Another great way of enjoying Japan
Escaping from Tokyo for a hike

A few weeks ago, I joined the French community in Tokyo for a hike in the mountains near Tokyo. It is amazing how quickly you can actually get outside of town and enjoy a quiet moment in nature.

This hike was around the Sagami Lake and Mount Jimba (aka Jimbasan in Japanese). A quick lesson in Japanese grammar. Jimbasan does not mean honorable and respected Jimba, it means Mount Jimba (in this case san means mountain).

Step1: find your mountain
That was very easy, just hop on the orange train (from the Chuo line in Tokyo station) and ride for about 1 hour. You will arrive at Sagami station, the starting point of the hike.
The hike was described as easy and people from 7 to 77 years old could join.
It took about 15-20 minutes for the sounds of cars to disappear and for the nature to get back to the front of the stage. A gorgeous day it was, super sunny and just warm enough (in the 20 degrees C).
We quickly reach the first station with a shrine to welcome us.

Step2: get back on track
The next stopping point was for observing the Sagami Lake from above. So far, the hike was very easy. And there was a guy who had brought chocolate and was actually willing to give it away to us…I tell you, it was a good hike!

Step3: get to the top on Jimbasan
It was agreed that we would get lunch once we arrive at the top of Jimbasan, so everyone was at first greatly motivated to get there quickly. I mean, getting to eat ramen in the mountains, that was something to look forward to!
On the way there, we got a good view of Fuji-san. Then finally, we reached the top of Jimbasan (857m).
From there, we could get a nice 360 view but unfortunately the restaurants up there were not ready for this “huge” group of 30 French dudes, starving and willing to get a big bowl of soba or ramen…..And you would have thought that everything was super organized here…well trust me, it took us some time before finding a way to get food. It was the first time for me that cup noodles tasted so good! The same kind of noodles that you would get on Air France when flying to Japan…on the plane these noodles don’t taste as good. Either starvations or maybe altitude made them taste much better!

Step4: going back to town
Another evidence that the hike was very well organized: after our late lunch, a member of the group ran ahead and went down to the valley to book an onsen for everybody. The onsen is the Japanese hot spring where we relaxed and had a few beers. That was a very much needed break and a great way to finish that sunny and warm Sunday. On top of that, we got to see some Cherry Blossoms over there!

It was weird to end up on a super crowded train back to Tokyo. It was like a sudden reminder that nature was only there for the week end and that the week end was … over!

- Nico