Takigo-yama — 6th hike
December 16, 2007 · Print This Article
I thought this time I set out much earlier than I ever had before, but in actuality it was exactly the same time! The hike felt a bit hard this time, as I really pushed the pace, but didn’t think I was so much. It helped that now I have the trail almost memorized, so I could pace myself really well.
…It was a beautiful late fall day, and as always Sasago station was un-staffed, so thank you JR East for the only ¥130 train ticket for the 1.5 hour trip. I passed three groups of people on the way up, a pair of ojisans, two obasans and an ojisan, and a lone middle-aged male hiker. All of them still were able to make it up to the summit in impressive times though. I estimate I summited only 30 minutes faster than the lone hiker and the group of three.
…Upon reaching the summit, as usual, I was met with the same majestic view of Mt. Fuji I’ve had on all but one of my past 5 summits. There were less people at the summit than at times past as well, which was fine with me. To my surprise a young j-couple arrived shortly after me, coming from a different trail than I did. … Also at the summit had a small conversation in Japanese with an ojisan about the mountain and if I’ve summited Fuji-san, the usual stuff. The lone white birch tree on the summit is still doing well. … I usually hike up Takigo-yama in November, so a benefit of hiking it in mid-December was an improved snowy view of other mountain ranges.
…
I got to debut some new gear this time too. I wore my Mountain Hard Wear softshell Synchro jacket and a skintight fleece baselayer by a Japanese outdoor company, X-gear or something like that.
…It was just me on this hike, but of course on the way to and from the mountain Jack, Bob and Joni were with me.
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- Takigo-Yama, Yamanashi Prefecture hike #5
- BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN [2005] review
(1 votes, average: 3 out of 5)
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Sounds like a good trip.
How would you rate the trail for a person of average fitness? Could you give us an estimate of time to accomplish a return trip from Sasago station to the summit and back.
Cheers.
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Jason Collin Reply:
September 1st, 2008 at 1:26 am
Thanks, I really like hiking up this mountain.
When I moved to WordPress a few months ago unfortunately the photos for this post were lost, and I haven’t had a chance to put them back up yet.
To answer your questions, it takes about 45 minutes to walk from Sasago station to the start of the trail proper (all road walking to get to that point). In total I can get to the summit in 2.5 hours total with a light pack. This involves taking a single 10 to 15 minute break for lunch about halfway along.
I think station to summit for a person of average fitness could be done in 3 to 3.5 hours.
And you don’t want to go back down the same way, unless you live in Sasago. It’s much better to take another trail down to Hatsukari station. Not only does it give you a different trail to descend, it’s also closer from end of trail to the station. Plus, you can see Mt. Fuji on the way down at some points (once off the trail and in the town) if it’s clear.
[Reply]
Thanks for the info. Sounds like a hike to do when I spend some decent time in Tokyo.
BTW do you have more info/a contact for the Tokyo cycling club? I want to start something here in Kyoto and would appreciate ideas.
KB
[Reply]
Jason Collin Reply:
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:33 pm
I’d try contacting Ash of the Tokyo Cycling Club. He’s very friendly and involved in the club. His profile on the TCC site:
http://www.tokyocycle.com/bbs/member.php?u=27
[Reply]