{"id":6646,"date":"2014-08-15T05:43:19","date_gmt":"2014-08-15T04:43:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/insidejapanblog.com\/?p=6646"},"modified":"2015-06-15T11:45:48","modified_gmt":"2015-06-15T10:45:48","slug":"historic-mountain-trails-a-picture-blog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2014\/08\/15\/historic-mountain-trails-a-picture-blog\/","title":{"rendered":"Historic Mountain Trails &#8211; A Picture Blog"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F6646&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F6646\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F6646&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F6646&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F6646%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F6646\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F6646\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p>InsideJapan Tours&#8217; intrepid tour leader, Steve Parker, is a keen mountain walker and with Japan being made up of mountains (<a title=\"things you didn't know about Japan\" href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2014\/02\/07\/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-japan\/\" target=\"_blank\">70% of the country is mountainous<\/a>), it&#8217;s the perfect place for him. Having taken people around Japan for quite a few years now, he designed a tour that he wanted to do and in July this year, the &#8220;Historic Mountain Trails&#8221; tour took on Tokyo, the Nakasendo Way, the beautiful but unforgiving <a title=\"Kamikochi\" href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2014\/05\/06\/land-of-the-gods-kamikochi-japan\/\" target=\"_blank\">Japanese Alps<\/a>, conquered <a title=\"mt fuji climbing\" href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2011\/05\/26\/mt-fuji-climbing-season\/\" target=\"_blank\">Mt Fuji<\/a> along with a slice of culture in Kyot, the castle city of Matsumoto and soaked in the hot springs of <a title=\"Hakone\" href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2013\/09\/20\/a-day-in-hakone\/\" target=\"_blank\">Hakone.<\/a> The tour is not exactly a stroll in the hills, but includes some pretty serious hikes with plenty of breath-taking scenery. So in Steve&#8217;s own words and pictures, here&#8217;s the Historic Mountain Trails&#8230;.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6672\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6672\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6477.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6672\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6477.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"On Historic Mountain Trail tour this summer, we experienced the bustle of Tokyo...\" width=\"468\" height=\"624\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6477.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6477-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6477-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6477-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6477-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6477-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6477-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6477-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6477-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6477-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6672\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">On Historic Mountain Trail tour this summer, we experienced the bustle of Tokyo&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6686\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6686\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01119.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6686 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01119.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"\u2026then the serenity of the Kiso valley in less than 12 hours\" width=\"468\" height=\"311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01119.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01119-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01119-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01119-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01119-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01119-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01119-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01119-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01119-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01119-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6686\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">\u2026then the serenity of the Kiso valley in less than 12 hours<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6648\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6648\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01091.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6648 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01091.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Kind Suzuki San runs the little midpoint rest house on the Nakasendo Highway walk between Magome and Tsumago village. A welcome cup of tea in this traditional rural shelter and a local folk song from our host took us back to an era centuries past.\" width=\"468\" height=\"311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01091.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01091-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01091-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01091-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01091-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01091-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01091-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01091-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01091-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01091-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6648\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kind Suzuki San runs the little midpoint rest house on the Nakasendo Highway walk between Magome and Tsumago village. A welcome cup of tea in this traditional rural shelter and a local folk song from our host took us back to an era centuries past.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6687\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6687\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01117.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6687 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01117.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"The local (Shiba) dogs are friendly too\" width=\"468\" height=\"311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01117.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01117-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01117-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01117-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01117-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01117-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01117-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01117-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01117-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01117-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6687\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The local (Shiba) dogs are friendly too<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6675\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6675\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2251.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6675 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2251.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"The 5 mile Kiso valley walk is a tranquil trail through forest and hamlets. Summer here is hot and humid so a welcome natural shower under the Otaki waterfalls is an invigorating way to cool off!\" width=\"468\" height=\"624\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2251.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2251-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2251-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2251-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2251-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2251-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2251-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2251-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2251-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2251-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6675\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The 5 mile Kiso valley walk is a tranquil trail through forest and hamlets. Summer here is hot and humid so a welcome natural shower under the Otaki waterfalls is an invigorating way to cool off!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6662\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6662\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9010.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6662 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9010.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"The first afternoon of hiking along the pristine Azusa River is flat and shaded. You can even buy soft ice cream at the rest huts en-route to Yokoo Hut!\" width=\"468\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9010.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9010-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9010-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9010-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9010-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9010-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9010-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9010-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9010-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9010-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6662\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The first afternoon of hiking along the pristine Azusa River is flat and shaded. You can even buy soft ice cream at the rest huts en-route to Yokoo Hut!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6678\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6678\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01334.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6678 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01334.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Yokoo Hut - the first night of &quot;shared accommodation&quot;. Bunk beds and earplugs - a perfect night's sleep before the tough trail tomorrow(??)\" width=\"468\" height=\"311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01334.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01334-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01334-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01334-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01334-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01334-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01334-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01334-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01334-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01334-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6678\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yokoo Hut &#8211; the first night of &#8220;shared accommodation&#8221;. Bunk beds and earplugs &#8211; a perfect night&#8217;s sleep before the tough trail tomorrow(??)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6674\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6674\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2315.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6674 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2315.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"After the river the trail steepens and becomes rockier underfoot.\" width=\"468\" height=\"624\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2315.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2315-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2315-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2315-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2315-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2315-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2315-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2315-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2315-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2315-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6674\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">After the river the trail steepens and becomes rockier underfoot.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6679\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6679\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01327.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6679 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01327.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Then its crampons on and hiking over snowfield for several hundred metres\" width=\"468\" height=\"311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01327.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01327-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01327-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01327-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01327-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01327-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01327-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01327-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01327-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01327-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6679\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Then its crampons on and hiking over snowfield for several hundred metres<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6685\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6685\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01136.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6685 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01136.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Karesawa Lodge (2300m) - a mid valley &quot;opt-out&quot; accommodation  for those too tired to make it all the way to the top of Okuhotaka Peak\" width=\"468\" height=\"311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01136.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01136-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01136-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01136-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01136-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01136-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01136-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01136-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01136-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01136-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6685\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Karesawa Lodge (2300m) &#8211; a mid valley &#8220;opt-out&#8221; accommodation for those too tired to make it all the way to the top of Okuhotaka Peak<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6665\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6665\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8974.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6665 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8974.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"A nice place to stay if you opt out of the push to the top.\" width=\"468\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8974.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8974-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8974-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8974-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8974-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8974-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8974-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8974-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8974-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8974-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6665\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A nice place to stay if you opt out of the push to the top. Just ask for a room with a view!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6683\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6683\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01207.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6683 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01207.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Tackling the Zaitengrad  - a rocky spine that stretches down from the Hotaka hut - plenty of scrambling...\" width=\"468\" height=\"311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01207.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01207-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01207-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01207-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01207-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01207-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01207-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01207-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01207-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01207-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6683\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tackling the Zaitengrad &#8211; a rocky spine that stretches down from the Hotaka hut &#8211; plenty of scrambling&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6681\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6681\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01289.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6681 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01289.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"\u2026with the help of chains and a few small ladders, but no technical climbing ability is necessary.\" width=\"468\" height=\"311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01289.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01289-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01289-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01289-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01289-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01289-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01289-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01289-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01289-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01289-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6681\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">\u2026with the help of chains and a few small ladders, but no technical climbing ability is necessary.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6682\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6682\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01222.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6682 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01222.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Hotaka Sansou Hut in the gloomy afternoon mist. Food and bedding at 3000m.\" width=\"468\" height=\"311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01222.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01222-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01222-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01222-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01222-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01222-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01222-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01222-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01222-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01222-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6682\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hotaka Sansou Hut in the gloomy afternoon mist. Food and bedding at 3000m.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6656\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6656\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8915.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6656 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8915.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Hotaka Sansou Hut is actually perched spectacularly between Karesawa Peak and Okuhotaka Peak at just under 3000m. One of dozens of fantastically serviced huts in the region. Be warned though, your helicopter-delivered beer will set you back a little more than usual!\" width=\"468\" height=\"624\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8915.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8915-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8915-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8915-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8915-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8915-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8915-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8915-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8915-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8915-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6656\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hotaka Sansou Hut is actually perched spectacularly between Karesawa Peak and Okuhotaka Peak at just under 3000m. One of dozens of fantastically serviced huts in the region. Be warned though, your helicopter-delivered beer will set you back a little more than usual!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6671\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6671\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8830.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6671 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8830.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Hotaka Hut reception and dining area...\" width=\"468\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8830.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8830-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8830-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8830-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8830-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8830-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8830-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8830-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8830-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8830-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6671\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hotaka Hut reception and dining area&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6661\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6661\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8828.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6661 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8828.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Hotaka Hut, now 90 years old, can accommodate 200 people, serve hot dinner and breakfast, and provide fresh drinking water and snacks. The drying rooms  are great - there are even foot warming stoves to enjoy!\" width=\"468\" height=\"624\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8828.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8828-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8828-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8828-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8828-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8828-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8828-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8828-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8828-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8828-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6661\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hotaka Hut, now 90 years old, can accommodate 200 people, serve hot dinner and breakfast, and provide fresh drinking water and snacks. The drying rooms are great &#8211; there are even foot warming stoves to enjoy!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6649\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6649\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8836.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6649 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8836.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"The lounge area in Hotaka mountain hut is the perfect place to get talking to local hikers, and warm up, after a tough day on the trail.\" width=\"468\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8836.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8836-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8836-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8836-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8836-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8836-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8836-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8836-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8836-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8836-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6649\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The lounge area in Hotaka mountain hut is the perfect place to get talking to local hikers, and warm up, after a tough day on the trail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6669\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6669\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8847.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6669 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8847.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"My Hotaka Hut bedroom - futon and quilts on a tatami (rush straw mat) floor - cosy and warm  - we were lucky having a 6 person room to just 4 of us.\" width=\"468\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8847.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8847-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8847-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8847-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8847-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8847-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8847-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8847-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8847-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8847-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6669\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My Hotaka Hut bedroom &#8211; futon and quilts on a tatami (rush straw mat) floor &#8211; cosy and warm &#8211; we were lucky having a 6 person room to just 4 of us.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6668\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6668\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8876.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6668 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8876.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"At last, after an ascent where it was hardly worth getting the camera out - the Karesawa Valley below Hotaka Hut shows itself in the early morning light! The group had little idea of how gorgeous this valley is until this point!\" width=\"468\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8876.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8876-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8876-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8876-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8876-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8876-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8876-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8876-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8876-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8876-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6668\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">At last, after an ascent where it was hardly worth getting the camera out &#8211; the Karesawa Valley below Hotaka Hut shows itself in the early morning light! The group had little idea of how gorgeous this valley is until this point!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6659\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6659\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8891.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6659 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8891.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Considerable scrambling required near the Okuhotaka Summit\" width=\"468\" height=\"624\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8891.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8891-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8891-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8891-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8891-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8891-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8891-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8891-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8891-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8891-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6659\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Considerable scrambling required near the Okuhotaka Summit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6657\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6657\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8893.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6657 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8893.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Okuhotaka Summit - Japan's 3rd highest at 3190m.\" width=\"468\" height=\"624\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8893.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8893-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8893-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8893-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8893-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8893-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8893-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8893-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8893-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8893-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6657\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Okuhotaka Summit &#8211; Japan&#8217;s 3rd highest at 3190m.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6658\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6658\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8895.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6658 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8895.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"And there's the proof. The shrine on top is typical of many mountains in Japan - home to the gods and historically the domain of pilgrims and priests until the late 1800s \" width=\"468\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8895.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8895-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8895-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8895-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6658\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">And there&#8217;s the proof. The shrine on top is typical of many mountains in Japan &#8211; home to the gods and historically the domain of pilgrims and priests until the late 1800s<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6660\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6660\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8885.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6660 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8885.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Time to get a few shots whilst the weather is kind at the summit!\" width=\"468\" height=\"624\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8885.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8885-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8885-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8885-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8885-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8885-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8885-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8885-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8885-900x1200.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6660\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Time to get a few shots whilst the weather is kind at the summit!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6667\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6667\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8912.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6667 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8912.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Views from Okuhotaka Peak\" width=\"468\" height=\"282\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8912.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8912-300x181.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8912-1024x618.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8912-1200x724.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8912-720x434.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8912-1440x868.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8912-390x235.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8912-780x470.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8912-900x543.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6667\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Views from Okuhotaka Peak<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6676\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6676\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01268.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6676 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01268.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"468\" height=\"703\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01268.jpg 1997w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01268-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01268-681x1024.jpg 681w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01268-1200x1803.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01268-900x1352.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01268-720x1082.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01268-1440x2164.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01268-390x586.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01268-780x1172.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc01268-510x766.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6676\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Maehotaka Peak &#8211; not today, maybe next year!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6666\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6666\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8957.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6666 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8957.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Steady descending on Zaitengrad's challenging boulders\" width=\"468\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8957.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8957-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8957-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8957-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8957-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8957-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8957-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8957-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8957-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8957-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6666\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Time to descend &#8211; 8-10 hours. Tricky\u00a0descending on Zaitengrad&#8217;s challenging boulders<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6655\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6655\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8940.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6655 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8940.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Tackling the 'Zaitengrad' boulders on descent. \" width=\"468\" height=\"624\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8940.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8940-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8940-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8940-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8940-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8940-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8940-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8940-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8940-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8940-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6655\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The morning heat and tricky rocks make for steady progress.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6664\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6664\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8998.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6664 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8998.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"As the legs and mind are weary, forest cover eases the way, on the final 2 hour stretch downstream and back to the hotel area in Kamikochi.\" width=\"468\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8998.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8998-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8998-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8998-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8998-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8998-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8998-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8998-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8998-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8998-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6664\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">As the legs and mind become\u00a0weary, flat trail and forest cover eases the way, on the final 2 hour stretch downstream and back to the hotel area in Kamikochi.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6692\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6692\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc02196.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6692 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc02196.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"A troop of Macaque Monkeys  - often found around the forested lower Azusa river valley, greeted a number of our hikers near the hotel.\" width=\"468\" height=\"311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc02196.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc02196-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc02196-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc02196-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc02196-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc02196-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc02196-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc02196-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc02196-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/dsc02196-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6692\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A troop of Macaque Monkeys &#8211; often found around the forested lower Azusa river valley, greeted a number of our hikers near the hotel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6663\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6663\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8999.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6663 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8999.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"This was the view up the Dakesawa Valley that welcomed us after a long 10 hour descent. One last photo before check-in at the riverside hotel - hot spring baths, futon and a French meal awaiting us!\" width=\"468\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8999.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8999-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8999-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8999-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8999-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8999-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8999-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8999-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8999-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8999-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6663\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This was the view up the Dakesawa Valley that welcomed us after a long 10 hour descent. One last photo before check-in at the riverside hotel &#8211; hot spring baths, futon and a French meal awaiting us!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6654\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6654\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9012.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6654 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9012.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Matsumoto is surely one of Japan's finest little cities. After time in the hills a little culture can be absorbed here  - the 16th century castle with the Alpine setting in the background from our previous days' endeavors. There is also a fantastic woodblock print gallery and charming old merchant streets to enjoy. I may live here one day!\" width=\"468\" height=\"624\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9012.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9012-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9012-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9012-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9012-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9012-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9012-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9012-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9012-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9012-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6654\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Matsumoto is surely one of Japan&#8217;s finest little cities. After time in the hills a little culture can be absorbed here &#8211; the 16th century castle with the Alpine setting in the background from our previous days&#8217; endeavors. There is also a fantastic woodblock print gallery and charming old merchant streets to enjoy. I may live here one day!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6653\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6653\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9022.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6653 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9022.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Never guaranteed, but we managed to book afternoon tea at a local teahouse, fortunate enough to enjoy a dance performance, chatting and playing drinking games with a 'maiko' - a trainee geisha.\" width=\"468\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9022.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9022-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9022-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9022-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9022-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9022-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9022-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9022-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9022-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9022-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6653\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Never guaranteed, but we managed to book afternoon tea at a local teahouse in Kyoto, fortunate enough to enjoy a dance performance, chatting and playing drinking games with a &#8216;maiko&#8217; &#8211; a trainee geisha.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6691\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6691\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_0442.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6691 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_0442.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"The greener, quieter Subashiri trail on Mt Fuji is where most of the hike is completed, rising from 2000m to around 3400m in just 5 hours. Dinner at 6, bed at 7:30 and up again the next morning at 2 for the final 2.5 hour push to the summit.\" width=\"468\" height=\"349\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_0442.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_0442-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_0442-1024x765.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_0442-1200x896.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_0442-900x672.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_0442-720x538.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_0442-1440x1076.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_0442-390x291.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_0442-780x583.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_0442-510x381.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6691\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The greener, quieter Subashiri trail on Mt Fuji is where most of the hike is completed, rising from 2000m to around 3400m in just 5 hours. Dinner at 6, bed at 7:30 and up again the next morning at 2 for the final 2.5 hour push to the summit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6647\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6647\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2671.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6647 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2671.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Here comes the sun - on top of the &quot;Land of the Rising Sun&quot; (3776m) - what everyone has hiked up Mt Fuji to see. The breaking of a new day from above.\" width=\"468\" height=\"312\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2671.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2671-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2671-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2671-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2671-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2671-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2671-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2671-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2671-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2671-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6647\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Here comes the sun &#8211; on top of the &#8220;Land of the Rising Sun&#8221; (3776m) &#8211; what everyone has hiked up Mt Fuji to see. The breaking of a new day from above.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6688\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6688\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2706.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6688 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2706.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"You never get lonely on Mt Fuji. We were lucky enough to hike behind chanting Buddhist Monks during our final push to the top.\" width=\"468\" height=\"312\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2706.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2706-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2706-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2706-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2706-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2706-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2706-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2706-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2706-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2706-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6688\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">You never get lonely on Mt Fuji. We were lucky enough to hike behind chanting Buddhist Monks during our final push to the top.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6689\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6689\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2698.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6689 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2698.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Sun, sun , sun - her it comes!\" width=\"468\" height=\"312\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2698.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2698-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2698-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2698-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2698-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2698-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2698-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2698-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2698-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_2698-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6689\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sun, sun , sun &#8211; her it comes!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6652\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6652\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9059.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6652 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9059.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"A peek inside the crater - even in the height of summer, a little snow remains in patches within the crater. All is peaceful below, for now!\" width=\"468\" height=\"223\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9059.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9059-300x143.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9059-1024x489.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9059-1200x573.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9059-900x430.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9059-720x344.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9059-1440x688.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9059-390x186.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9059-780x373.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9059-510x244.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6652\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A peek inside the crater &#8211; even in the height of summer, a little snow remains in patches within the crater. All is peaceful below, for now!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6650\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6650\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9063.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6650 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9063.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"The beautiful shadow cast by Mt Fuji in the early morning. A treat on a clear day for those that circuit the crater rim.\" width=\"468\" height=\"624\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9063.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9063-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9063-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9063-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9063-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9063-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9063-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9063-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9063-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9063-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6650\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The beautiful shadow cast by Mt Fuji in the early morning. A treat on a clear day for those that circuit the crater rim.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6651\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6651\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9140.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6651 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9140.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Glorious views down to Kawaguchi Lake and its surrounding mountains. The descent typically takes 3-4 hours on loose volcanic scree\" width=\"468\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9140.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9140-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9140-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9140-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9140-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9140-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9140-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9140-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9140-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_9140-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6651\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Glorious views down to Kawaguchi Lake and its surrounding mountains.<br \/> The descent typically takes 3-4 hours on loose volcanic scree<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6696\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6696\" style=\"width: 476px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8615.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-6696\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8615.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"After a long Fuji descent few make it beyond the hot spring bath house and bed before dinner - for those with a little more energy, the Hakone Open Air Sculpture park never fails to impress \" width=\"476\" height=\"357\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8615.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8615-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8615-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8615-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8615-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8615-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8615-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8615-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8615-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_8615-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 476px) 100vw, 476px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6696\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">After a long Fuji descent few make it beyond the hot spring bath house and soft bed for an afternoon nap before dinnertime &#8211; for those with a little more energy, however, \u00a0the Hakone Open Air Sculpture park never fails to impress<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6695\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6695\" style=\"width: 484px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6077.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-6695\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6077.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"Oh, and then it was back to this - a final sendoff in the neon of Tokyo.\" width=\"484\" height=\"363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6077.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6077-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6077-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6077-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6077-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6077-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6077-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6077-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6077-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/img_6077-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 484px) 100vw, 484px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6695\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Oh, and then it was back for\u00a0final sendoff in the exhilarating neon of Tokyo&#8217;s mega cool Shinjuku district. The full circle of adventure complete!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F6646&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F6646\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F6646&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F6646&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F6646%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F6646\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F6646\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like this post? Help us by sharing it! InsideJapan Tours&#8217; intrepid tour leader, Steve Parker, is a keen mountain walker and with Japan being made up of mountains (70% of the country is mountainous), it&#8217;s the perfect place for him. Having taken people around Japan for quite a few years now, he designed a tour [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2369],"tags":[1181,1608,1612,1621,1707,1892,1917],"class_list":["post-6646","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sports-and-adventure-in-japan","tag-climbing-mt-fuji","tag-hiking","tag-hiking-mountains","tag-historic-mountain-trails","tag-japanese-alps","tag-mountain-walking","tag-nakasendo-way"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6646","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6646"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6646\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8999,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6646\/revisions\/8999"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6646"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6646"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6646"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}