A short(ish) trip to Japan

[ShelleyB]

I love Kamikochi!
But yes it can be quite crowded....especially around Kappabashi area!

We absolutely enjoyed it and the crowds were not unexpected. I expect it will be crazier in a month or so with the autumn colours really on display.

 

[ShelleyB]

After concluding our walk ShelleyB-son consumed a well-earned ice cream and we joined the queue for the bus back to Takayama via Hirayu onsen. The queue was long as it was nearing the end of the day, but with the use of the jump seats in the bus, we all squeezed on. There were fewer passengers once we changed at Hirayu, as people transferred to their cars, or were staying in Hirayu Onsen. Upon return to Takayama, we were all hungry enough to eat right away, but tired enough not to wander too far. Decided to take our chances on a place that looked good, although has mixed reviews on Tablelog - Kajibashi Soba. Is mostly a noodle place serving Takayama Noodles (basically ramen with a local twist) but also gyoza and beef. Noodles were good, with a tasty broth. The gyoza was really excellent.

 

[ShelleyB]

Another big day of hiking planned, this time using the Shinhotaka Ropeway to do a lot of the work of getting us to a higher elevation. The bus is around 1.5 hours from Takayama, again via Hirayu Onsen but without the need to change bus. The ropeway itself is two part, with a change station at an intermediate level. There are souvenir shops and places to eat at each station. We did not stop on the way up, as we were eager to commence our walk to the Nishiho-sanso mountain hut, which is about 4km from the top ropeway station. The ropeway ride is amazing, and from the second station the cars are double level, which is pretty cool. At each level there are short nature walks, and platforms for viewing, with more under construction.

 

[ShelleyB]

From the top station past the viewing platforms is the trailhead to Nishiho mountain hut and to other trails beyond. Many climbers use the ropeway for access to the Nishi-hotake-dake climb, staying overnight at the mountain hut then climbing the next day. However, for us we planned to just reach the hut, a roughly 4km 1.5 hour trip (3 hours return). The trip is mostly through pine forest, with glimpses of the mountain range. There is very little flat walking, it’s fairly relentlessly up or down, with the last 1km or so relatively steeply up. Nonetheless, it is totally doable by anyone of moderate fitness, there is not much scrambling, and it was being tackled by many locals of 60 and 70 years plus. Possibly older. Although I don’t want to give the impression it was a busy or crowded walk. It was really quite quiet, especially after Kamikochi. Enough people to feel that if anyone managed to acquire an injury, help would not be far away, but mostly walking without anyone in view.

The reward for the hard work was an amazing views of the mountains beyond. The hut also serves noodles and curry and has cold drinks. After sampling the foods on offer, and admiring the sight of riduculously fit retirees ready to tackle the summit, we took our less fit selves back to the ropeway for the descent and bus back to Takayama.