Train buffs and hikers alike can follow the old abandoned JR Fukuchiyama line for six kilometres through the Mukogawa Gorge (武庫川渓谷) in the mountains between Osaka and Kobe for a nostalgic adventure into Japan’s industrial past. The trail runs between Takedao (武田尾) and Namaze (生瀬) Stations on the new JR Fukuchiyama Line which runs from […]
Tag Archives: hiking
November
02
Mt Fuji: How not to climb Mt Fuji (Part 2)
posted by Claire Usmar
Continuing on from Mt Fuji: The Long Climb. This tale commences from the 7th Station on the Yoshidaguchi Trail. Our snooze should have been a long and peaceful one having reached our homely mountain hut at 5pm. But it was stuffy inside and at 2,700m above sea level, my heart wasn’t buying into this ‘resting’ […]
August
17
Mt Fuji: The Long Climb (Part 1)
posted by Claire Usmar
It’s impossible to miss Mt Fuji. Stepping off the bus at Kawakuchiko Station, it stands right there to the south, lording over the landscape with absolute dominion, awaiting it’s next round of conquerors and victims. At night, back-lit by city lights, it assumes something of an uneasy presence weighing on your mind just like the […]
August
03
Myth and reality – Climbing Mt Fuji from the very base
posted by Claire Usmar
Myth 1 – Climbing Mt Fuji from the base is impossibly hard. Reality – It might be a lot longer (20km as opposed to about 6km) but you will have far fewer issues with altitude sickness. Besides, the route to the 5th Station (where most being their climb) isn’t busy nor taxing, and it’s remarkably beautiful. Myth 2 – […]
February
13
Protect the Oni Gate
posted by Claire Usmar
Fancy a hike that’s more like a slightly strenuous stroll upwards with plenty of interesting sights along the way? Then head for Asamagatake in Ise (朝熊ヶ岳, 伊勢). Mie Prefecture has plenty of mountains to offer that are far less daunting than the towering peaks that form the ‘roof of Japan’ in Nagano and Gifu Prefectures. […]
