The weekend came around again and I had no plans at all. I have been doing nothing but work lately and had no time to move my body, so I went to Mt. Takao to at least get a hike in. Honestly, it is such a small mountain that calling it a hike feels a bit embarrassing.
The entrance
If you take the direct train from Shinjuku, you get there sooner than you would think. The trailhead is right in front of the station.
Flowers
Just a random shot. It was a bit hot that day, so the climb was tough.
Downtown Tokyo from the observation deck
You could even make out the Tokyo Skytree way off in the distance.
Sky
Clear skies. On a day like this you have to get some photosynthesis in.
Miso-grilled dango
Dango brushed with sweet miso and grilled. Maybe it was because I had worked up a sweat, but they were a real treat.
Forest
A little nature every now and then~
Tengu
Mt. Takao is apparently famous for its tengu legends, so there were tengu statues here and there.
Purification water
Not for drinking, this is water for washing your hands.
The temple
It seems to be a famous one.
Arhat statues
There were statues like these too.
Painted decorations
Beautifully decorated.
The view toward Mt. Fuji from the summit of Mt. Takao
It was too cloudy to see Mt. Fuji.
Proof I made it to the top
Slightly lower than the Tokyo Skytree.
The lift
I walked up, but on the way down I tried the lift. A bit of a thrill, and you get to enjoy some lovely scenery.
Roughly this kind of view..
There is no seat belt, so shooting one-handed, this was the best photo I could manage. It is quite a long ride down, which made it fun.