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Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Page 3

Day 7 - Friday, 1 November 2019

Au naturale hiking trail

Mount Takahata and Mount Kuratake from Torisawa to Yanagawa stations

SPLENDIFEROUS weather. No wind, no cloud, forecast max of 21C. You know what that means.

Todays hike was out on the Chuo line. This line was badly impacted by the recent typhoon but its all back to normal now, they pulled their finger out because they knew I was coming.
It took just over 100 minutes to get from Ueno to Torisawa station, the last bit on the local line from Takao to Torisawa has excellent views, but you have to stand at the door to appreciate them because old women will shut every single blind on the train.

Torisawa and most places along the Chuo line have a convenience store, this is compared to the Ome line which mostly do not. That is because the Chuo line is also a road that does not end in a dead end. That is my theory anyway.

Todays title, au naturale hiking trail, is in reference to the completely un-messed with trail. No steps at all! No seats anywhere. There were a few signs as you shall see, but mostly painted rocks. Generally at the start and near the summits someone has made an attempt to cut a few steps into the cliffs, there was absolutely none of that today. To celebrate I completed most of the hike au naturale also, until I started getting burnt.

The trail was quite eroded in many places, muddy, and in the lower bits lots of boulders and tree trunks had washed down cliffs onto what was the path. It was a case of follow the ribbons and make unexpected water course crossings. The lower parts on the way up and down were really hard going because of this, but there was never really much chance of getting lost. I also did not see a bear. I also did not see another person! Not for 5 hours. That was a little unusual.
This hike is quite well documented, featuring on at least two popular English language websites, and on a few best dayhikes near Tokyo lists, so where were all the people? I have no idea.

Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Halloween is over. Time for Xmas. The celebrate, this boy band have put on their velvet lounge suits to advertise xmas cakes for 7-eleven. But that is

Halloween is over. Time for Xmas. The celebrate, this boy band have put on their velvet lounge suits to advertise xmas cakes for 7-eleven. But that is not all. Starbucks release their xmas range of snow globes and mugs today. They need barriers and crowd control! There were lines of Japanese women down the street at 6AM. Only 2 people at a time were allowed in store to browse and purchase. Luckily for me to be able to get a quick breakfast at the only place open at this time, a staff member was asking if anyone in the line was just wanting coffee and not to buy xmas decorations. I was the only one, but it meant I could go straight to the front.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Here is the little village of Torisawa. As you can see from the above photo, they have a 7-eleven from where you can buy calorie mate and pocari sweat

Here is the little village of Torisawa. As you can see from the above photo, they have a 7-eleven from where you can buy calorie mate and pocari sweat. It was very bright sunlight all day.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I think my mountains are the one towards the left and the one just off the left edge of the screen. Look at the horrible farmers smoke!

I think my mountains are the one towards the left and the one just off the left edge of the screen. Look at the horrible farmers smoke!


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The gorge / ravine running along the Chuo line is not as impressive as the one running along the Ome line, but it is still impressive never-the-less.

The gorge / ravine running along the Chuo line is not as impressive as the one running along the Ome line, but it is still impressive never-the-less.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Gorge in other direction, never as impressive in the morning light.

Gorge in other direction, never as impressive in the morning light.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The hike starts at a swamp that is apparently a pristine reservoir full of mountain water. I wont be partaking of a drink.

The hike starts at a swamp that is apparently a pristine reservoir full of mountain water. I wont be partaking of a drink.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Thats the path. It was hard going, and then got harder.

Thats the path. It was hard going, and then got harder.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Signs are a welcome comfort, but note they do not show distance or time like on some other mountains.

Signs are a welcome comfort, but note they do not show distance or time like on some other mountains.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - And there it is, Fujisanyamadakedeska. Or as I like to call it, Mount Fuji. A lot more snow on it this year compared to the same time last year. Someo

And there it is, Fujisanyamadakedeska. Or as I like to call it, Mount Fuji. A lot more snow on it this year compared to the same time last year. Someone live streamed their death climbing it 2 days ago. And before I am told its not climbing season, THOUSANDS of people climb it every year out of season, even in January and February. There are organised tours every single day. Of course that does not make it safe, but people also die climbing it during climbing season. Given the amount of snow and ice on it right now, you could not do it without ice axes and crampons etc.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I was panicking about how much snow there was on Fuji. Oh yeah, this is the summit of the first mountain for the day, Mount Takahata.

I was panicking about how much snow there was on Fuji. Oh yeah, this is the summit of the first mountain for the day, Mount Takahata.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The view across the Chuo valley, assuming thats what it is called, has no Fuji but is also impressive. I have climbed quite a few of those mountains.

The view across the Chuo valley, assuming thats what it is called, has no Fuji but is also impressive. I have climbed quite a few of those mountains.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Still not a lot of leaf color to go crazy over. This seems incongruous with the amount of snow on Fuji.

Still not a lot of leaf color to go crazy over. This seems incongruous with the amount of snow on Fuji.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Time for the second ascent. Much more pleasant than the first one.

Time for the second ascent. Much more pleasant than the first one.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Its me, at summit #2 for the day, Mount Kuratake, with another mountain in the distance behind me. Those are my awesome new orange technology socks. T

Its me, at summit #2 for the day, Mount Kuratake, with another mountain in the distance behind me. Those are my awesome new orange technology socks. They are still going well. It is not the same pair, I have more than one, but I have worn the same shorts and t-shirt for 3 different hikes now!


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Here it is again, without me getting in the way of the view.

Here it is again, without me getting in the way of the view.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The path down descended into rocks, streams and fallen logs. Hard going again.

The path down descended into rocks, streams and fallen logs. Hard going again.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I managed to not get my feet wet, but it was a close call a few times! I think I crossed a stream no less than 20 times.

I managed to not get my feet wet, but it was a close call a few times! I think I crossed a stream no less than 20 times.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - This is probably the best picture of the day. It is, as you can see, an amazing huge rock covered in moss with the sun shining on it and trees growing

This is probably the best picture of the day. It is, as you can see, an amazing huge rock covered in moss with the sun shining on it and trees growing out of it. Very magical. A rabbit literally came out of my hat it was so magical.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - And then I emerged down the side of a sandy cliff onto a road and was somewhere near Yanagawa. The start/end point of the hike had collapsed from eros

And then I emerged down the side of a sandy cliff onto a road and was somewhere near Yanagawa. The start/end point of the hike had collapsed from erosion, a steep cliff had formed, I just slid down onto the road to end my hike. It appears there was another way 100 metres further down the road, judging by all the temporary pink ribbons and spray paint on the road.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The road back passed this nice house growing delicious chillis. I pulled a couple off and chomped on them on my stroll back to the station.

The road back passed this nice house growing delicious chillis. I pulled a couple off and chomped on them on my stroll back to the station.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I had been up there, somewhere.

I had been up there, somewhere.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - And now for the ravine shots from Yanagawa. Not bad, wires in the way.

And now for the ravine shots from Yanagawa. Not bad, wires in the way.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - In the afternoon light the view back the other way is probably better. Thats all for now, probably wont go too far tonight.

In the afternoon light the view back the other way is probably better. Thats all for now, probably wont go too far tonight.


The station is so station

Eating ramen at the ramen street at Tokyo station

As skillfully predicted, not many photos tonight. This is one of the things I type often, apology for not many photos.
Tonight I had to figure out what train pass to get to cover my journey tomorrow and subsequent journeys at a discounted cost. There is no one train pass that covers all the places I am going to except the full Japan train pass that costs a fortune. I think I have come up with a plan to get the JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass to get from Tokyo to Takasaki, then Takasaki to Niigata, then probably most of the way back. This allows any 5 days use out of a 14 day period, so I will need to use it on a couple of day trips too.
Then I will use the JR East Tohoku Area Pass, which will cover Yamagata, Koriyama and back to Tokyo. This pass also allows 5 days usage out of 14, so I will again do a couple of long day trips with it. That one is easier to use up as it even works in Tokyo along the Chuo and Ome lines so I can use it at the back end of my trip.

The tricky day is to get from Niigata to Yamagata.
When I booked this trip I planned to use a combination of a minimum 3 local trains that go over the mountains, but this is only one service a day, and theres some suggestion one of the lines is a bus replacement currently. This method would also take at least an hour longer than catching the Shinkansen almost all the way back to Tokyo and then all the way north to Yamagata. The Shinkansen would be far easier, more comfortable, and more likely to get there. However if I wasnt traveling on a discount rail pass, it would be very expensive. So my current plan is on this day to use the Niigata pass to catch the Shinkansen back to Omiya in the north of Tokyo, then buy the Tohoku pass at Omiya and make an immediate booking to Yamagata from there. Should be a fun day!

Now that I have completed that long winded explanation that is poorly worded and meaningless to everyone except me, after buying my first of probably 2 passes I went to Tokyo station, ate ramen in the underground ramen street, came back to my hotel and wrote this very long sentence.

Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Here is the aforementioned Tokyo station. Its an underground city, with some above ground bits.

Here is the aforementioned Tokyo station. Its an underground city, with some above ground bits.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The above ground huge lit up roof is very impressive, but there are not many eating places up here, to the underground!

The above ground huge lit up roof is very impressive, but there are not many eating places up here, to the underground!


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Surprisingly, huge lines at all the underground eating establishments. I would have thought people would like to venture outside on a Friday night. No

Surprisingly, huge lines at all the underground eating establishments. I would have thought people would like to venture outside on a Friday night. Not me obviously.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I selected a place with a medium length line, maybe 10 people, bought my ticket and waited for some delicious ramen. It was supposed to be very spicy

I selected a place with a medium length line, maybe 10 people, bought my ticket and waited for some delicious ramen. It was supposed to be very spicy but it was not. Also, I hate it when they picture the egg cut in half, but then they dont cut it in half! Its too big to swallow hole and cutting it up with chopsticks just causes it to disintegrate. Now that all that whingeing is out the way, it was in fact very nice.


There are currently 3 comments - click to add

mother on 2019-11-01 said:

strangely enough I've never seen that side of Tokyo station - always the old building. Hard to find somewhere to eat without a queue inside big stations. Better to find the back streets.


David on 2019-11-01 said:

I say incongruous all the time, it embiggens me


adriana on 2019-11-01 said:

Incongruous - have you been reading the dictionary?


Day 8 - Saturday, 2 November 2019

Surprise Buddha

Tokyo to Takasaki with a quick visit to Byakue Dai-Kannon

Now I am in Takasaki, about an hour out of Tokyo by bullet train.
Now I have escaped the millions of tourists in Tokyo, so that I can be the only tourist and feel very very important.
Now I have run away from the Rugby World Cup grand final which is on today, although it is actually on in Yokohama, a small suburb of about 10 million people near Tokyo.

Getting to Takasaki was easy enough, although my first choice of Shinkansen was fully booked, so I had to wait another 30 minutes. I knew this because I actually booked yesterday. The grueling 1 hour journey was over before I knew it, and I was too early to check in to my luxurious hotel. From the window of my train I saw a giant Buddha statue on a hill on the horizon, so why not just walk over to that and back? Thats what I did.

Two things of note, on the train a small child was given a box of ping pong balls to play with. That went about as well as expected, every 8.3 seconds a ping pong ball bounced down the aisle of the train, followed by a small child running down to find it, which was repeated about 223 times.

Later in the day on my way back from the Buddha park, while crossing the mighty river, an old lady on a bike stopped, and yelled at me, while pointing at my shorts. She did not like my legs at all. The tirade lasted at least 30 seconds, then she nearly fell off her bike trying to ride off in a hurry.

Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Here is the inside of the Shinkansen. It was full!

Here is the inside of the Shinkansen. It was full!


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Takasaki as seen from the station level 2. It is quite a big commercial centre due to all the train lines that meet here.

Takasaki as seen from the station level 2. It is quite a big commercial centre due to all the train lines that meet here.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Hmm, whats this, a path up a hill? I will follow and find out.

Hmm, whats this, a path up a hill? I will follow and find out.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Half way up, the usual kind of shrine, with kids dressing up as Japanese Marvel super heroes.

Half way up, the usual kind of shrine, with kids dressing up as Japanese Marvel super heroes.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Further up the hill I found a number of abandoned cars while trying to find a view. This was the best one.

Further up the hill I found a number of abandoned cars while trying to find a view. This was the best one.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Eventually I found the statue I had seen from the train.

Eventually I found the statue I had seen from the train.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Buddha plus red bridge. Peak Japan right here. You cannot see the view of the city unless you pay the fee to climb up inside the Buddhas brain area.

Buddha plus red bridge. Peak Japan right here. You cannot see the view of the city unless you pay the fee to climb up inside the Buddhas brain area.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Around the back is a botanic gardens that is under construction. To get to it you have to cross this big red wooden bridge. I was still trying to find

Around the back is a botanic gardens that is under construction. To get to it you have to cross this big red wooden bridge. I was still trying to find a view of the city.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - View of area that is not the city as you can see, just boring non colorful trees.

View of area that is not the city as you can see, just boring non colorful trees.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Finally after retreating I found a view of Takasaki, from a car park. I can see my hotel.

Finally after retreating I found a view of Takasaki, from a car park. I can see my hotel.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - This is where I was crossing the river and was verbally assaulted by an old witch who cast a spell on me. Those mountains in the distance, I know what

This is where I was crossing the river and was verbally assaulted by an old witch who cast a spell on me. Those mountains in the distance, I know what they are, but I dont have enough time to get to those. Too many mountains!


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - My predictable APA hotel actually joins onto the station via the elevated skywalk.

My predictable APA hotel actually joins onto the station via the elevated skywalk.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The room is minuscule, despite being a double. Its all fine except the power points are directly behind where you need to open your laptop. I have had

The room is minuscule, despite being a double. Its all fine except the power points are directly behind where you need to open your laptop. I have had to slide it across and sit a bit sideways. Poor design. No feng shui. Also the room is 9/15th's occupied by a television.


The town that got bypassed

Visiting Maebashi, which has no Shinkansen station

Where I am staying, Takasaki, has a major Shinkansen station where two lines split and go in other directions. There are also 4 or 5 other normal lines that start or end there, probably to connect to the Shinkansen.
Before the Shinkansen was constructed, the regional capital and largest city was Maebashi, not Takasaki. I went there tonight. I sure did say Shinkansen a lot today.

Depending on where you read, Maebashi may actually have a higher population, but there is nothing there. I feel as though it must be half the population it once was. It is only 3 stops on the local line from Takasaki, long stops, but no more than 10km, and yet its a total ghost town.
I could not find anywhere there to eat, and I walked around a lot. I spent too long there looking before I gave up and as a result, I was late getting back and some places were closing at 9pm, limiting my choices in Takasaki as well. Thats a lot of geography for tonight, now lets do some pics and go to bed.

Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - This is the most colorful area of Maebashi I could find that was an actual business.

This is the most colorful area of Maebashi I could find that was an actual business.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - This area looked promising, but the lights are actually attached to the wall around a demolition site.

This area looked promising, but the lights are actually attached to the wall around a demolition site.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - After a lot of looking, I found the covered shopping street. Almost completely abandoned.

After a lot of looking, I found the covered shopping street. Almost completely abandoned.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Here is the only sign of life in the shopping street. The owner was cooking his dinner on a small bbq alongside his store.

Here is the only sign of life in the shopping street. The owner was cooking his dinner on a small bbq alongside his store.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Maebashi is full of car parking buildings. I will remember it for its wonderful car parks.

Maebashi is full of car parking buildings. I will remember it for its wonderful car parks.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I am actually going back to Maebashi tomorrow as its where my bus departs from. That is one of the reasons I went there this evening, to try and figur

I am actually going back to Maebashi tomorrow as its where my bus departs from. That is one of the reasons I went there this evening, to try and figure out the bus situation. Confusion about the bus has only increased. Note all these sticky taped paper additions to the sign. Apparently a new timetable was released on 1 November. Today is 2 November. The bus info place has closed down. So theres a good chance I wont get to where I am going tomorrow. I hate buses.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Back at the Maebashi station, I looked around for anywhere to eat. Mcdonalds or nothing, but look, the line goes out the door and down the street! I e

Back at the Maebashi station, I looked around for anywhere to eat. Mcdonalds or nothing, but look, the line goes out the door and down the street! I elected to go back to Takasaki instead.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I just missed a train so had a few minutes to spare, this allowed me to find a sleepy cat guarding a pizza shop, which was closed.

I just missed a train so had a few minutes to spare, this allowed me to find a sleepy cat guarding a pizza shop, which was closed.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Back at the Takasaki station area I found a cafe pronto still open. My choices were pasta or beer. The pasta was ok, but in the pictures it had a lot

Back at the Takasaki station area I found a cafe pronto still open. My choices were pasta or beer. The pasta was ok, but in the pictures it had a lot more mushrooms. They were very confused that I did not want beer.


There are currently 5 comments - click to add

Alex on 2019-11-06 said:

I was a bit surprised by no restaurants around Maebashi station, but there seem to be many (well 20) in Google Maps and Tabelog about 500m north of the station, which seems to be near where you found the shopping street and the car parks. Only 7 around the station which is a bit poor.


adriana on 2019-11-02 said:

the notices at the bus stop are about extra buses for the gunma marathon. i couldnt see a date though.


Brian on 2019-11-02 said:

Very hard to find somewhere to eat late at night in small towns. We've had similar experiences. Usually to only options are convenience stores but are not always available.


David on 2019-11-02 said:

Dormy inn is always double the price

The status is 41.8 metres high and 4km west of the station


mother on 2019-11-02 said:

APA hotel always tiny and not that cheap. Dormy Inn much better. Buddha is not Buddha but Quan Yin goddess of mercy. How big and where is city centre in relation to station?


Day 9 - Sunday, 3 November 2019

A walk in the volcano park

Mount Akagi daytrip from Takasaki

Its the second day of a three day weekend here in Japan, and people are daytripping all over the place. So I decided to go to a very popular spot. The weather was not clear blue sky, so the photos are very muted, but it was warm, and no rain.
Mount Akagi is easily accessible, you can drive to the crater lake. Then you can ride around in little paddle boats which will one day provide one of the more amazing ways people die in a natural disaster.
As always, I took public transport. I lined up for the bus 45 minutes early, and was surprised to see a fellow white guy at the head of the line. He was explaining things to people in fluent Japanese. I chatted with him. I normally avoid this at all costs, but I wanted to know when the bus was going! He was British, but lived in Japan since 1980. He goes hiking all the time and has only ever once seen a bear (that was the other question I wanted answered!). He told me his name and when I googled it later it turns out hes written a few books on hiking in Japan and worked as a freelance journalist mainly reporting on soccer (football), including for BBC Asia. So that was unexpected. I wont speak that much again until I get back to Australia, I strung at least 10 words together in a row. My face muscles feel strained.

Once I got to nearly the top of the mountain on the bus it was time to set off up over the two peaks, Kurobi and Komagatake. I would not be alone today. Not by a long shot.

The trail was well marked and there were hundreds of people. This was at times very frustrating, finally I experienced what most people go on about, waiting your turn to climb, and waiting a really long time to descend. What I could have done in 2 hours took more than 4.

On the way down a small girl followed right behind me. When I got a bit of clear air in front of me and was able to go faster, she kept up. I tried to let her past, she would not pass. I have no idea who she belonged to, maybe she was on a daytrip on her own, but she looked no older than 10 years old. The path down was very steep and rocky, big steps, I had to lower myself with my hands. She had a technique of sliding down the rocks on her bum and a few times it looked to me like she hurt herself, but she never complained. I dont think her pants will be worth much after the day though.

The descent seemed to take forever, but I still managed to make the early bus back, the bus after was not due to leave for another 2 hours (I think?).
I wont try and explain the bus timetable, the bus companies website was wrong, the summer timetable had been extended extra days due to the long weekend, except for today, but they had put on an extra bus that was not on the schedule to bridge the gap between Saturday and Monday, but only if enough people lined up. Yeah, thats how buses work in Japan, hopeless.

Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Here is the bus I was on. As it turns out they put on enough buses for everyone to get a seat, but all leaving at the same time. You can see the guy I

Here is the bus I was on. As it turns out they put on enough buses for everyone to get a seat, but all leaving at the same time. You can see the guy I mentioned above sitting at the very front left. I predict my mother will do some kind of forensic analysis of this photo to see if she can find out more about him. Maybe you can see his reflection in the windscreen. Enhance.... enhance....


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Here is the village area by the crater lake. Very gloomy skies.

Here is the village area by the crater lake. Very gloomy skies.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Behold, the lake itself. I got a shot without any of the swan shaped paddle boats ruining the view.

Behold, the lake itself. I got a shot without any of the swan shaped paddle boats ruining the view.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Time to start my climb. Up here, around 2000m in altitude, the leaves already fell off the trees. But fear not, what I call low bamboo is abundant, an

Time to start my climb. Up here, around 2000m in altitude, the leaves already fell off the trees. But fear not, what I call low bamboo is abundant, and I like the low bamboo.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - There are quite a few different peaks, but the main path which I stuck to, goes over the two highest. You can do a multi day hike up and over here and

There are quite a few different peaks, but the main path which I stuck to, goes over the two highest. You can do a multi day hike up and over here and connect to another mountain, apparently not possible to complete in one day.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Its a shame all the farmers decided to set fire to their crops. On the way back to the city later in the day the smoke was very thick, and people were

Its a shame all the farmers decided to set fire to their crops. On the way back to the city later in the day the smoke was very thick, and people were all coughing on the bus, it actually smelt of smoke.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I have taken this photo and one very similar higher up a bit further down. I think I like this version more due to th yellow contrasting foreground.

I have taken this photo and one very similar higher up a bit further down. I think I like this version more due to th yellow contrasting foreground.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The lake as seen from above, and so many mountains, and so much smoke.

The lake as seen from above, and so many mountains, and so much smoke.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Summit area #1, Kurobi. Most Japanese people bring a gas stove and make omurice and ramen. Really a guy was whipping up omelets.

Summit area #1, Kurobi. Most Japanese people bring a gas stove and make omurice and ramen. Really a guy was whipping up omelets.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Nice view down the valley, would be nicer if the sky was clear.

Nice view down the valley, would be nicer if the sky was clear.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Time to head down and up to the next peak, via more low bamboo.

Time to head down and up to the next peak, via more low bamboo.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The second peak, it looks small but if you load the full size pic, you can see people very close to the centre of the pic to indicate scale. I could d

The second peak, it looks small but if you load the full size pic, you can see people very close to the centre of the pic to indicate scale. I could draw a scale marker on the pic but I would be making it up and it would be wrong. From here to the median point of the protuberance is 0.0000721 parsecs.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Summit #2, Komagatake, with shrine. This is not where you get a good view from though, walk another 100 metres past here to the scenic panorama spot.

Summit #2, Komagatake, with shrine. This is not where you get a good view from though, walk another 100 metres past here to the scenic panorama spot.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Here it is, scenic panorama view spot. The photo does not show it but there were more than 100 people here having lunch. One girl opened a big bag of

Here it is, scenic panorama view spot. The photo does not show it but there were more than 100 people here having lunch. One girl opened a big bag of mandarins and they all fell out and rolled off the cliff. Everyone laughed. Then they all offered her food. I didnt offer her any of my muesli bar.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - My big unshaven sweaty head, in all its glory. So much glory.

My big unshaven sweaty head, in all its glory. So much glory.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - View without the people in the way. So brown, so grey.

View without the people in the way. So brown, so grey.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Time to descend. Time to be held up by slow people with smaller legs than me trying to negotiate huge rocks.

Time to descend. Time to be held up by slow people with smaller legs than me trying to negotiate huge rocks.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - A bit more low bamboo, it reflects the light a lot.

A bit more low bamboo, it reflects the light a lot.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - It does not look that steep, but it was really very steep.

It does not look that steep, but it was really very steep.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Look at that long line of people snaking up the path. GET OUT OF MY WAY. Actually a helmet might be a good idea, a lot of rocks were being kicked down

Look at that long line of people snaking up the path. GET OUT OF MY WAY. Actually a helmet might be a good idea, a lot of rocks were being kicked down the path, and some went a very long way before they crashed to a halt. This shot with people for scale and reference gives a better idea of how steep it was.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Lake from lower down, with a bit of color, and a red bridge if you squint.

Lake from lower down, with a bit of color, and a red bridge if you squint.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - There were a few spots to stop and get a bit of a better view from.

There were a few spots to stop and get a bit of a better view from.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Almost there! People were racing motorbikes on the road around the crater lake. The noise was amazing. No serenity to be found here.

Almost there! People were racing motorbikes on the road around the crater lake. The noise was amazing. No serenity to be found here.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Once at the bottom, predictable temple. The bus ride back took forever and got stuck in traffic near Maebashi. Probably due to low visibility from all

Once at the bottom, predictable temple. The bus ride back took forever and got stuck in traffic near Maebashi. Probably due to low visibility from all the smoke!


Takasaki has a lot of shops

Covered streets and modern malls do battle in Takasaki

Tonight I explored Takasaki. It is quite nice.

First I located the old covered shopping street, which is so old they have branded it as such. There were actually a lot of businesses there, mostly 'girl bars'. And at roughly 6pm, its changeover time. Not changeover of the girls, but changeover of the stores. All the shoe stores close, and all the girls arrive. The girls did not look Japanese and they did not look at all happy while I was waving my camera about.

After deciding there was nowhere to eat along the old area other than unwelcoming smokers bars serving grilled bacon on sticks, I wandered back to the shiny new station area.
This has at least 3 department stores, including Takashimaya. However its actually Aeon style that is the nicest, and as you shall see, levels 7 and 8 are nice eateries. Not a food court, more like separate open seated areas for each small plastic shiny restaurant. The kind of place I like because its cheap, informal and has pictures for a menu. I can point and not speak.

After ingesting my dinner way too quickly it was time to go to the ticket office and advance select my ticket to Niigata for Tuesday, this time I got my #1 choice of train. I suspect the lack of train availability yesterday was all to do with the long weekend to celebrate the ascension of the emperors cat to the eucalyptus throne.

Now I must examine my list of possible activities for tomorrow and make a choice, based on weather, energy levels, cost, likelihood of being too busy on a public holiday, desire for bear encounter.

Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Here is the Aeon style building. You can see Takashimaya poking out behind it.

Here is the Aeon style building. You can see Takashimaya poking out behind it.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - A lot of Takasaki looks like this. Old, but interesting.

A lot of Takasaki looks like this. Old, but interesting.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - They know the covered streets are dead. So dead that they are branding them retro.

They know the covered streets are dead. So dead that they are branding them retro.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Mainly its a spot to park cars now.

Mainly its a spot to park cars now.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Speaking of parking cars, this is a car parking spot. A car park. What do you call it if its only one level of car parking? Anyway, they strung the li

Speaking of parking cars, this is a car parking spot. A car park. What do you call it if its only one level of car parking? Anyway, they strung the lights up and put the festival float thing that is powered and makes noise and has moving characters in the middle of the car park to attract customers.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Level 7 of the Aeon style building. Everything here stays open until 9pm, even on Sunday. Probably because of all the train passengers that transfer h

Level 7 of the Aeon style building. Everything here stays open until 9pm, even on Sunday. Probably because of all the train passengers that transfer here.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - This place with the giraffe and the two Australian women ordering something is actually a mini Ikea. I think there might be one in Australia somewhere

This place with the giraffe and the two Australian women ordering something is actually a mini Ikea. I think there might be one in Australia somewhere now. They dont actually sell any furniture in here, but you can look at it and order it from a kiosk. And yes, they sell coffee and snacks.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - 100 Hours curry, 10 chillis out of 10. I liked the look of the colorful vegetables. It was quite nice.

100 Hours curry, 10 chillis out of 10. I liked the look of the colorful vegetables. It was quite nice.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - CHEESE CANDY. Individually wrapped chunks of cheese. White flavorless cheese. I think you mainly buy it so you can have something to unwrap and enjoy

CHEESE CANDY. Individually wrapped chunks of cheese. White flavorless cheese. I think you mainly buy it so you can have something to unwrap and enjoy the texture of.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Perhaps cheese candy goes well with Okinawan dish of pigs ears. The contrasting textures are a delectable delight.

Perhaps cheese candy goes well with Okinawan dish of pigs ears. The contrasting textures are a delectable delight.


There are currently 3 comments - click to add

bobule on 2019-11-04 said:

nice autumnal vibes, food looks awful though!


jenny on 2019-11-03 said:

you can keep the cheese candy and the poor piggy ears thanks.


mother on 2019-11-03 said:

the time to start the descent is the photo of the day - lovely streaky sky and haze over the hills with the lake in the middle.


Page 4 is rail trails in Takasaki before heading to Niigata.

Contents

Day 1 - Saturday, 26 October 2019
  I do not care if I am late
  Bike pump
Day 2 - Sunday, 27 October 2019
  Still not in Tokyo
  Killing time in familiar places
  Finally ran out of puff
Day 3 - Monday, 28 October 2019
  Expensive trip to small mountain
  Sky Soba
Day 4 - Tuesday, 29 October 2019
  An entire forest just for me
  New and undercover
Day 5 - Wednesday, 30 October 2019
  Three peak party
  All the neon in all the places
Day 6 - Thursday, 31 October 2019
  The quiet river
  Busy but not as busy
Day 7 - Friday, 1 November 2019
  Au naturale hiking trail
  The station is so station
Day 8 - Saturday, 2 November 2019
  Surprise Buddha
  The town that got bypassed
Day 9 - Sunday, 3 November 2019
  A walk in the volcano park
  Takasaki has a lot of shops
Day 10 - Monday, 4 November 2019
  Staying the course
  Walkway to nowhere
Day 11 - Tuesday, 5 November 2019
  Quiet coastal city under construction
  Early night
Day 12 - Wednesday, 6 November 2019
  Fast run up an icy mountain
  Still quiet
Day 13 - Thursday, 7 November 2019
  Lagooning about
  Bus rapid transit
Day 14 - Friday, 8 November 2019
  Full range
  Once more to the station
Day 15 - Saturday, 9 November 2019
  A bridge between two tunnels
  Jacket time
Day 16 - Sunday, 10 November 2019
  Ice capades on magic mountain
  A rare event indeed
Day 17 - Monday, 11 November 2019
  Repeat visit
  Rain the other way
Day 18 - Tuesday, 12 November 2019
  Hot and very windy
  Fuku-Kori-Shima-Yama
Day 19 - Wednesday, 13 November 2019
  No ice just blue skies
  Lard noodles
Day 20 - Thursday, 14 November 2019
  Turtle hunt
  The opposite end of the aeon
Day 21 - Friday, 15 November 2019
  Back to the big city
  Off broadway
Day 22 - Saturday, 16 November 2019
  Dam dirty and noisy hike
  No sign of tension
Day 23 - Sunday, 17 November 2019
  Entry fee
  Expensive hamburger patty
Day 24 - Monday, 18 November 2019
  The most time consuming
  Favourite dinner
Day 25 - Tuesday, 19 November 2019
  Training day
  Double juku buya
Day 26 - Wednesday, 20 November 2019
  More landslides
  The last supper
Day 27 - Thursday, 21 November 2019
  Between flights
  The end