Aomori
Today I came back from Aomori pref. It was my first visit there. My mission on business was to set up Cisco router 2801 for a TV broadcast company headquarter. It took less than 2 hours to accomplish. So after I was released, I decided to walk around to enjoy sightseeing in the town.HAKKODAMARUAt first, I had a joyful time on the retied communication ship HAKKODAMARU, which once ran between Aomori and Hakodate in Hokkaido. It is displayed as a memorial.A beautiful weather also made me feel happy. I enjoyed good view from the top of the ship. Above all, I was very surprised to see the fact that the ship had the big trunk in which a maximum of four lines of train cars are placed and carried over at one time as well as many passengers on board. I was touring alone along the guiding path in the ship wondering why nobody but me visited even on Saturday.Sannai Maruyama archeological siteThen I made my way to Sannai Maruyama archeological site. About 25 minutes’ bus drive took me to the site, which was once planned to build a baseball stadium.Now the artifacts and remains such as pillar’s pits, the sections of the ground including ancient pottery and stone tools used in Jomon period are preserved and opened to people in the park and easily access and look.I found myself walking alone there as if the site was open only to me! I paid each visit of the resumed ancient residences made of tree, skins of some kinds of trees and grasses the way kids do.The military unit’s lost in Mt. HakkodaOn my way back to the Aomori station, I happened to see the notice board from bus, saying “ we have a memorial for the military unit’s lost in Mt. Hakkoda, feel free to visit” So I got of the bus.Among people coming to meet their family was I. When I applied for tour in the memorial museum, though the gatekeeper looked a bit confused, he politely dealt with my request. In a few minutes, officer in a military dress appeared. He apologized to me for officer in charge having gone back home because of Sunday. He offered if I didn’t mind, he would take me to tour. Of course I accepted the offer.With the officer guarding, I enjoyed its exhibitions. They told me why and how the lost happened.Before the war between Japan and Russia in 1904, Japan was alarmed against Russia’s army deployed around Manchuria boarder, where much snow prevented military activity. So Japanese military force planed to train in heavy snow area, which Hakkoda area was famous for.Two units set off on their way when it snowed. Finally Aomori unit of 210 soldiers got lost, only 11 was saved, the others all died of frostbite or hypothermia while Hirosaki unit accomplished this training without any toll. This accident was made into movie in 1977 staring famous Japanese actor Ken Takakura. I saw this movie when I was a elementary school kid.Any way I spent much time enjoying sightseeing rather than working. It was a great fun! Where’s next!?