Not yet halfway up

but finally solitude---something not easy to come by so close to Tokyo. Nyohosan in Nikko Japan. Not one of the top 100 mountains to climb in Japan and thus fewer people normally around compared to more popular hill like nearby Nantaisan. That's why I chose it and this route. The first time, I did not encounter a single person. This time, only one and he was listening to a squirrel bark. I did find pheasant (unexpected in this area), and plenty of deer sign. I saw no bear tracks or droppings---never have around here, but I noticed the guy I met was wearing a bear bell.



Not a well-marked trail, either. Good.

Nakimushiyama Trail/Nyohosan

The quickest and easiest semi-natural area to get to from Tokyo is the Nikko area. Since access is relatively quick and easy and since the terrain is not tremendously challenging, it is often best to go to the less popular trails there if one wants to avoid crowds.

A successful day for me is when I can avoid the sight or sounds of humans. I get my fill of that every single day in Tokyo. This wasn't entirely successful as Nakimushiyama (around 1103.5 meters high) is too easy of a hike and is too close to Nikko to avoid everyone---I met a lady who looked to be in her 70s coming down the trail---but it is about the best that can be done on a one-day hike.

The real mountain is Nyohosan (2483 meters) I believe. However, as my crude map was more for entertainment than accurate navigating, I can't be positive.

A kiss goodnight

Fujisan can't often be seen from Tokyo, but on clear winter days it occasionally makes an appearance. On a spring-like Valentines Day, it became visible just before sunset.

Taken with a Nikon D300/Tamron 200-500mm (@500mm) from Tamagawadai Park, Tokyo.

Trouble coming

From 2007 at Utsukushigahara in Nagano.

Nakimushiyama, Nikko Japan

Close to Nikko station---about a 10 minute walk to the trailhead. The "mountain" itself is only 1104 meters high, but is a very steep climb for the last 1/3.

Nikko Japan

In the mountains about 2 hours from Tokyo. Nakimushiyama Trail. (What happened to the color in this? I guess my monitor calibration has gone off again?)

Lake Chuzenji

About 2 hours from Tokyo. We spent 2 days there this time, but by the evening of the first day, the snow was melting and mosquitoes were coming out. Then it started raining hard. It always happens when I go somewhere. That is one of the biggest reasons that I am considering buying a Nikon D300---it is "weather proofed." Well, at least weather resistant. Lens aren't though.

Rocky top

Everygreen and not

Mid-May at Utsukushigahara, Nagano

Fujisan from Utsukushigahara

The weather was relatively clear, but the air seemed quite smoky that day. Now if only I do black and white conversions better. This was done using Image Factory software with what is in effect, a red filter and their Ilford Delta setting for color sensitivity.

Big Sky Country, Japan

Returned to Utsukushigahara in Nagano last week. Still freezing or below at dawn. Winds were about 50mph in the morning. It was hard to stand up and my camera and tripod would easily have been blown away if I let go. This was taken Saturday night, just before an unusually unspectacular sunset.

Clouds below

As the sun was setting on Feb 18th at Utsukushigahara. D70, Tokina 12-24 aspherical@24mm.
1/160 F10 ISO 200, from NEF. Converted to BW with Photocamel's plug.

Sunday at sundown

Nikon D70s with Tokina 12-24 aspherical at 12mm. f10 1/200 ISO 200

Northwest

A glimpse of blue

A rare sight this morning on this cloud enshrouded mountain top

7AM

Monday Morning Rising Sun

Wind-blown Clouds

Ohgatou Hotel

The website is here (in Japanese) but many they have a gallery here.

Utsukushigahara

Actually translates as "Beautiful plain."