land Farm

There we were going to have our first farm adventure, milking a cow. It was all our first time milking a cow and it looked and felt disgusting at first but after a few attempts, it turns out much easier than it seemed. This taught many cubs to appreciate the effort put in to get our milk, after several cubs attempts we barely collected a few mouthful of milk.

How to milk the cow

Squeeze!

First attempt at milking

Next we went for horse riding, all of us has yet to ride a horse. The cubs were delighted at the simple size of the beast. Their sounds of joy was heard as the four powerful and majestic limbs carried them around the track. It was definitely a memorable experience for many.

Cheese!

Horse Ride

Back Straight

Then it was on to butter making. We headed over to a nearby site and all had an equal amount of milk and water in a container which we had to shake it for 5 minutes. It was a slow and painful process of tiresome shaking. We still needed another 3 minutes following that. Eventually, the mixture thickened and our small ball was made. We had our fresh butter with some biscuits and it was simply delightful.

Shake! Shake! Shake!

Shake it off!

After eating the biscuits we had our lunch. However, we were still hungry and we found an  irresistible soft-serve farm milk ice for dessert before boarding the bus!

Bento Lunch!

I scream for Ice Cream!

Afterwards it was a 20 minutes ride as we headed to the waterfall, SHRAITO-NO-TAKI. On the way there, our guide sang a song about Mount Fuji and told us a story about how the Mountain got it's name. When we arrived at the waterfall, we took some photos of and with the waterfall. Then after a small souvenir shopping, we boarded the bus.

Group photo at the falls

This time we were headed to a shrine to learn about a religious worship unique to many Japanese, Shinto. There our guide taught us how to "purify" ourselves. After which she taught us how to pray to the deity.

Purifying ourselves with spring water

Outside the shrine

Soon after, we boarded the bus again and headed back to Asagiri Activity Centre. Upon arrival, the cubs had some break time before heading to the orientation room for their skater badge test. After which, we had our dinner.


Then, we walked to the planetarium in the facility itself. We were treated to a theatrical display of the stars and constellation before the cubs headed for their astronomer badge lesson. After that, it was a satisfyingly warm and relaxing shower before hitting the sack.

Stay tuned for Day 3's blog!