I planned on going on a two day trip to a famous peak in Japan but had to change plans after failing to read. Left home around 5am and eventually reached JR Kai-Yamamoto station a little after 7:30.
My plan was to wait for the 8:10 bus to take me up 1300m to the trailhead. Soon realized this bus only runs on the weekends (curse you google maps) but I was consoled that two other people made the same mistake.
Note to self: Use the official bus schedule @ http://eiwa-kotsu.jp/root.html
The two were trail runners and we chatted a bit of our misfortune. Their objectives and mine ruled out sharing a taxi. They decided to wait for a train to take them to another trail and I decided to start my hike with a road walk at 600m elevation from the station.
Reached the sign of the trailhead in front of someone’s house. I walked through their yard, waved and apologized to an old woman. She politely welcomed me and wished me well on my hike.
Finally reached the trailhead in front of entrance to a shrine.
Paid my respect at the shrine
Took a peek inside before moving on
I was completely enveloped under the trees as I made my up the ridge line.
Combination of age, fitness and pack weight was a recipe for a struggle. It had been over two years since my last overnight hike and admit there was some fear tax levied against my meals and water load. Brought my shoulder season quilts and a heavy fleece which was needed later that night.
First peak, still under the green canopy
Next peak: Ooyakamaru (1643.8m)
Canopy opened up for a brief view
The grade climbing up got extreme and I was bonking out.
Finally got to a clearing
Looking back
I made my way to the next peak, Mt. Hamaiba, where I decided I would stop after my next climb which would be the day’s highest.
Final peak: The gorgeous Mt. Ookuratakamaru (大蔵高丸山).
It was too late in the day to see Mt. Fuji. I made the decision to camp early nearby my next water source. Replanned the next day to backtrack to this peak and have breakfast. Main reason for the change was because a lightning storm was forecasted the next day during the late afternoon.
Peeled off my shoes and socks. Relaxed under the sun and cellular wave.
This sole tree on a little nob on the ridge.
Campsite was a near a hut where I decided to eat dinner after loading up with water nearby. Stored my food and trash here before finding a place to hang.
The area is surrounded by bears and I came face to face with one on my last hike along this trail.
Set up camp early as I really needed the time to relearn some lost skills.
Hopefully I’ll get better at it again
Hanged some stuff to dry
Slept somewhat comfortably but woke up multiple times with cold wind breaking my warm air gaps in my under quilt.
Day 1 completed by the numbers…
Woke up early the next morning, packed up and headed to the hut to pick up my belongings.
Clicked myself in
Back tracking my way up
Morning clouds down below
Good morning Fuji-san
Returned to Ookuratakamaru for breakfast but first, needed to enjoy the view
Didn’t feel like eating a big meal for breakfast so had couple Japanese version of Stroopwafels along with coffee. Plus, I wanted to save my appetite for the end.
Last view of Fuji before heading downhill
Trail back down followed a stream.
Some remnants of previous mud slides
Finished up with another road walk. I finally met up with couple of people coming up to fish and we chatted before parting ways.
A tunnel. I did not expect seeing a long and dark tunnel… internal screaming commences.
The light at the end of the tunnel
Reached my journey’s end at the onsen. Soaked in the alkaline hot spring of Tenmoku.
http://www.daibosatsu-kankou.com/fac..._hotspring.php
Finished off trip with an appetizer of fries and grilled chicken offal (鳥モツ)
Main course of katsu curry.
Took the bus that runs six times DAILY between Enzan, Kai-Yamato and Tenmoku.
Barely missed getting soaked walking back from my home station. Rainy season is soon approaching which will herald the hot and muggy summer season. Will see if I’m a glutton to punish myself over the summer but I certainly realize I need to build my trail legs.
Day 2 by the numbers
Complete route
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