On a spur, I decided to make a last ditch effort of my first and last winter hang of this season… and then climb another top 100 mountain of Japan, Tanzawa, the next morning.
Took Odawawara train to Shibusawa station. Was convenient they had a super market in the station and KFC in front of the bus stop. After purchasing a bento box for late lunch, I boarded the #2 bus to Okura.
Short trip on the bus to the final stop at Okura.
It rained and only one other hiker was on the bus. Rain turned to snow up the trail and arrived at camp in about an hour.
The city of Hadano runs the campsite for free and only ask a small 100 yen donation to use the toilets. https://www.city.hadano.kanagawa.jp/...074/index.html
There were plenty of places to hang with running water that they recommend you filter (it’ll sometimes freeze up and you’ll have to carry from a fountain back near the trailhead).
Today the water flowed, but I was already carrying 4 liters from the fountain 30 minutes back.
My spot
The person I rode in was there with his tent and another person was already hunkered down.
Trusty Blackbird, 0F Wookie, 0F OWL top quilt, my old Zpacks tarp and some camp luxury goods I shouldn’t have brought.
The temps dropped and it continued to snow. Started to doze off in the warm hammock after eating my cold bento, but I decided to step out to explore and noticed the hiker I was with had called it quits with all his stuff gone.
Relaxing with a hot toddy.
Had cell reception and watched 2 episodes of Netflix’s One Piece with dinner and called it a night.
Overnight temp
Woke up around 5:00 and took forever to get up and start packing.
Start of the trail
First Fuji sighting
I was foolish to think I would be able to hike up a mountain with over a 10kg pack without conditioning. I let lot of folks pass, jealous at the sight of their daypacks and running packs.
Managed to reach Tounodake and took some needed time to recuperate. Camping is prohibited on the trail. Instead, you must use the lodges scattered along the way. These places also offer hot meals and drinks, including alcohol.
Onwards and upwards
I could feel my legs giving in, but I was less than a kilometer away. I pushed on at the thoughts of a long break and perhaps food at the lodge on top of Tanzawa.
With little more than 100 meters and a flight of stairs between me and the summit, both hamstrings started seizing up and I was a misstep away from total spasm and agony. I slowly kneeled down to rest while folks asked if I were ok. After a dozen stares and uncomfortable greetings, I got up made my final push up to the final summit
Made it
My reward: hot curry for 800 yen
Also bought water and sports drink for 900yen, then I took another break outside
Headed back down in better condition, but legs were constantly on fire. Snow from the morning turned to afternoon mud. Managed my way back to the bus stop little before 4pm. Still had to endure two hours of standing in the train before I could rest at home.
Trip by the numbers
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Originally Posted by Phantom Grappler
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