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Koke no ishi Traditional Geocache

This cache has been archived.

Crow T Robot: Please contact me if this one is replaced. Thanks.

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Hidden : 9/6/2003
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

This is a JAPANESE-themed cache. It's long name is "Koke no ishi, saiseki jyou." Clues are given in Japanese. Either find a friend to translate, do some research yourself, or, if lazy, used the decrpytion key below.

This was the scene of the bloodiest battle for Singapore, from Feb. 13-15, 1942 but today, it is a peaceful park with a deep and scenic pond filled with green turtles. In April of 1942, 500 Australian POWs were ordered to build a shrine here commemorating the Japanese soldiers who were killed in the battle for this strategic area. The shrine was 40 feet high and topped with a copper cone. It was called "Syonan Chureito". The POWs were allowed to build their own small monument, a 10-foot wooden cross, located behind the Japanese shrine. Both monuments were destroyed by the Japanese in 1945. Today, a tower of a different sort stands at the top of what was called "Victory Hill".

From the base of the 120 steps (N 1 21.046 E 103 45.854) take the stone path down the hill to the correct lookout point. You will know it's the right one when you see the single "koke no ki" and the warning sign. From there, count "hyaku no ishi" to find the point to enter the woods. Look for the fallen "ki" lying across the "koke no ishi". Climb over it and begin your search for the plastic container with the white lid. Be aware that you can be seen from the pathway, so try not to arouse the curiosity of nature walkers.

In the container (which says "Geocache" in Japanese on it), you will find a number of items, all from Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan. They are: a pair of bamboo coasters, a small blue-and-white bowl, a set of origami papers, a small keychain, a set of notebook stickers, a pen from the Tokyo Hilton hotel, a logbook and a pen. We have also included 300 Yen in coins of various denominations. If you are heading to Japan on business or holiday, please pick up a small souvenir to add to the cache if you have the chance.

PLEASE try to respect the theme of this cache and replace any items you take with similar Japanese themed items. Also, please respect the beauty and history of the place and be careful not to leave any litter.

Thanks and good luck!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

"Xv" zrnaf gerr. "Vfuv" zrnaf fgbarf. "Ulnxh" zrnaf 100. "Xbxr" zrnaf zbff.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)