The plan was to walk along the picturesque ridge in Yamanashi and take in the views. But like all best-laid plans...
First, I knew days before that it might rain and it did. Second, being a glutton of punishment, I decided at the last minute to tack on more miles. And oh, a bear.
I took the train to JR Kai-Yamamoto station where a bus waited to take a bunch of hikers up around the foothills of Mt. Daibosatsurei.
My original plan had me off the bus at the mid way point but I soon discovered everyone was heading to the final stop at Kaminitsukawa. Since I had left early and had plenty of time, I went along for the ride.
Forty minutes and 1000 yen (cash only) later, I arrived in front of Chobei lodge.
There’s parking available in front as well as over flow parking nearby.
I decided against going up Mt. Daibosatsurei as the clouds and rain would not make the effort worth it, so I took a gradual route up the ridge.
On the ridge at Mt. Daibosatsurei
There’s a lodge, restaurant(?) and a shop here. Hidden in the back is a rest area for hikers and restrooms.
Food, drinks and alcohol served here ... and commemorative pins!
I took a break from the pouring rain, aired my feet and had a snack before heading back out.
I hiked south all day in the rain but at least it wasn’t too cold.
Climbed and walked among the mist.
Highest point on my route
Up and down all day
Mt. Very Long Name
Kurodake
Shiroyanomaru
On a clear day, this route promises great views all around and wondered often of what I missed. But even out in the rain, I could not help but stop and take photos.
Nearing dusk, I headed towards a hut with water source nearby.
There was another hiker from Yokohama inside and we chatted a bit. I told him my plan was to head further south and look for a place to camp. He already had his sleeping bag out and was getting dinner ready.
Headed out one last time. Getting weary from the long day and constant rain, I did not notice an animal was walking on the same narrow path in the same direction and no more than 30 meters away. At first I thought I was staring at a deer’s butt, but immediately knew it was way too big. I gave a quick shout and it looked back. Yep, my first encounter with a bear. I gave another shout, way louder than the first, and it thankfully broke trail albeit slowly.
There was no way I was going to have a meal and sleep around an area with that bear. Without any afterthought, I headed back less than hour to the lodge. I was barely able to set up my hammock at the only place possible. I headed back into the dry and cozy confines of the hut, had my dinner and regaled my brief encounter with nature.
No photo of the bear, so this will have to do.
Day 2
The rain continued the next morning and it was a struggle to put on my wet clothes and especially socks. To make matters worse, the charging cable to my phone did not work and I was left with less than a 10% charge.
But as the rain stopped and offered some views, the phone came out and I snapped photos...
...after photos
...after more photos.
Stayed up on Mt. Okuratakamaru waiting for quite a while on this guy to show up...
Fuji!
Taking photos, snap, snap, snap and I was left with less than 5% battery. I turned off my phone and stashed it away.
I now relied on my paper map, compass and altimeter to guide my way. There were a couple of tricky places where I had to backtrack multiple times (and peaked at my phone’s GPS once). A 30min section turned into an hour but I finally made my way to the last peak and a tiring scramble up Mt. Takigo (I know there must have been a switch back I missed).
Before I made my way down to JR Hatsukari station, there was one last section where I crossed a beautiful river multiple times and wished I could power on my phone...
Finally nearing the station, I came across a “convenience” store and purchased a charging cable for ¥1600 and a late lunch.
I will most definitely be back here again soon — better prepared and the bears, hopefully in hibernation.
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https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...rips-in-Japan)
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Originally Posted by alt.thomas
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