Hiking is one of my favorite things to do on the weekend. I’m blessed to live in such a great place, so close to so many nice hiking courses. We live near Ishiyama Station in Otsu City and from our front door we can access a dozen different courses with 15 minutes. Most of these courses are on the East-West Trans Japan Hiking Course (TokaiShizenHoudo), which is just what it sounds like, a trail running from Tokyo to Kyoto through the mountains. Once you get on this trail it’s easy to avoid urban areas and just focus straight ahead on your goal, whatever that might be.
Every year for my birthday, we go for a family hike along this trail. We love it because we can get some fresh air, get some exercise, and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours. No malls, no shops, no cars, no city noise- just blue sky and green trees and nature sounds.
We love this trail and this area because it’s local, it’s comfortable and it allows us to escape from daily life and focus on the purer things in life. We can refocus our minds and our lives and learn a little about the world we live in. Cheap, fun, comfortable and enjoyable. I love the outdoors!
Rick says
Happy Birthday, Ed! What mountain are you on there?
Edward says
This photo is climbing up Mt Otowa, which is located between JR Zeze and JR Yamashina (i.e. between southern Otsu and Yamashina). About 1-2 hours up, and then you can drop down into Yamashina or Otsu or hike south into Mie or Nara. This picture was taken on the Chausuyama trail, which runs from Zeze up to the main Tobakaidou trail.
Mark Smith says
Now that is a great family present you received Ed. I like that idea. I am going to ask my family to join me hiking as well for my birthday. I love those mountain trails.
Happy Birthday.
Mark