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Even More Trips

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Japan May 2010
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London September 2009
SE Asia December 2005

Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Page 6

Day 16 - Sunday, 5 November 2017

First everybody then nobody

Hiking up and over Mount Rokko in Kobe via the rock garden path

Its Sunday, men are allowed out hiking, theres only one popular hiking spot near Kobe and its awesome, so it was packed. And then it wasnt.
Allow me to explain further.

Kobe is wedged between the sea and a mountain range, the city extends quite a long way out to sea on terrifying reclaimed land.
The highest mountain is Mount Rokko, that would be todays first destination, but once you are up there, you can walk over all the other mountains.
There are 4 or 5 different cable car / ropeway things to go up or down if you are lazy and or stupid, I will use none of those.
Also, very strangely, no temples and no shrines, none at all that I saw!
The main path, is called Rokko rock garden, because you go over some steep rocks, and it was fantastic, but full of other hikers.
And as I suggested above, Sunday is the only day of the week men are allowed to do anything fun, so there were as many men as women, so essentially twice as many people, as all the other days are women only, plus me of course.
This meant, on the way up I had to wait, and wait, for very slow people taking rests every few steps up the single file path, which was annoying.

Before that though, at the trail head, I bought a drink from the vending machine, drank it all at once, and was putting it in the recycling bin round hole, when I decided to make sure it was going in the right side.
Some of these bins have different sides for plastic bottles vs aluminium cans. So I am reading the writing with my empty bottle in my hand, and a guy comes out of the tiny shop and starts screaming at me. I could tell he was swearing and hurling racist insults, cause there were other people around and they were in shocked silence.

I had no idea what he was going on about, so I just stared at him and said nothing and looked mad. Another hiker comes over and tells me in English that mad guy thinks I am stealing the empty bottles!
So heres what I did, shoved the bottle in the bin, then calmly bought a drink for the guy that explained to me what was going on from the vending machine. The store owner guy continued his tirade and wouldnt let me past, so I shoved him hard enough for him to stagger backwards. What now racist asshole? What now? Nothing of course, all bark no bite.

Thats the second time I have had to be physically violent in Japan, a small security guard man tried to restrain me for taking a photo of the Square Enix building many years ago.
Racism is out of control in Japan!

Anyway, since I took so many photos, I better get on with it!

Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - My highway overpass window on Kobe revealed another day of 'blue' sky in Japan. Except its terribly polluted again. I had hoped last nights sudden win

My highway overpass window on Kobe revealed another day of 'blue' sky in Japan. Except its terribly polluted again.
I had hoped last nights sudden wind would blow it away, no such luck.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - First I had to get to the trail, its a bit of a walk from Ashiya station, there were lots of other hikers to follow, and the Lawson convenience store

First I had to get to the trail, its a bit of a walk from Ashiya station, there were lots of other hikers to follow, and the Lawson convenience store next to here was full to the brim, I had to line up for ten minutes to pay for my Pocari Sweat.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Lots of people, impossible to get lost today, on the way up anyway.

Lots of people, impossible to get lost today, on the way up anyway.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This is the real start of the trail. Its very steep and rocky for about 90 minutes up past here. This is also where I had to threaten to kill a Japane

This is the real start of the trail. Its very steep and rocky for about 90 minutes up past here. This is also where I had to threaten to kill a Japanese man for accusing me of stealing plastic bottles.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - It was slow going, but the view was great, except for the pollution. Often trails have no view due to trees, this one has exposed rocks a lot of the w

It was slow going, but the view was great, except for the pollution. Often trails have no view due to trees, this one has exposed rocks a lot of the way up.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Kobe, or its suburbs anyway.

Kobe, or its suburbs anyway.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This is not the top, its not even halfway up. Its the top of the rock garden hiking part. Some people went back down a different way from here. Where

This is not the top, its not even halfway up. Its the top of the rock garden hiking part. Some people went back down a different way from here. Where would be the fun in that?


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Nice view though, lots of color today, but I didnt photograph it well.

Nice view though, lots of color today, but I didnt photograph it well.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Here I am. The slow going to this point due to single file and waiting meant I hadnt even broken a sweat. Others were draped in a towel continually dr

Here I am. The slow going to this point due to single file and waiting meant I hadnt even broken a sweat. Others were draped in a towel continually drying their sweat, Japanese people always hike with a towel.
I was wearing shorts, and glad I did, but not one other person was, I was checking. Later in the day I saw some trail runners at the top in shorts.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - A short while after the end of the rocky garden, you pass a golf course, right on the side of the mountain. It wont be the last one today either, ther

A short while after the end of the rocky garden, you pass a golf course, right on the side of the mountain. It wont be the last one today either, there are lots of country clubs up here and a tollway road that tunnels through the mountain connecting them all.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I still had to get up there and hike all the way along it. Thankfully the crowds were thinning a bit now.

I still had to get up there and hike all the way along it. Thankfully the crowds were thinning a bit now.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - An example of todays leaf color. Probably not the best example.

An example of todays leaf color. Probably not the best example.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - There are also lots of flood control barrier things all the way up, which create waterfalls and spots to appreciate the view.

There are also lots of flood control barrier things all the way up, which create waterfalls and spots to appreciate the view.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Some more color and a waterfall. No bears today, but there are lots of wild boars, I saw one. The locals were yelling at it and trying to video it, it

Some more color and a waterfall. No bears today, but there are lots of wild boars, I saw one. The locals were yelling at it and trying to video it, it was terrified and charging off through the trees at full speed.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Its starting to look a long way down and a very long way from the city. I checked my GPS to make sure I wasnt wandering off into oblivion.

Its starting to look a long way down and a very long way from the city. I checked my GPS to make sure I wasnt wandering off into oblivion.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And here we are at the summit proper. I did not stop.

And here we are at the summit proper. I did not stop.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - View, I had to go along the ridge path to those towers on the left, and then some distance beyond them too, before starting to head back down.

View, I had to go along the ridge path to those towers on the left, and then some distance beyond them too, before starting to head back down.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The far side of the mountain is more cities. Nishinomiya apparently. Never heard of it. A guy taking the same photo pointed and said that to me, I che

The far side of the mountain is more cities. Nishinomiya apparently. Never heard of it. A guy taking the same photo pointed and said that to me, I checked the map on my phone, he was absolutely right!


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - POLLUTION. Osaka to the left, Kobe to the right.

POLLUTION. Osaka to the left, Kobe to the right.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Not even sure whats that way!

Not even sure whats that way!


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The path along the ridge was great, up and down a few times but also flat sections. It kind of follows a road and you have to cross the road a few tim

The path along the ridge was great, up and down a few times but also flat sections. It kind of follows a road and you have to cross the road a few times, which is full of motorbikes and tour buses.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Starting to get a bit superfluous with the photos now.

Starting to get a bit superfluous with the photos now.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I was really enjoying the view for many many hours.

I was really enjoying the view for many many hours.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And now I am at one of the many cable car top stations, where you can have lunch, but I didnt, nowhere to sit, expensive, no time, got to keep moving!

And now I am at one of the many cable car top stations, where you can have lunch, but I didnt, nowhere to sit, expensive, no time, got to keep moving!


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - As you can see the top of this peak is very developed, lots of little shops selling expensive crap to tourists. There are also lots of hotels built on

As you can see the top of this peak is very developed, lots of little shops selling expensive crap to tourists. There are also lots of hotels built on cliffs up here.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Some more view, featuring people enjoying the view.

Some more view, featuring people enjoying the view.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This is actually a different golf course to the one earlier. They have included covered hiking trails through it for people like me, but have tried to

This is actually a different golf course to the one earlier. They have included covered hiking trails through it for people like me, but have tried to stop people seeing into the course. I found this spot to peer in though.
Apparently Donald Trump is in Japan playing golf today. Maybe he is here.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The crowds thinned completely. I think most hikers took one of the cable cars down. I selected a path down, and had it completely to myself, but it ap

The crowds thinned completely. I think most hikers took one of the cable cars down. I selected a path down, and had it completely to myself, but it appeared to be a really long way back to civilization.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The long path down was great, and featured every kind of scenery, dark wooded parts, lots of streams to cross, waterfalls, colored leaves etc.

The long path down was great, and featured every kind of scenery, dark wooded parts, lots of streams to cross, waterfalls, colored leaves etc.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Heres a stream I had to cross, I never saw another person for 3 hours on the way down! Hence the 'first everybody, then nobody' title of todays post.

Heres a stream I had to cross, I never saw another person for 3 hours on the way down! Hence the 'first everybody, then nobody' title of todays post.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The light was very good at times.

The light was very good at times.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I kept passing similar flood control artificial waterfalls, at least ten of them.

I kept passing similar flood control artificial waterfalls, at least ten of them.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Then I got to this. It is much bigger than it first appears to be. I had to have 3 different attempts to get over before I found a way where I didnt p

Then I got to this. It is much bigger than it first appears to be. I had to have 3 different attempts to get over before I found a way where I didnt plummet to my death.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Then I came to a surprise tunnel. It goes under the toll road. My theory is they really dont want pedestrians or cyclists to find a way onto that road

Then I came to a surprise tunnel. It goes under the toll road. My theory is they really dont want pedestrians or cyclists to find a way onto that road, there is a long road tunnel under the mountain just past this point.
It was pretty great going in this tunnel in the middle of nowhere, and absolutely freezing inside.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And then I came out at a random spot on the side of the road, and a few hundred metres later had this great view! However its still 5km to a train sta

And then I came out at a random spot on the side of the road, and a few hundred metres later had this great view! However its still 5km to a train station, all downhill, an easy jog.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - A bit more of the great view from here. Lots of really really nice houses up here. Lots of stairways connecting streets that require switch backs due

A bit more of the great view from here. Lots of really really nice houses up here. Lots of stairways connecting streets that require switch backs due to how steep it was.
Reminded me a lot of the mid-levels area of Hong Kong. Only a lot quieter. No convenience store to be found! I really wanted a banana.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I thought the view was good enough to warrant a smug looking selfie.

I thought the view was good enough to warrant a smug looking selfie.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Back up there in the distance is where I had come down from.

Back up there in the distance is where I had come down from.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And then, after 30km and 7 hours of hiking and running where I could, back at the station! Another great day of hiking in Japan.

And then, after 30km and 7 hours of hiking and running where I could, back at the station!
Another great day of hiking in Japan.


Pyramids of Sannomiya

Eating curry on Ikuta road in Sannomiya|

After getting distracted last night and seeing only Kobe port, tonight I boarded a train and headed straight for Sannomiya, the main downtown area.
Surprisingly, no over zealous security guards or store owners tried to stop me.
It was very bright and busy there, and bigger than I remember from my previous 2 daytime visits. I think I had the layout all confused and previously arrived via Shin-Kobe and went around the edge of Sannomiya - this all means nothing to people who havent been to Kobe before.

There was a bunch of pop starlets putting on their show, and a whole heap of guards ensuring no photos were taken, I thought I was going to ignore that until I saw them take a phone off a guy forcibly!
Anyway, the girls miming were pretty useless, from what I could tell they were called Marleez, and they were all dressed in what looked like harry potter capes.
The real entertainment was the men watching, and it was almost all men, they had a part to play with cheering in complex rhythms during the chourus, like they had all practiced it at home before coming to the live performance.

I still think Kobe is great, very underrated, I needed more time here, common theme this trip! Tomorrow I go to Gifu, I have never even visited before and I have no idea whats there.
If its really boring, I can just go to Nagoya, which is only 30km away.

Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The colorful station area of Sannomiya.

The colorful station area of Sannomiya.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Lots of streets extend up the hill, I dont think I ever went up there before.

Lots of streets extend up the hill, I dont think I ever went up there before.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And after going on a rant about the racist guy earlier, here is what I presume is the nazi party of Japan bus. Its hand painted black, with the rising

And after going on a rant about the racist guy earlier, here is what I presume is the nazi party of Japan bus.
Its hand painted black, with the rising sun flags trailing at the back, the guys in it wearing arm bands and headbands.
When they saw me taking their photo, the guy delivering the manifesto over the loudspeaker system got particulalry animated.
I like to think he was ranting about me. The speakers on this bus were seriously loud, I could hear it all night from blocks away.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And heres the reason for tonights post title. 5.5 years ago I went to Pyramid curry here for lunch, when I visited Kobe for the day. Its an independen

And heres the reason for tonights post title.
5.5 years ago I went to Pyramid curry here for lunch, when I visited Kobe for the day.
Its an independent store, not part of a chain, and the same guy was still running it, I remember him, he sings as he prepares the meal, and has a pony tail.
I explained to him that I visited many years ago, he didnt believe me, said I was making it up to get discount!
I said I didnt want a discount, and googled 'lostorwhat kobe pyramid' and there it was, my last visit. I showed him on my phone, and he burst out laughing.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Great curry though. Very spicy, and the rice is shaped like a pyramid, how could it possibly be bad? Its the best Japanese curry I ever had, and I hav

Great curry though. Very spicy, and the rice is shaped like a pyramid, how could it possibly be bad? Its the best Japanese curry I ever had, and I have now had it twice.
Curry photos really are terribly pointless, its brown goo on rice, but I dont care, I put them here anyway.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The central Kobe one of these is 2 levels high and very spacious. Looks deserted up this end but theres a lot of people in the distance.

The central Kobe one of these is 2 levels high and very spacious. Looks deserted up this end but theres a lot of people in the distance.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The local parking garage has a shark with an animated LED display.

The local parking garage has a shark with an animated LED display.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Overpass, long exposure, starbeams.

Overpass, long exposure, starbeams.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Sannomiya also has a very large red light district. The people of Kobe are particularly sinful.

Sannomiya also has a very large red light district. The people of Kobe are particularly sinful.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Last pic for this evening, an enormous coffee shop. Maybe I will go there in the morning before heading back to Shin-Osaka to get the train to Gifu.

Last pic for this evening, an enormous coffee shop. Maybe I will go there in the morning before heading back to Shin-Osaka to get the train to Gifu.


There are currently 3 comments - click to add

Jenny on 2017-11-05 said:

Sannomiya is the area I am most familiar with due to many shoe shopping visits. Kobe used to sell good shoes.


David on 2017-11-05 said:

I think like the Yakuza, those guys are dying out.
Everyone is too busy looking at their phones now, thats their only hobby / way of life.


adriana on 2017-11-05 said:

Kobe is quite a nice city to live in me thinks. Particularly good for the bozozoku street tribes with the broom broom scooters and hoon mobiles at night. See any yet or are you in bed too early. like the houses in the burbs too.


Day 17 - Monday, 6 November 2017

The turn for home

Riding the Shinkansen from Kobe to Gifu

Now I am in Gifu, which means I have stopped heading West and am now heading back East towards Tokyo. A sad day indeed.
I have never been here before, as mentioned earlier, it is a satellite city to Nagoya. It seems very clean and organised, thats all I know so far, my hotel is very close to the station.

Before coming here, I had a bit more time to wander around Kobe this morning, and found Motomachi, a very very long shopping street that basically connected where I was staying with Sannomiya, it started off old and run down but got pretty modern 2km later at the end.

To get from Kobe to Gifu took 4 trains, Suburban Kobe train, Sannomiya to Shin-Osaka, Shin Osaka to Nagoya Shinkansen, Nagoya to Gifu.
I didnt really make any plans as to how to make that happen, you dont really need to in Japan, theres always 20 options to get anywhere.
The train wasnt as bad as the others, with just one person keeping time with their coughs, but I think they were lung cancer rather than swine flu coughs, also I think he had tourrettes or some sort of OCD.
Cough cough 1, 2, 3, 4, cough cough 1, 2, 3, 4. I could keep time to this for the hour or so on the Shinkansen.

My room here in Gifu is a Daiwa Roynet, I like this chain, you check in at a machine, which prints you a personalised RFID room key with your name and room number on it, and you pay at the machine with your credit card. No need to ever talk to anyone in Japan. Its very hard to talk because of the face mask situation, no one can hear you.

Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - My early morning wander around Kobe first came to this dilapidated semi abandoned area. I was looking for Motomachi and thought this was it, it was no

My early morning wander around Kobe first came to this dilapidated semi abandoned area. I was looking for Motomachi and thought this was it, it was not.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Remember, in Japan, no rubbish bins, just piles and piles of rubbish bags, everywhere.

Remember, in Japan, no rubbish bins, just piles and piles of rubbish bags, everywhere.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Not sure what this old building was, lots of security guards in cars surrounding it. Maybe Trump is staying there.

Not sure what this old building was, lots of security guards in cars surrounding it. Maybe Trump is staying there.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This is the ubiquitous roadworks sign. I like that they have a little picture of a man doing the apology bow.

This is the ubiquitous roadworks sign. I like that they have a little picture of a man doing the apology bow.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Motomachi. Miles long, snakes around a bit, starts off old, gets newer, full of cyclists trying to kill me at this time despite the no bikes signs up

Motomachi. Miles long, snakes around a bit, starts off old, gets newer, full of cyclists trying to kill me at this time despite the no bikes signs up everywhere. Rebels.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Almost forgot, I only found the Kobe Chinatown this morning. Quite large, seemed legit. Lots of dumplings and congee for sale for breakfast. I am stay

Almost forgot, I only found the Kobe Chinatown this morning. Quite large, seemed legit. Lots of dumplings and congee for sale for breakfast.
I am staying in Yokohama after Gifu, which has an even larger Chinatown. I will speak Chinese there and get strange looks.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Heres a bit more Chinatown, there were many such gates. You know you are in Chinatown when stores are getting fresh bean shoots delivered daily.

Heres a bit more Chinatown, there were many such gates. You know you are in Chinatown when stores are getting fresh bean shoots delivered daily.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The last bit of my walk, between the tracks, miles and miles of closed garage doors. I dont know how many of them still have shops behind them or if t

The last bit of my walk, between the tracks, miles and miles of closed garage doors. I dont know how many of them still have shops behind them or if they are closed permanently these days.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And now, Gifu station area. Complete with gold samurai statue, holding a gun. He's doing it wrong. Sky here is less polluted, good news!

And now, Gifu station area. Complete with gold samurai statue, holding a gun. He's doing it wrong.
Sky here is less polluted, good news!


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And heres my room, its very large, I am considering sub letting one of the corners to someone.

And heres my room, its very large, I am considering sub letting one of the corners to someone.


You would never ever get wet

The covered shopping streets of Gifu

Heres what I have learnt about Gifu -
They are deathly afraid of rain. To ensure they never ever have to get wet, they put a roof over everything.
Every street has a little roof over it, or a full roof over it.
The entire station forecourt has a roof over it, and then a roof over the roof.
The street roof extends into areas no one ever goes. I went down some places that have only previously ever been walked down by the people that installed the roof in the first place.
Appparently, based on a million signs I saw, this is all the result of 'Active G - World Design City'. They have a website, talking about how the energy eminating out from the station precinct will improve the livelihood of the city.
They seek to spread positive energy from the station focal point by building a roof to everywhere.

Theres only one problem with all this, there are no people.

Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Here is just one random street, nice roofs, very modern.

Here is just one random street, nice roofs, very modern.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - A completely different street, more roofs, nice sunset though.

A completely different street, more roofs, nice sunset though.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This roofed shopping street is apparently themed on the city of Florence. I am yet to work out how. The proper covered streets are a labyrinth, there

This roofed shopping street is apparently themed on the city of Florence. I am yet to work out how. The proper covered streets are a labyrinth, there is a Takashimaya hidden amongst the middle of it all.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - One of the lesser roofed shopping streets, no people to be seen.

One of the lesser roofed shopping streets, no people to be seen.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Even though its under a roof already, this guy has also erected a tent around his izakaya, just to make sure.

Even though its under a roof already, this guy has also erected a tent around his izakaya, just to make sure.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - By building a roof over everything they got rid of all the Yakuza in Gifu, and I presume most of the people.

By building a roof over everything they got rid of all the Yakuza in Gifu, and I presume most of the people.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This pub is under a roof, but its only for Irish losers.

This pub is under a roof, but its only for Irish losers.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Here is tonights loudspeaker idiots, conveniently parked under a roof. There are actually quite a few police on the other side of the road where I am

Here is tonights loudspeaker idiots, conveniently parked under a roof.
There are actually quite a few police on the other side of the road where I am also standing watching whats going on.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I headed down a roofed street back to the station and found an Ippudo, world famous Ramen as found in Taipei and Sydney. Best ramen of my trip so far!

I headed down a roofed street back to the station and found an Ippudo, world famous Ramen as found in Taipei and Sydney. Best ramen of my trip so far!
The spoon on the left had the extra hot chilli sauce I added, which was delicious.


There are currently 3 comments - click to add

mother on 2017-11-07 said:

Been waiting ages for you to fix this. How am I supposed to tell you that all the awnings over the shops are for the snowy days otherwise. Now I can move on to your next update yay.


David on 2017-11-07 said:

Actually theres some kind of bug in my code on this page, my alert that I forgot to add the link is when I dont get an email from my mother advising me theres a new comment.
I dont know what the issue is, the link went in the wrong spot under other content.


David on 2017-11-07 said:

yes, I keep forgetting the comments link....


Day 18 - Tuesday, 7 November 2017

Exposed

Hiking Mount Ibuki as a day trip from Gifu

Today I went to Mount Ibuki, one of Japans 100 sacred mountains, whatever that means.
First of all, health report, I fear I am succumbing to the mucus spraying local populations snot plague. I felt tired yesterday and last night and today my throat feels weird. It may only be pollution poisoning. These are the end times.
I hoped last nights extra chilli would kill anything living inside me, but so far it hasnt, however I havent spiralled downhill yet either, more vitamin c, more placebo moooorreee!!!!

I could have decided going to a big mountain when I am not sure of my health status was a bad idea, but no, I decided to go anyway, and see how fast I could go up it!
Depending on where you read, it can take 5 hours or 3 hours, but I did it in 2 hours. I really did push as hard as I could up the long exposed switchbacks, and it was awesome.
There are a couple of ski field plateaus, no snow today though, its 23 degrees again and I was in shorts still. Instead of skiiers there were a couple of paragliders.
Anyway, I enjoyed the lack of trees, views all day, as you will see, with my excessive boring view pics.
I see to be talking in an abbreviated manner.

There is also a toll road to the top of this mountain, its highly impressive to me that they can make a road all the way up there, it comes a much longer way up a ridge down the other side, its far too steep up the way I hiked.
Me and all my hiking girlfriends (working day, very few men) didnt seem to mind. It means there are vending machines, a cafe and toilets at the top. I didnt use the cafe, but did use the vending machine and toilets.
It is also a very popular hike, once you get to the actual start, its about 5km from the nearest station and I ran it, through a deserted town. Apparently theres a bus, no time to mess about waiting for that to sort itself out, for me its quicker to run up the road.

Once on the trail, I passed heaps of people, and they seemed shocked I was in shorts. I think some of the people in all their alpine gear were mocking my stupidity, this is common. Also I am full of stupidity, the truth is somewhere in the middle.
However even at the top, it was not at all cold, even when cloud rolled in occasionally. I sat outside on the ridge enjoying my pocari sweat and some chocolate coated almonds I negotiated to buy off a grandma at the bottom. I am not sure they were actually meant for sale at her little stall!

There is only one path up and down, and on my way down I passed a lot of people still on their way up, some werent even half way up yet, many said the same thing when they saw me coming, 'oooooooh, so fast!'.

Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - First I had to change trains at Ogaki, which is actually a castle town, and also the start of the Yoro line that goes up a long valley to many other c

First I had to change trains at Ogaki, which is actually a castle town, and also the start of the Yoro line that goes up a long valley to many other castles.
I might go there tomorrow, then again Gifu is also a castle town, theres a big castle on top of a hill in Gifu somewhere. The weather was perfect as you can see.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - On my run up from the station I forgot to take a photo of the mountain from afar until too late, you will see it on my way back... Heres the start of

On my run up from the station I forgot to take a photo of the mountain from afar until too late, you will see it on my way back...
Heres the start of the trail, in woods, I expected a fully exposed trail so this was surprising. Let the fun commence! I was running up hill here.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The woods didnt last long. This is the top of the lower ski field, theres a few lodges, all shut, but they have vending machines and toilets. This is

The woods didnt last long. This is the top of the lower ski field, theres a few lodges, all shut, but they have vending machines and toilets.
This is already quite high up, probably nearly an hour from the trail start. The plateau is deceiving, the bottom is a long way down from those buildings.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - A bit further up, enjoying the all day views.

A bit further up, enjoying the all day views.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The views were golden at times, I turned the color down, it was more golden than this!

The views were golden at times, I turned the color down, it was more golden than this!


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - After I got over a ridge I could finally see the summit peak. It looks very far away, I better get a move on. This was one of very few flat bits actua

After I got over a ridge I could finally see the summit peak. It looks very far away, I better get a move on.
This was one of very few flat bits actually, It was constant switchbacks for 90% of the journey.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - A nice bit of colorful forest, and people on the path ahead, I will pass them soon. The summit still looks a long way off.

A nice bit of colorful forest, and people on the path ahead, I will pass them soon. The summit still looks a long way off.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Probably already past peak color here. This is one of the very few sections in amongst some trees.

Probably already past peak color here. This is one of the very few sections in amongst some trees.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Rock garden. The path was generally rocky, probably 2/3 of the time like this. My shoes look wrecked!

Rock garden. The path was generally rocky, probably 2/3 of the time like this. My shoes look wrecked!


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - At times the summit was in cloud. I was concerned I would be freezing cold up there. I was not, not at all. This photo makes it look like its downhill

At times the summit was in cloud. I was concerned I would be freezing cold up there. I was not, not at all.
This photo makes it look like its downhill. I assure you its not, not at all.
I like to say not at all.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Nearly there. Its a lot steeper down than it appears. I always say that.

Nearly there. Its a lot steeper down than it appears. I always say that.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Slightly superfluous, but I like the clouds. I say superfluous a lot.

Slightly superfluous, but I like the clouds. I say superfluous a lot.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Almost there, still pushing hard, sweat was running off me, down my back, down may pants, down my legs, filling my shoes!

Almost there, still pushing hard, sweat was running off me, down my back, down may pants, down my legs, filling my shoes!


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And finally, at the top. I was quite pleased with my progress.

And finally, at the top. I was quite pleased with my progress.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - There are a few different summit markers, over there is the little village that you can get to from the car park on the other side in high heels.

There are a few different summit markers, over there is the little village that you can get to from the car park on the other side in high heels.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - There I am.

There I am.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The official summit marker I think, someone has piled up their gardening tools at its base.

The official summit marker I think, someone has piled up their gardening tools at its base.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The far side of the mountain. This is the most prominent mountain for a long way in any direction. Because of its prominence, you have this situation

The far side of the mountain. This is the most prominent mountain for a long way in any direction.
Because of its prominence, you have this situation -
'Mount Ibuki is well known for receiving the world's heaviest snowfall in recorded history. On February 14, 1927, the depth of snow at the top of the peak was 11.82 m (38.8 ft) according to government records, which is a world record.'
Today, 0 feet.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Me again, squinting. You can see the carpark in the bottom right of this pic. A lot of people hate the fact you can drive to the top. Whilst it detrac

Me again, squinting. You can see the carpark in the bottom right of this pic.
A lot of people hate the fact you can drive to the top. Whilst it detracts from the mystery somewhat, cause when you get to the top theres a few hundred people up there who drove up, I dont have a real issue with it.
They have at least done a pretty good job of hiding the road, if only they could bury the huge high voltage electricty towers that are all over the mountain.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I took a couple more shots.

I took a couple more shots.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Last one, time to head back down the same way, no photos on the way down, too treacherous, had to put my camera in my little backpack and do up the st

Last one, time to head back down the same way, no photos on the way down, too treacherous, had to put my camera in my little backpack and do up the straps.
I never fell over once, my shoes are awesome.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - There is a little temple thing at the bottom. I checked the bus timetable, none for 3 hours, guess I will have to jog back to Omi-Nagaoka station then

There is a little temple thing at the bottom. I checked the bus timetable, none for 3 hours, guess I will have to jog back to Omi-Nagaoka station then.
You can just see the summit of the mountain in this shot.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - On my way back I remembered to take a shot of the mountain from afar, peak at the back, quarry on the left, ridge on the right has the road along it a

On my way back I remembered to take a shot of the mountain from afar, peak at the back, quarry on the left, ridge on the right has the road along it and inside it.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - OK, one more, the way I went back to the station was on an old train line, at least I assume it was. It was flat, the right width, long sweeping curve

OK, one more, the way I went back to the station was on an old train line, at least I assume it was. It was flat, the right width, long sweeping curves.
At one point it went under the Shinkansen track, it was fun standing under it as they flew over head.
Today was a great day indeed!


Short visit to big city

A quick visit from Gifu to Nagoya

Tonight I went to Nagoya. I stayed there a few nights 2 trips ago, so I am quite familiar with it.
It is a huge city, very modern, and the main neon area is not near the station, so I managed to get about another 10km of walking on top of my 30 or so from earlier today, and yet my feet are still in great shape, all thanks to my amazing shoes I keep crapping on about.

To go from Gifu to Nagoya is really easy, there are special rapid trains that only stop once in between, so it only takes about 30 minutes, it does however cost about $5 each way, but its too far to walk.
Thats enough about trains and places I have visited before.

My hotel, like all hotels these days, does the whole eco cleaning thing. They go one better here, if you put on the no cleaning required sign, you get a free plastic bottle of spring water, because you did such a great job saving the environment.
I am not sure they have thought this through.
The next issue with this is, there is no do not disturb sign, so the closest you can get is the no cleaning required button which turns on a red light outside your door.
This is what you would turn on if you wanted to sleep nude in your room during the day.
Except now you are going to be getting your free plastic bottle of tap water, so they are going to come into your room anyway.
Its a complete circle of failure.

Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Pictures will be quite boring, and there wont be many because I was tired, and I have taken all of these photos before. Here is the ferris wheel on th

Pictures will be quite boring, and there wont be many because I was tired, and I have taken all of these photos before.
Here is the ferris wheel on the side of the buildings, kind of defeating the purpose by blocking the view.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I remembered all the streets of Nagoya have twinkling lights, and they still do.

I remembered all the streets of Nagoya have twinkling lights, and they still do.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This is in amongst all the department stores, they were still putting up the christmas lights here having taken down the halloween ones.

This is in amongst all the department stores, they were still putting up the christmas lights here having taken down the halloween ones.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Same spot, but looking in the other direction.

Same spot, but looking in the other direction.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - My dinner has everything. A tiny slice of roast beef, thats the only meat. A salad complete with some sort of super creamy dreassing which I would pre

My dinner has everything.
A tiny slice of roast beef, thats the only meat.
A salad complete with some sort of super creamy dreassing which I would prefer it didnt have.
Then a small rice omelette, baked potato that needed to be baked more, and bread roll with butter injected inside.
Yes, my dinner had rice, bread and potato.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The famous Nagoya landmark. They call it the tv tower but these days I assume its a phone tower.

The famous Nagoya landmark. They call it the tv tower but these days I assume its a phone tower.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The streets around this part of town are all neon. Lots and lots of streets. Nagoya is large.

The streets around this part of town are all neon. Lots and lots of streets. Nagoya is large.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And after another long walk, I am back at the station, with its futuristic looking station buildings. I am not sure if they were both finished last ti

And after another long walk, I am back at the station, with its futuristic looking station buildings. I am not sure if they were both finished last time I was here? I shall check shortly.


There are currently 3 comments - click to add

adriana on 2017-11-07 said:

A few carbs for dinner wont kill you after all the walking and jogging. NIce clear night photos.


mother on 2017-11-07 said:

Nice mountain. You are obviously in the highlands now for the tree line to be so low. If you ever get to climb Mt Fuji, you can start at the top of the tree line like I did, but hopefully you would make it to the top without altitude sickness like I had.


David on 2017-11-07 said:

Comments link is here!


Go to page 7 now, it has lots more photos and falsely witty banter.

Contents

Day 0 - Saturday, 23 March 2019
  Retrospective
Day 1 - Saturday, 21 October 2017
  26 hours door to door then more
  I want to murder your children
Day 2 - Sunday, 22 October 2017
  The journey is still not quite over
  Typhoon Lan
  Saturation point
Day 3 - Monday, 23 October 2017
  Fortunate train cancellation
  Wasted ramen opportunity
Day 4 - Tuesday, 24 October 2017
  Lost on twin peaks
  The new shiny Tokyo
Day 5 - Wednesday, 25 October 2017
  Snot pump
  Bus confusion
Day 6 - Thursday, 26 October 2017
  Mountain goat
  Shimizu ghost town
Day 7 - Friday, 27 October 2017
  Train to mountain stroll ropeway beach bus
  Second opinion
Day 8 - Saturday, 28 October 2017
  Drowning in a sea of tissues
  Artful rain dodger
Day 9 - Sunday, 29 October 2017
  Rain concentrator
  Better than forecast
Day 10 - Monday, 30 October 2017
  Equal best ever scenery
  Its not Halloween
Day 11 - Tuesday, 31 October 2017
  Thwarted
  Halloween was Saturday
Day 12 - Wednesday, 1 November 2017
  The temple run
  Lost in expansion
Day 13 - Thursday, 2 November 2017
  My trusty old friend is a shining light
  Umeda me a hamburg steak
Day 14 - Friday, 3 November 2017
  Primordial typhoon deer attack
  Resurrection
Day 15 - Saturday, 4 November 2017
  The wind arrived
  Surprisingly great
Day 16 - Sunday, 5 November 2017
  First everybody then nobody
  Pyramids of Sannomiya
Day 17 - Monday, 6 November 2017
  The turn for home
  You would never ever get wet
Day 18 - Tuesday, 7 November 2017
  Exposed
  Short visit to big city
Day 19 - Wednesday, 8 November 2017
  Castle in the fog
  I have seen all of it
Day 20 - Thursday, 9 November 2017
  Decline
  Resurgence
Day 21 - Friday, 10 November 2017
  Clinically clean
  Ready for action
Day 22 - Saturday, 11 November 2017
  All the views
  Here are your shops
Day 23 - Sunday, 12 November 2017
  I have returned
  Ueno to Shinjuku is not far
Day 24 - Monday, 13 November 2017
  Central mountain route
  Surprise downpour whilst tired
Day 25 - Tuesday, 14 November 2017
  Value extraction
  Night of the long exposures
Day 26 - Wednesday, 15 November 2017
  Between the tracks
  The last supper
Day 27 - Thursday, 16 November 2017
  Narita procedural update
  The end