This was the toughest hike I’ve ever been on…
Straight from the base of the mountain was an immediate vertical incline.
Before hiking, you must register and pay at the Shinto shrine. A priest will take your payment, give you a map of the 9 stations, and a pass with a blessing written on it.
The beginning of the hike was through a lush green forest. It was an immediate incline through a lush green forest.
The second part is the longest and most strenuous. Practically rock climbing for hours from station 4 to station 7.
The final stretch was through red and black volcanic rock and sand. The sand consistency made the final stretch even hard than expected. Ascending into the clouds was amazing but unfortunately, towards the top I began feeling dizzy, a bit confused, and short of breath. I couldn’t see where I was going due to the dense clouds. And throughout the hike, I passed a few people, but because I was entirely alone I was scared of something happening and no one being there to help. I also was very worried about getting back to the base of the mountain in time to beat nightfall.
All in all, this experience was amazing and inspiring. I was sad I wasn’t able to see the infamous view of Lake Chuzenji, but there is always next time.
#hiking #japan #nikko #tokyo #tochigi #travel #solotravel #wanderlust #adventureseeker #doyoutravel #goexplore
30 окт 2021
