18/03/2023 / Last updated : 18/03/2023 d.d Temple / Shrine

Zenigata Sunae and Takaya Jinja, Torii in the sky　銭形砂絵、高屋神社

Oct. 30th. 2022, In the event, Genpei no Sato Mure was no problem but has little to recommend it. On a weekday it is probably reasonable enough but it’s busy at weekends. Zenigata Sunae On leaving, we take a long drive to Kannonji to see Zenigata Sunae. From Kotohiki Park the final stretch is up a steep narrow road that is thankfully one-way traffic. At the top, is a small car park and a viewing point of a sand sculpture. This is large and can be seen clearly from the top of the hill. Back from the strip of sand beach, in a clearing in the pine trees, is a […]

04/03/2023 / Last updated : 18/03/2023 d.d Hiking / Walking

Odaigahara, to the edge of the abyss.　　大台ヶ原

Oct. 23rd. 2022, Kiho-Umigami Koen michi no eki Kiho-Umigami Koen is in most ways a good place to stay. There is a covered walkway which would be great on a rainy night, and it is flat with reasonable facilities. It was a little noisy on a Saturday night. It was also very warm for late October, and we were troubled by mosquitoes. The beach here is famous as a spot for Sea Turtles to lay eggs, as the name suggests. Odaigahara We leave the coast and head into the mountains again. This time to Odaigahara on the Odaigahara driveway. As we climb, approaching our destination, the view of mountains is […]

28/02/2023 / Last updated : 18/03/2023 d.d Hiking / Walking

Kamikochi, beyond Kappa Bashi　　上高地

Oct. 18th. 2022, Okuhidaonsengo Kamitakara michi no eki The second night at Okuhidaonsengo Kamitakara is different. It is not raining, and the morning promises fine so perhaps this is why it was much busier and rather noisy. Mostly chatter and car doors banging as, I suppose, people prepare to leave well before sunrise to scale high peaks. Shuttle bus to Kamikochi We were up before 6.30am but at least it was daylight. We drive the 10 or 15 kilometres back to Hirayu, Akandana car park for the shuttle bus to Kamikochi. Private vehicles are not permitted into Kamikochi beyond the Kama tunnel on R. 158, so the only options are […]

24/02/2023 / Last updated : 18/03/2023 d.d Hiking / Walking

Utsukushigahara, cows grazing above the cloud sea + Mishaka ike　美ヶ原

October 2022, Marumelo no eki Nagato Marumelo no eki Nagato is a good place to stay even though it is very busy and has no rubbish bins or vending machines. For this, you have to visit Lawsons. We leave early, waking before 6.30am. Very unusual but D. has a plan. This is to walk at Utsukushigahara, an open highland that is not a wetland. It is noted as a place to see a sea of cloud. The place is high enough to be above the cloud bank. Utsukushigahara We arrive at michi no eki Utsukushigahara Kogen and have no difficulty parking in the huge car park. Even from here, there […]

20/02/2023 / Last updated : 18/03/2023 d.d Hiking / Walking

Tsugaike Shinzen-en, great hike in mist and autumn colours　栂池

October 2022, Michi no eki Hakuba Michi no eki Hakuba was busy as expected and the facilities are small for such a popular place. However, new toilets were under construction. One group of overnighters with two vehicles had commandeered a third parking space and set up tables and chairs until a biker arrived and pointed out the error of their ways. At which, they contritely freed up the space that was quickly filled. Tsugaike Shizen-en We set off earlier than usual to drive to Tsugaike Shizen-en. Well, to the car park for the gondola which takes you to the ropeway. This combined ride is about 30 minutes. Quite thrilling, with […]

18/02/2023 / Last updated : 18/03/2023 d.d Hiking / Walking

Hakuba Happo-one, Happoike hiking　八方池

October 2022, Despite its grim appearance, michi no eki Shinshushinmachi is fine from a shachuhaku point of view. There were very few other vehicles, the facilities large and clean and rubbish bins are provided. The road has very little traffic during the night. Hakuba Happo-one An early rise, and off to Hakuba Happo-one. Already busy when we arrive and parking at 1000 yen a bit shocking, plus the two chair lifts and gondola ride make this a pricy outing. The chair lift is an interesting ride in itself, and it is clear some people ride it for its own sake and do not venture further up the mountain. The lift […]

19/01/2023 / Last updated : 18/03/2023 d.d Hiking / Walking

Climbing Kurikoma Mountain on an Autumn weekend　栗駒山

Early October ’22 A good night at Genbikei michi no eki. The rain eased by midnight and the morning was bright and clear. The michi no eki has rubbish bins and reasonable if not flashy facilities. As the weather is fine and the forecast for tomorrow is less good, we decide to climb Kurikoma mountain though we had planned to put it off for a day. This was a good decision as the day proved fine until late afternoon. Parking and Shuttle Bus The mountain has 6 different hiking courses originating in three separate prefectures. We decided on the central course which is said to be the easiest. The starting […]

10/01/2023 / Last updated : 18/03/2023 d.d Hiking / Walking

Hachimantai hiking　八幡平

October ’22 Michi no eki Ikarigaseki On a grey, chilly morning, a wander around behind the sheeted building reveals the elusive onsen and a large sign indicating its position. Darkness does things like that. Ikarigaseki is a good michi no eki for an overnight stay. Good parking and very new, modern facilities. The onsen, sadly, I cannot vouch for. We depart for Hachimantai, stopping at michi no eki Kazuno. This again has very new, very large toilet facilities and offers fresh vegetables and omiyage (souvenirs). It has a huge parking area but none adjacent to the toilets. Hachimantai Approaching Hachimantai, there are signs of incipient koyo (autumn colours). Nothing spectacular, […]