Japan

“My understanding is that I am going to Japan. Specifically, Nagoya, Japan, and arriving on or about September 8th.

I will be in engineering meetings most of the week, but supposedly will have one, possibly two days free to do as I wish.

What I'd like to do, is hike. My second choice would be to fish. Does anyone have any contacts in Japan who like to hike, or have any advice on how I might end up hiking up one of Japan's beautiful mountains?

If so, I'd appreciate your thoughts, advice and contact list.

:)”

“I was in Iwakuni, Japan thirty years ago. Even back then they had the bullet train and a sophisticated public transportation system.

You should be able to find enough info on the web for a solo hike. I am sure you will blend right in.”

“Towndawg, my daughter who just spent 7 months in Japan last year will answer your post:

"Lonely Planet publishes a book called "Hiking in Japan" which covers every possible hike you may want to take.

One option you may want to consider is Mt. Fuji. As many as 3 thousand Japanese a night will hike all night to watch the sun rise from the top as a custom. I did it August 15, 2002. Technically the climbing season ends on August 31st, but there are still buses running to the 5th station (half-way up) through October. I did the climb last summer while the trails were at their most crowded and it was very rewarding (despite occasional rain). The hike is not technically challenging, but it is hard to stay awake all night. For a good account of a foreigner making the climb, check out "Learning to Bow" by Bruce Feiler."

If you find you have more than a few days to spare, try Yakushima Island. The entire island is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is home to forests of giant cedar trees. The beaches become hot springs at low tide, when the water standing in pools is heated by the geothermal action under the island. But no swimming suits allowed (true Japanese style!)"

-prosecutor's daughter Andrea”

“Be prepared to lose some weight. As much as I liked Japanese food, I found I couldn't eat enough to stay full.”

“Spent 25 days in Japan in 1993 including one week in Nagoya. You will be surprised by Nagoya. I thought it resembled the US more than any other city I was in. Went to a three story tall backpacking store. Merchandise was 3 times more expensive. (Leatherman = $150...in 1993!!)

As much as I like to hike, I would suggest you see the sights. Nagoya is not far from Kyoto and Nara which are rich in Japanese history and culture. A train ride to Hiroshima is also doable.

The Mt. Fuji suggestion sounds reasonable since it is not that far from Nagoya.

You should have a good trip!”

“I could ask about the area around Tokyo. My sister-in-law lived there for about 10 years. The last 10 years she's lived in Hawaii but visiting here at the moment. My wife & daughter almost went to Japan but instead have spent MANY vacations in Oahu. I've never been to either place. My wife insists that I would love the mountains in Hawaii, but I would hate the long plane ride & the confines of an island.”

“Kyoto was the capital of Japan. Tokyo is the modern capitol of Japan (Tokyo was named by rearranging the old capitol name: Kyoto). Lots of amazing stuff to see not far from where you will be. The Golden Pavillion is awesome, but so is this temple.”

“When I was in Tokyo I was struck by its resemblence to large American cities. There were some interesting differences, though.

Everything was clean.

There were no panhandlers.

The streets are, by and large, narrower. Oh, and they drive on the left side instead of the right.

Best difference? Beer vending machines! On the sidewalk!”

“bit - In my 25 days in Japan I didn't see any graphitti. It was very clean everywhere. Tokyo was actually a very quiet place during rush hour. The banned horn honking and make people keep their engines tuned up.”

“It's more than just maintenance, Phil. The auto companies in Japan have a rigged game. It costs more to own an older used car in Japan than it does to buy a new one.”

“bit - You're right. Government regulations also "coerce" people to buying new cars and new engines. It also costs more to drive as you get older.”

“howdy.. really nice reading.. I knew I could count on you all.

:)

Doing a night climb up fuji soundz pretty awesome. (so go ahead, eat me up for not looking it up!)

** If you go in at five, stop five. **

How much more does the elevation change? Describing it as 'run over rate' -- 5K over 3km?”

“( -- and yes, I AM surprised to see no posts on the other site. -- )”

“Again.. thanks for all the help so far!

Night y'all.”

“On our trip to Japan last April, my daughter took us to the Museum honoring the military in Japan. Almost all the exhibits were in Japanese and english. I was "suprised" to learn that President Franklin Roosevelt started the war with Japan, and that "all the citizens of Nanking lived happily" after the Japanese army "liberated" the city. Really.”

“In Nagoya, our tour guide told us what areas of the city to avoid. Evidently they have various levels of "companionship" available from Geishas (special treatment), to escorts, to prostitutes.

Beer vending machines on the streets was a surprise.

I ate very well in Japan. I ate more Chinese food than anything because everyone on our tour liked Chinese food.

Oh yes, here is a link to my Japan page. I was on the tour with 16 people from 10 different countries.”

“burntfoot Aug 15, 2003 7:50 PM
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You can do Fuji in 2 days if you plan it right.

Day 1: Take the bullet train early in the morning from Tokyo to Fujiyoshima and catch the bus to the 5th Station (halfway up the mountain). Climb up to a hut between 9,000 and 10,000 feet elevation and sleep for a few hours.

Day 2: Set the alarm and start walking at 3:30, summitting by sunrise. There is a second trail for the descent to the fifth station so you don't have to pass people on the way up. Catch the bus down, and take a train or bus back to Tokyo.


mailto:burntfoot363@yahoo.com”

“Fuji - go up the Kawagouchi (Sp?) trail starting at Stage 4, or Stage 5, if possible. Come down on the Gotemba Trail. The Gotemba trail is called the slide and is mostly black ash like sand. You can run, jump, slide, roll, etc. in it on the way down. Have fun and don't drink too much Kirin.”

“The are three points of approach, all fairly close to each other, but very different in terms of distance, hike time, availability of access due to 'road closure' (buses run limited schedule after August 31.)

Even hiking Mt Fuji after August 31 requires police approval.”

“Peak is 12,388', I am assuming that 10-11 is tree line. Gotemba goes in at 4500', Sabashiri at 6000', and Fujinoimia at 7200'

Assuming 6hrs up, 3hrs down. Approximately 5000' elevation change, and O2 gets limited as one nears the summit.”

“My guess is that my fat butt will be lucky to make it up to the summit in 9hr, if I make it at all, and if I can get to 5th station by bus somehow.

Sounds like a lot of IFs.”

“SCREW JAPAN!


oh wait...i meant france...nevermind”

“this thread was pretty helpful.

townd, did u wind up going?”