Japan’s Hiking Culture (Part 2)

Posted on 06/24/2022 Last updated on 06/24/2022

Be sure to read Part 1 of this article first!

Highlights of our first trail

I found myself basking in the arms of nature’s divine creation. The towering age-old giant trees, their roots outstretched for what felt like miles, forming the narrow bridges and tiny lanes leading the pathway. The squawking of birds and rustling of leaves as wind gushed through them filled the fresh air.

Photo by Anmona Handique

This portion of our journey was a rough 20 minutes’ walk, followed by a satisfying breath of relief and celebration of the first leap. After crossing the timbered forests, we walked down a road and then back up into the woods again. After walking a decent 10 minutes, we approached another main road following the sign boards that were marked in kanji for Kinchakuda.

We came across some picnic benches meant for hikers to sit for a while and eat or snack. However, we didn’t take a stop as we were still stuff on burgers, so we continued on.

Route to Kinchakuda

After that fulfilling forest walk, we came across the main connecting route to Kinchakuda. We kept walking and soon found ourselves once again in nature’s heavenly arms. We crossed a tiny wooden bridge over a river that further led the way to Kinchakuda. We were able to touch the water of the river; it was refreshing and mildly warm.

Photo by Anmona Handique

It is said that depending on the time of the year you visit, you get to see the seasonal changes. Unfortunately, we missed both the sight of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. But nonetheless, it was still worthwhile to go when we did. We came across some restrooms that were super clean and plenty of benches to take a breather on.

After a brief pause, we again started again. We were completely in awe of the breathtaking view of the entire emerald landscape that covered the Kinchakuda Manshu Syage Park area What a beauty it was!

Highlights of Kinchakuda

The Kinchakuda area has much to enjoy: seasonal flowers, countryside Japanese houses, fresh summer grasses and graceful hanging branches. There’s luscious green crop fields, rivers full of fish, ponies mulling about on farms, and a vintage water mill. With just the sight of families having picnic parties near the flowing river, we all knew we were in some sort of dreamy landscape under the scintillating sun. I wondered how it had taken us so long to learn about this heavenly land. Indeed, a must-go-place!

Going Up Mount Hiwada

Well, after crossing the heavenly trails of Kinchakuda, we finally marched toward some real hiking action: about 305 meters that led up to Mount Hiwada. In a few blogs, I got to read that while traveling to Hiwada we may spot (and be able to sample) some home-grown organic vegetables. Alas, we missed them. Better luck next time!

Photo by Anmona Handique

After walking for some time in the neighborhood following the trail, we also came across some old barren concrete houses that seemed quite spooky. Perhaps they were even haunted! After some time, as we finally entered the way up to our final destination towards Mount Hiwada. We came across the famous Alisan Organic café that lies on the edge of Kinchakuda; this is something that I have read about many times in few blogs.

However, we didn’t have sufficient time to take a quick sneak-peek into the café and therefore continued our walking trails. We soon found ourselves back in the woods, but now things were comparatively much steeper and sparse. With all our energy, we started climbing one step after another. This hiking phase was a tiring one and not easy like the earlier trails we have covered so far. But slowly and steadily, we did it.

Highlights of the climb

There were two routes that can be taken up in to the woods – one is Dansei– “for men” and another is Josei – “for women”. But again, being our first time and with a confusing google map we really missed this part and chose the rougher Dansei route. But it was again a fulfilling one, as finally I succeeded in traversing the toughest parts of the entire trail.

Photo by Anmona Handique

We also came across other hikers who were found retracing their steps back through the woods. We were also stunned to see a lively gang of seniors trying rock climbing! Another inspiring sight it was. After a long hike for quite some time, we reached one of the peaks, although not the topmost one. Although we got a pleasant view, we knew we weren’t at the end just yet.

The main lesson of my hiking experiences was that no matter how steep or how tiring it might be, once you reach the destination you will feel that sense of completion. If you have decided in your mind to accomplish something and then do so, you instantly forget your fatigue and expended energy. All you are are left with is just the ultimate peace of mind and soul.

The final trail

This was the best part and the sense of satisfaction we got after a good hike of about 3 hours was sublime. After a vigorous hike of steep stairs, we thought we have reached the final peak. We realized we had already climbed up quite high and we could catch some scenic views of Tokyo. But then we saw another group of old hikers who were combing down a cliff. By the time we were wondering from where they might be coming from, one of them came smiling to us and told us, “Just 5 minutes more, don’t give up”.

Photo by Anmona Handique

And those words at such a moment really turned into a blessing in disguise. We channeled all our energy back again and dared to climbed up the steep stairs luring us. The more and more we kept climbing, huffing and puffing, the more we felt energized rather than being tired. Deep down we knew we were almost there. Just a few steps more! And after a rough 5 minutes of climbing, we were there. We had done it!

We found the Tori gate that marks the gateway to the top peak of Mount Hiwada. And what a spectacular view it was! I realized then how hiking can be so beautiful and fulfilling, and that it really has the power to bestow the ultimate satisfaction in life.

After taking some photographs of the mesmerizing landscape, we passed the Tori gate and finally we reached the zenith of Mount Hiwada. We all heaved a euphoric sigh, a feeling that still keeps me motivated and alive. We sat on the benches placed up there, and with such a gorgeous view in front of our eyes, we finally munched our convenience store food. After that trek, it tasted better than ever. After finishing our snacks and enjoying the breathtaking conclusion of our first hiking stamp, we headed home. We were now filled with inspiration to further explore the many hiking trails of Japan.

I hope my hiking experience has motivated you to ask the same question I once did – “Should I embrace the hiking culture in this beautiful country of Japan?”. I would say that you definitely should

Photo Credits:

Top photo: アオウミガメさん on PhotoAC

All additional photos provided by Anmona Handique, used with permission