Takao-san
is one of the most popular hiking destinations here, with easy access
and multiple routes to the top. From the summit a ridge goes up and
down through forests, over streams, and in and out of generally
pleasant surroundings with such things as monkeys, wild boar, and
colourful wildflowers. Cooler than the lowlands, a lot of
late-blooming sakura still flourished,
while most of those flowers have already shed their petals in the
city below, giving way to leaves.
The ridge connects Takao with the Shiro and Kagenobu mountain peaks,
and ultimately Mount Jinba, the highest of the four at 857 metres in
altitude. On a clear day some of these offer panoramic views as far
as central Tokyo to the east, and Mount Fuji to the southwest.
Smothered in cloud and rain as it was on this occasion, we got an
alternative view of haunted forests and white walls closing in all
around, which in fact was no less special. Click below for photos.
