Hello from Tokyo!
This week was a full week of splendid weather with lots of sun and highs around 22°C/70°F. After a few days of cold days and rain, it was a lovely contrast and a warm welcome into spring. Last week, Tokyo went into lockdown due to COVID cases, yet things still seem pretty normal.
Hiking up Mount Takao
Last weekend, I went hiking up Mount Takao. In Japan, there is hiking, but also yamanobori (山の登り), or hiking up mountains. Literally, it is mountain 山 climb 登り.
Mount Takao, is one of the most popular mountains to visit from Tokyo for a variety of reasons:
It’s close to Tokyo (about an hour from Shinjuku by train)
It’s a smaller mountain, at 599 meters, it’s only 3.1 km to the top with about 400 meters of elevation gain
There is a cable car that goes almost to the top for those who cannot or do not want to climb the whole thing
Since Tokyo went into lockdown and my friends are EARLY risers (as in 4 am), we left quite early, around 5 am. There was hardly anyone on the train and we got to the bottom of the mountain around 7 am.
We took it nice and slow and took about an hour to reach the top.
At the top there were Olympic Rings in front of mountain Fuji. What a nice view.
This hike however, was a special one: it was one of my friend’s 100th time up Takao! Like any celebration we celebrated with a cake.
The nice thing about Mount Takao is that you can see the Tokyo skyline. In addition, there is also a large temple on the way to the top.
It was only 10:30 by the time we climbed down and reached the station to head back. Surprisingly, we were greeted by large crowds of people, even though we are in lockdown (but hey, I was there too).
Mount Takao is a busy attraction. Despite this, I do recommend Mount Takao to those visitors who want a taste of mountain climbing in Japan, but don’t have time to travel to a farther mountain.
Mount Takao includes a view of mountain Fuji, Tokyo Skyline, temple, and cable cars. What more could you ask for?
Japanese washlet toilet at the top, of course
unsolicited recommendation #3
This week, I’d like to introduce a piece of fruit adored by Japanese people. Keep in mind, however, fruit is pretty expensive in Japan and, unsurprisingly, this citrus is as well.
I would like to recommend Dekopon, デコポン. It is a type of mandarin orange with quite a distinctive shape. Not only is it super easy to peel, it contains very few seeds if any. But that’s not what makes this fruit so special. It’s special because the flavor is amazing. I cannot describe it with words-- it isn’t very sour and has a very unique taste.
Until I started writing this and doing some quick research, I realized that it has entered the US market as “Sumo mandarin.” I guess this isn’t a specialty only unique to Japan, but know that it does originate from Japan!
If you ever get the chance, it is likely worth the extra $$$.
Great post Sandra. From the hike with the perfect view, the amazing fruit even the clean WC! 😉🤸🏽♂️😆🧐
You have been so generous with your time to keep us in USA informed on all your adventures. How fortunate the Olympics will be held there! Have fun. We love the photos, too!