These days it’s getting hotter and hotter in the Philippines, and my feet are itching to wander. My mind brings me back to April 2015 when D and I went to Tokyo for a spring holiday. We wanted to get out of the city, did a quick Google search and decided on a whim to go to Mount Takao. It was almost an hour’s train ride away from Shinjuku station, and we braced ourselves for a good little hike.
We were off to a good start as this welcomed us as we stepped out of Takaosanguchi Station. Sights like this never get old. Always makes me gawk in awe every single time.
There were several different trails to get to the summit of Mount Takao. We were feeling adventurous (but mostly we just went with the flow) and ended up taking a trail with the least people. Until now I don’t know what trail that was. All I remember was that it was unlike Trail 1 the path wasn’t paved, and we walked through the woods. There were a few paths that were very steep, and I asked D for several stopovers especially when we come across clearings with spectacular views.
And finally, we made it to the top. As we took in all the view we read that on a clear day My Fuji could be seen from Mount Takao. We didn’t, but that didn’t dampen our spirits as it meant there would be a next time. Before heading down D and I savored some soba. I needed that as it turned out going down was harder than the climb up.
Over all it was a good short trip away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, and definitely a place I’d like to go back to. One of the best things we remember about Mount Takao is how everyone we met along the trail going up was greeting everyone else with “Konnichiwa” and a warm smile. It was such a peaceful place.
Living Free and Making a Difference 
“One of the best things we remember about Mount Takao is how everyone we met along the trail going up was greeting everyone else with “Konnichiwa” and a warm smile. It was such a peaceful place.”
~ This is one of the things I miss about hiking, when fellow hikers you meet along the way greet you a good day, or a good morning, or wish you safe. It is one of the first activities I am going to do once this pandemic is over 🙂 I feel you, the humid, and searing summer air is certainly making its presence felt 🙂
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Hi Carl thanks for the comment. I hope this pandemic passes soon. You’re right! I admire the hikers’ etiquette.
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Looks like you’re on top of the world with nice people
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Hi Alice! It’s the people that makes me want to go back. Soon…hopefully. I hope you have a good weekend!
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I never did go hiking whilst in Japan, but your hike to Mount Takao looks stunning, especially with the lush cherry blossoms greeting you from the station! I hear it’s notoriously-difficult to see Mt. Fuji, as it has to be an exceptionally-clear day, but it still looked to be a worthwhile experience to hike in Japan! 🙂
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Hi Rebecca! Hope you are having a good weekend. My sister and brother in law have been planning for a Mt Fuji hike and I am still thinking if D and I are up for it 😅. We have not seen Mt Fuji ever and I look forward to do so someday.
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I hiked Takao twice when I lived in Japan. The second time was with a Japanese friend who knew all the little unpaved trails and the best place for soba when we got to the bottom! Enjoyed your photos!
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You’re lucky you got to hike with a friend who was an expert of the place. This inspires me to go find out more about the unpaved trails when I go backc and I’m also intrigued about the soba!
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The picture of the tree in bloom is so nice to see.
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Thank you! Cherry blossoms are one of my favorite photo subjects. They’re captivating and beautiful at all angles.
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looks like a beautiful place to walk! I thought it was always hot in the Philippines!
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Hot, hotter and hottest. Throw in humidity all year round, and seasonal rains 😅
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Looks a great place for a hike, thanks for sharing😊
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Glad you liked it!
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