Kamiyama Hiking

This weekend I took the opportunity to go hiking in the beautiful Hakone area with my random hiking friend. From Odawara we took the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora Station and then traveled via Tozan Cable Car up to Sounzan. From Sounzan we began our hike up Kamiyama. The trek took us up through some amazing fall colors. It took us about an hour and a half to make it up to Kamiyama (1409m) We stopped to have a bit of coffee and a small lunch. After snack time we made our way to the next mountain over, Komayama (1356m). By the time we got to Komayama the fog had set in and the rain began to fall. From Komayama we took the ropeway down to lake Ashi. Overall we went about 4.5km and hiked for about 3 hours. It ended up being a rainy day, but the fall colors were amazing.

Mitake Kayaking

As Fall descends upon Japan the temperatures become mild and the momiji (Autumn-colored foliage) begins. This weekend I had an excellent chance to see the beginnings of momiji from a kayak. Along with a few coworkers we traveled via train up north of Tokyo to Mitake. This small mountain side town was filled with hikers who also appreciate the Fall colors. After getting off the train we walked to the Kayak Center and signed our lives away and began to prepare for our journey. We traveled by bus to the Okutamagawa Reservoir. Once we had a quick demonstration of how to paddle we walked along the river to our entry point. After we got in we were off to explore the reservoir at our leisure. The reservoir was very peaceful and beautiful it was a great start to the day! Below are some more pictures from the day. 

Our Kayaking group Jamie, Elif, Zehra, and me.

A cute little kitten at the Kayak center. 

Overall it was a great day to get outside of the city and enjoy a day in the beautiful countryside. 

A wise person climbs Mount Fuji once in their life, and a fool climbs it twice.

View from the 5th Station 

Sunrise from 12,388 feet

Well I was a wise person... and I will most likely be a fool. This weekend I hiked Mt. Fuji, Japan’s tallest mountain. Fuji-san stands at 3,776m (12,388ft), we started at the 5^th Station which is already at 2,400m (7,874 ft). 

So first a little background.... this whole story starts last year when I went hiking an made friends with an old Japanese guy who turned out to be a hiking guide. We kept in contact and we planned this trip to hike Fuji-san. 

I had a friend from work come along and she brought a friend. Our guide also brought a coworker with him, and she brought a friend. Sadly her friend ended up getting sick along the way and she was unable to finish the climb. But the rest of us did. 

Gotemba Sand Slope

I climbed a mountain

We started our hike at 7pm on Saturday. While we were hiking we saw stunning stars, a fireworks show (from a great distance) and not much else because it was dark... We hiked up until the 8^th Station (3,100m/10,170ft) and took a little nap at 1am. Around 2am we got ready and hike the rest of the way up the mountain. We made it just in time to see an amazing sunrise. After the sunrise a few of us took a hour walk around the crater. After hiking the crater we started our decent. We basically went down the same way we came up for the first bit. Then we took the Gotemba Sand Slope down the mountain. The sand slope was awesome because we basically got to run down sand and gravel and giant boulders. It was very fun! After our little run we hiked back to the 5^th Station where this whole trip started. I absolutely loved this hike! Yes, it was challenging. No it didn’t make me feel like death. It was the perfect challenge, with plenty of rewards. The beauty of that area was breathtaking! 

Our group (Me, Miho, Sangeeta, Neetu, and Yutaka our guide) 

Summer Shenanigans

Hello All,

Sorry it has been a while between posts, I've been galavanting for the past few months. My adventures began this summer with my mom coming to Japan to visit. Mom and I traveled around the Toyko area visiting the Ueno Zoo, Kamakura, Sankeien Garden and other sights in Yokohama. After a few days in Yokohama we flew down to Okinawa and spent about four days exploring the island. We were able to go to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and see whale sharks. We also went kayaking and snorkeling. We visited a traditional Ryuku Village, where we saw a really cool snake show. The last day in Okinawa we visited Shuri Castle in Naha. It was pretty cool to see a really old castle. A few days after flying back to Yokohama we flew back to Oregon together. Once in Oregon I only had a few days at home before I have to head up to Winthrop Washington for my friend's wedding. It was great to be able to drive (In Japan I do not drive at all). I had forgotten how much open space there is in Central Washington and Central Oregon. I drove for hours without seeing towns. It was great, and I was glad that I rented a car because I drove over 1,000 miles in seven days. After only about 10 days in the States I flew back to Japan.

I was only in Japan for about one full day before I flew to Thailand for the rest of my summer. I flew into Bangkok at about midnight after we circled for about and hour because of thunderstorms. Here are some pictures from my two days in Bangkok.  

Statues at Wat Phra Kaew

Perfect place for a cat nap

The Reclining Buddha at Wot Pho

The Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun)

Floating Market 

After spending a few days in Bangkok I flew to Krabi which is in Southwest Thailand. Once in Krabi I stayed near Ao Nang. While in Ao Nang I was able to join numerous tour groups. The first day I took a boat trip visiting a number of islands in the area and snorkeling. The second day I kayaked through a mangrove and rode elephants. 

Beach at Ao Nang

Chicken Island

Top Island. At low tide this sandbar appears and connects the two islands

Poda Island 

Kayaking Kate

Kayaking through the canyons

Canyons and Mangroves 

Relaxing in a hammock 

Riding an Elephant! 

  
I spent three nights in Ao Nang and then took a ferry to Phi Phi Island. Phi Phi is a very small island that was almost completely destroyed in the 2004 Tsunami. The Island is almost back to where it was before the Tsunami. It is a vibrant community that is very tourist centered. While in Phi Phi I relaxed on the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen in my life. I also went snorkeling, sightseeing, and rock climbing.  

Viewpoint 

Loh Dalam Beach 

I've always wanted a good fish nibbling.... 

Longtail Boats 

Monkey Beach

Phi Phi Ley, the uninhabited island

It was like floating in the middle of a postcard... Pileh Lagoon 

Maya Bay: Where 'The Beach' was filmed 

Sunset 

I could get use to this view! 

Rock Climbing! 

View from the top

I made it! 

Relaxing in between climbs  

The other climbers and me posing in front of the rock wall. 

Although I loved every second of being on the beach I had to fly back to Bangkok so I could fly back to Japan. I spent another two nights in Bangkok. While in Bangkok I spent a day at the Art Museum and watching Muay Thai (Thai Boxing). 

Bangkok Art and Culture Center 

There was an interactive walkway... I interacted 

Art

Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, home of Muay Thai 

Muay Thai is boxing plus feet and elbows and knees 

The champion and me.... I look huge next to him

Overall I had a great summer break and I look forward to another great year at YIS. I'll do my best to keep you updated on my adventures!