If you know me, you won't really associate me with mountains. Don't get me wrong, I do love it but it's just hard for me because of my weight or sometimes there's just no opportunity to go.
But when my friends invited me to hike in Yamanashi prefecture, I couldn't say no, and just courageously said yes to them. I was a little bit excited but at the same time, I was also terrified. What could the mountains bring?
There were a few reasons why I was terrified. My body weight would be slowing me down, and me slowing down means everybody would be too. Another reason was my feet weren't fully healed yet, I've been doing therapy sessions though so after consulting with my therapist, he gave me a go and instructed me on some preparations. Last was the gear and clothes - which weren't cheap for a broke lady like me.
Despite it all, I just found myself on the tracks - and oh boy, it was such a fun, overwhelming, and fulfilling first hiking experience - in Japan.
Before sunrise, we left Tokyo to ride the train going to Yamanashi. It was far and we're planning to get the 8:10 AM bus to the start of the trail.
 |  |
|---|
We arrived at Kai Yamato station just before 8 AM, and the bus was already waiting for us.
When the group was complete, we boarded the bus and it took us almost an hour to reach the foot of the mountain. The bus ride was 1020 yen (6.82 USD) and it was not a great one as there were a lot of curves. I could imagine one would throw up on this ride but thankfully nothing like that happened.
We were so happy seeing the sea of clouds (unkai in Japanese) when we arrived at the start of the trail.
After the group's preparation, we headed to the mountains.
The first part of the trail was fun, but I was wearing my down jacket and the temperature suddenly changed to a hot one. I was sweating a lot so my friends told me to remove it first. Then off we go.
We passed by a big log which was very noticeable, and from there, we saw more sea of clouds. It's a clearer view from here than from the bus stop.
 |  |
|---|
We were hiking for almost an hour when we reached the first rest stop. It was a small inn and store. We already saw some people eating their snacks so we immediately did that too. Some went to the toilet.
 |  |
|---|
 |  |  |
|---|
After this rest stop, we had to decide where to go - there were 2 trails to follow. The left trail went straight to the mountain while the right trail would take a long time to reach the mountain and it would be steep going down. Pain now than later so we went left.
From the rest stop to the top would be around an hour or so but we took almost 2 hours because I would always keep resting. My friends were so kind to let me have my rest, and they would teach me which way would be easy for me to take.
 |  |
|---|
Alas, we found a gem! Mt. Fuji was so beautiful from afar! At first, we didn't notice it as we were just busy enjoying our eyes with this awesome view. I was also asking for a break so while we were taking a break, we were taking photos, including a group photo.
When we saw Mt. Fuji, we were exhilarated that another group got intrigued and was also surprised to see Mt. Fuji from a distance. We can only see its peak though because it was a bit shy.
Before we hiked, my friends assured me this was an easy trail. But it was never easy! I struggled a lot but since I was already here, I mean this was my choice, I shouldn't give up and just continue.
 |  |
|---|
 |  |  |
|---|
The view on the way also helped me boost my motivation. I would always say to myself that if I wasn't hiking here, I would never be blessed to see this amazing view of nature. Only in the mountains, you'd be able to see this.
My friends also kept motivating me and finally, we reached the near-peak area where we could take a break and have lunch. Our goal was to arrive here at 12 noon but because of me, we arrived at almost 1 PM. Sorry guys!
We saw groups of people, including a group where there were a lot of kids having lunch in one area. We didn't waste time and looked for a place to eat. Initially, we were planning to stay in the rocky area but the wind was so strong and we were already freezing so we moved to the area where there were lots of fallen trees.
My lunch was onigiri (rice balls), some had lunch boxes and @ohlnwwlknat made ramen with his instant noodle pack. He bought hot water in a container but because it was super cold, his ramen wasn't cooked, and the noodles remained hardened. 😂 We saw someone from another group boiling water with his camping tools and so, it was a lesson learned. We should buy the same next time so we can have hot water. 😂
 |  |  |
|---|
I was feeling tired and sick because of the sweat and the cold so I decided to stay there and wait for the rest of the gang come back from the peak. Yes, I didn't go with them. It was my only regret because they said they saw a deer there. Not that the deer was important. The feeling of conquering the mountain probably. The peak didn't have any nice view though, they said. I was weighing things - if I go, it might take us time again, and I didn't want to drag the group down so I remained there and enjoyed looking around.
The what ifs in my head were dragging me down..
 |  |
|---|
The next part of the course was so hard. It was already 2 PM and we barely couldn't see the trail because of thick fog. It was also colder than usual and now, I was using my extra socks as gloves. @ohlnwwlknat also lent me his extra jacket so I could be warm. Another lesson learned.
As I've said this part of the trail was hard. After the cloud cleared, we descended into a rocky area and these rocks were no joke. They were so huge that we needed help from each other. @itz.inno assisted me a lot and whatever he said, I'd follow. I trusted him a lot. 😂 No photos - my life was in danger for a bit. 😂 We're not even sure if this was the right way but we continued.
After that rocky hurdle, we reached another rest area but we couldn't afford to rest. It was already 2:30 PM and our last bus would depart at 3:45 PM. Actually, we thought we were in the wrong way but luckily we found a sign.
 |  |
|---|
It was a curvy descent. We still needed to be careful because it was muddy and a bit slippery. If it didn't rain the day before, we would have been faster.
Since the start of part 2 of the course, we hadn't seen or heard a single soul. We were like characters in a movie - looking lost, tired and cold, and surviving in the middle of the forest. When we heard the stream, we were a bit happy. Not until we had to cross it.
 |  |
|---|
After the challenging crossover, the path was so narrow that we were holding on to the rope that was there since we didn't know when. The rope was so helpful because one wrong step and you could fall. No one got hurt, whew!
We're still not sure if this was the right path but I could already see some pink cloth tied to trees, indicating we're on the right way. We continued and finally, we found a wide path and a house nearby. Also, another group just came from another route and passed us. I knew we were almost at the first rest stop.
 |  |  |
|---|
The path wasn't hard anymore, as this path was for cars, and moments later, we arrived at the rest stop. But time was of the essence, so no rest for me but some went to the toilet and hurriedly caught us up. It was already 3:30 PM and in 15 minutes, the bus will leave the place. From the rest stop to the parking area below, we took an hour going up but could we make it in 15 minutes going below?
We were not on the forest trail anymore because it would take us more time. Instead, we were on the road for cars. We're almost there but if we take the same path as cars, it would take us longer so we used the forest path as a shortcut going down. I could already see the sign that first greeted us when we were about to go up and at that time, my legs were about to give up on me. I pushed myself further and finally, we're almost there.
Some of my friends were already in the queue for the bus, and the driver was already counting the passengers. My friends informed the driver there were 3 more coming. The driver asked where and my friends bought time and when they saw us, they said over there! Immediately, all heads turned in our way, making us like we're the main protagonists of this movie. It was embarrassing but we couldn't care anymore. We're going home and we finished the hike!
This was my first hike and I had a lot of realizations. Weather is unpredictable in the mountains. The trail was for beginners but I wish I had more stamina. I was blessed to have my friends with me on this hike. They motivated and assisted me a lot, and I also really pushed myself to the limits. I couldn't remember when was the last time I did that.
I was so exhausted and the next few days at home, I was sick, probably because of the cold. But I just didn't go home, I went home feeling contented, overwhelmed, and successful. It was a great challenge! I felt like a conqueror, well, I just conquered Mt. Daibosatsu!
Now where to next? 🙃
Thanks for reading!
See you around! じゃあ、またね！
All photos are taken using my phone unless stated otherwise.
The view, the fresh air, the sweat, the body pain, and the satisfaction of surviving a mountain!… how I miss climbing. 🥹 (sharm using haha)
You should go back to the mountains with your baby! 😉
In Kansai there’s a lot of beautiful and easy hikes I think you’ll enjoy with the whole fam.
Miss you sharm! You should share your videos here on Hive! You can download ecency, login with your private keys and upload those videos~ 😉
Thanks Witz! I miss you too! I really tried to abandon my excuses to go back here on hive. It’s like starting from scratch all over again. 😆
Thanks for the tip! I realized it’s easier now to login via mobile. It was a hassle before (as I remembered 😆).
It was such a hassle before I know! 😅
At least now it’s a bit convenient especially if you’re always on the phone. 😉
I know right?
Hope we can climb one of these days. I still find it hard to go out with a toddler so I am not risking climbing a mountain as our activity. But hopefully soon. 🥹🙏🏼
Thanks Witz! I miss you too! I really tried to abandon my excuses to go back here on hive. It’s like starting from scratch all over again. 😆
Thanks for the tip! I realized it’s easier now to login via mobile. It was a hassle before (as I remembered 😆).
happy for you witty! This must be super tiring, but worth it! From the picture you've taken everything is surreal! more than anything else, finishing the trail you were able to overcome that feel of being terrified, what an achievement! ✨🎉
Shene ell 😁
!LUV !PIZZA
wittyzell, sensiblecast sent you LUV. 🙂 (1/1) tools | trade | connect | daily
Made with LUV by crrdlx.
Thank you mebu!
It was really tiring! We had onsen after, but I didn't have the energy to take photos already hahaha
After the hike, I was super exhausted and couldn't even eat a lot haha
Most awesome moments do not need photos, probably the opposite of no appetite for me, I'd eat anything afterwards 😅
Idk I could survive the cold weather though, icebox of death nalang siguro ako
Woah! So happy to see you go for your first hike!! Hey, that sight of Mt.Fuji is so awesome!
It is okay not to push harder to reach the peak, at least you made your first step 😏
Sabi nga ni Lao Tzu:
Mt. Fuji
Aweee thanks for the kind words, senpai~
teach me your ways charot
luhhh
Hiya, @livinguktaiwan here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Top 3 in Travel Digest #2135.
Your post has been manually curated by the @pinmapple team. If you like what we're doing, please drop by to check out all the rest of today's great posts and consider supporting other authors like yourself and us so we can keep the project going!
Become part of our travel community:
thank you!
You did well for not being a full time hiker. I don't know where I would fall in such a challenge. The views up there are certainly rewarding. It's great you had friends who supportive and encouraging you. I'll admit I feel a little winded reading your journey, haha. Take care and stay safe 😊
I’m so blessed to have these friends. I didn’t know they’re so thoughtful. 😅
Hahaha too long? sorry! It was in the drafts for a long time and I didn’t realize it’s so long lol
Oh no not the article length the whole journey. I wrote that wrong, I'm a little irritated today sorry about that not a thinking right, haha. Got a rant, complain and talk post coming soon, hehe.
waaaa. finally posted! for a beginner, you did great! on to the next hiking adventure!
Yey! Thank you senpai~
To more hiking adventures!
Tara sa Mt. Fuji
mt fuji daw @wittyzell o
HAHAHA ang hirap ng mt fuji! kayo na lang ni @krios003
i'll wait for you sa baba hahaha
ay. i swore to my self not to climb mt fuji again e. once is enough na. unless may price. lols
Exuberante, y hermosa es la naturaleza le recomiendo ejercitarse tres veces por semana para aceptar otro desafío.
Thank you for the tips! I'll keep that in mind so my next hike will be better than this one.
Hello, @wittyzell
Glad you did it for the first time. Happy for you! The view on the peak is awesome.
It's not all the time you could see this view~ Glad I took this big step!
waaahhhh so happy you enjoyed your hike. I hope we can hike together sometime this year.
I hope so too! let's do that! Add to drawing list
ANg saya makita si Mount Fuji <3
super! will make you happy talga!
One time ko lang nakita si Mount Fuji, papuntang Hong Kong while nasa eroplano.
Ohh nice daw ung views in the plane!
What a trip and challenge. Sorry to hear you didn’t felt well when you got home.
Thanks for sharing such an experience. Great captures!
Have a lovely week 👋🏻😊
!LUV
The pain didn’t last for so long though. I think I got sick from the sudden temperature changes. But at least now I know what to do next.
That’s good to hear.
Could well be. Your body has a lot of changes then.
Next time you know what to expect.
Have a great day 😊👋🏻
!HUG
I sent 1.0 HUG on behalf of @littlebee4.
(1/3)
wittyzell, littlebee4 sent you LUV. 🙂 (5/10) tools | trade | connect | daily
Made with LUV by crrdlx.
Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍
Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!
Want to have your post on the map too?
$PIZZA slices delivered:
@sensiblecast(1/10) tipped @wittyzell
This looks like right out of my dreams. I would so love to go on that hike. Must be so tiring, I know that already but when you are at the peak it is an amazing sense of accomplishment.
So amazing !LUV !LADY !HBIT
View or trade
LOHtokens.@pravesh0, you successfully shared 0.1000 LOH with @wittyzell and you earned 0.1000 LOH as tips. (1/4 calls)
Use !LADY command to share LOH! More details available in this post.
@pravesh0 mined HBIT. ⛏️ (1/1) tools | trade | connect
Made with LUV by crrdlx.
Oh no! My ramen incident 😆😆😆
Excited na ako matapos ang winter para hike ulit 🙈