When you think of Japan, images of crowded streets, myriad small cars, bowls of rice, and Mt. Fuji may come to mind. And while all those images are ever-present, few foreigners know just how popular mountain climbing is in Japan. If you plan a trip to Japan, pack a good pair of hiking shoes. You won’t be sorry!
My friend Miho invited several of us Americans on a “hike” one Saturday. Whatever inspired me to wear my durable high top hiking boots saved my life, because our hike became a major mountain climb that took over five hours to complete.
The trails were narrow, steep, and slippery. In several places we had to pull ourselves along the trail by holding onto ropes made of metal chains. At the top of the mountain, the Japanese hikers sat down to enjoy their hearty lunches in neatly-organized bento boxes full of pickled veggies, rice cakes, and sliced sushi. The Americans pulled out tuna sandwiches, Twinkies, and soda pop, of course.
On the way down, we stopped often to admire the vistas, the colorful autumn leaves, and the five sets of waterfalls that make Mt. Nishizawa a favorite for Japanese hikers.
By guest writer Kathleen A.
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