Day 8: A day far away from the city

Thank God, today was much better than yesterday! Fabian and I went to the Tama Region, which still belongs to Tokyo. We wanted to explore Tokyo nature, so we decided to go to Takao Mountain, which is only 50 minutes away by train. We had the choice between Takao Mountain and Mikage Mountain. We chose Takaosan because the train ride is 20 minutes shorter and because there was supposed to be an easy trail, which we could hike in 3 hours. Sounded like a perfect exercise for one relaxed day ^^

When we woke up, we were surprised by a cloudy sky. Since our arrival in Tokyo the weather had always been sunny. But we decided to go because the weather forecast said that the sky would clear up. We hoped so. In the meantime we travelled to Subway in Shibuya. Can you imagine our hunger for a good sandwich, when we undertook a 30 minutes journey just to get a Subway? (Japanese versions of sandwiches usually taste like air. I never managed to find a good sandwich in Oita.)

I know, I am such a tourist, running to Subway all the time. But it was  a perfect start into the day: eating a yummy sandwich outside in the sunshine.

And we were lucky: the sun really came through when we arrived at the train station Takaosanguchi! We were really happy when we started the hike. It was paved, and seemed easy to walk. We were reminded of our excursion on Yang Ming Mountain in Taipei, where we had a wonderful day surrounded by nature. It was a very good change from busy Tokyo city life to a quiet relaxing walk in nature. It was what I had needed! We could breathe fresh air, get some easy exercise, let the sun shine on our faces and enjoy the greenery around. Now and then we also got a pretty nice view on the mountains from high above.

There were many souvenir shops and small restaurants along the hike, but well, it was still pure nature in comparison to Tokyo life. And I think Japanese just do not feel well without souvenirs shops, vending machines, food when they travel, even when it is hiking.

The nice hike today really made me happy, because yesterday had been so depressing.

Takao is cute little village.  

 

Trail 1 is the easiest one. It is paved and only 3,8 km long. The average hiking duration is 3 hours and 15 minutes.

 

Stairs! I had a déjà-vu ^^ Hello Yang Ming Mountain!

Uphill

 

Arriving at first base

This is what Fabian saw

The statues have red hats on

 

Mount Takao is famous for its wildlife - birds, insects, plants. Here a man feeds a bird.

 

Even in the jungle Japanese would set up vending machines.

They are everywhere! I wonder why, in every street in Japan you find vending machines, which sell beverages.

 

View from Takaosan

 

Alongside the 3,8-km-trail there were about 3800 of these shops selling food, souvenirs, beverages, hiking poles (in case yours broke on the way ^^), etc. Here is a shop selling mochi on a stick.

These were our rewards on the way - nice views

 

A glowing plant

I wonder why there is an octopus sculpture

 

On the way to shrines and temples. Takaosan is a mountain of worhip.

 

The first gate

 

Scent sticks

 

Statue of a God at a Shinto shrine with long nose

 

Trees holding hands

Nice view on the way back. The setting sun was not so extremely bright anymore.

 

The way back was much faster because we went downhill. But our knees needed a break in between!

My overall impression of Mount Takao is that it is a very touristically exploited site. Trail 1 is a very walkable trail. I enjoyed hiking in nature and it was a welcomed change from the busy Tokyo city buzz, but if you consider other spots to hike, this is too spoiled by souvenir shops and paved ways, which make everything sometimes look like park rather than a mountain. But still, I had a very nice day there ^^

For dinner, we decided to try one of the million Korean restaurants near our apartment. We had Kimchi Nabe  - yummy. But the Koreans seem to eat differently than Japanese. Japanese usually only eat a pot of Nabe, which they share. Everybody has a little bowl in front of him and helps himself from the big pot in the middle. But the Koreans also have more dishes on the table, for example a Korean pizza (Chijimi, do not know the right spelling) or cold noodle salad, which they also share.

A cozy Korean place. The streets around our apartment in Tokyo is full of these restaurants!

Cross Shibuya Crossing with me!

Sitting in Starbucks and watching Shibuya Crossing is relaxing. Like I said, it is like watching a tank with fish. And how fitting: my tea is called ZEN. ^^


Watching Shibuya Crossing at night from Starbucks: