Mount Takao, trail 6 - June 20, 2020

This was the first weekend our travel restrictions were partially lifted and we were excited to play tourist again. Friday night had been a late night for David so we didn't get moving until late morning. We choose to visit Mt. Takao again since we had an idea of what to expect and were unlikely to get stuck on the mountain after dark. The last time we visited Mt. Takao we hiked up trail 1 and then came down via the incline train. We wanted a different experience this time so we decided to hike up trail 6 and return on trail 1. I throughly enjoyed trail 6. The majority of the trail is a dirt path the follows a small stream. It was very picturesque.

The summers are hot and humid so hiking here is similar to walking in a rainforest. Apparently collecting/observing bugs is a 'thing' here. Children and adults were walking around with insect nets. I saw multiple adults turning over rocks to look under them, and one little boy brought a container to put his 'wildlife' in.

The hydrangeas have started to bloom. More on those in another post...

It is Japan, and it is Mt. Takao, so there is a shrine at every turn.

There was a particularly steep set of steps just before we reached the summit. Our efforts were rewarded with views that we didn't get the last time we were here. Although, it was too overcast to see Mt. Fuji still.

On the way down we passed by the many temples, statues and shrines Mt. Takao is known for. I tried to not post any duplicate shots from our last trip.

OK, so the last picture is similar to one I took previously. It is the main temple, and this one is a better shot so I felt obligated to add it.

I have become a bit obsessed with the Japanese butterflies. I saw one that looked like a teal swallowtail when out on a run one day and am hopeful to see one again someday.

It isn't a trip to Mt. Takao unless you get the black sesame Dango. It comes as 3 'balls' on a stick but I had already eaten one when I remembered to take a picture. The first time I had it I didn't know what I was ordering. I just knew I was hungry and it was food. It turned out to be REALLY good food and is now one of my favorites.

The walk down the steep part of trail 1 was more like a never ending controlled fall. It was brutal on my legs. The next day they were stiff and sore. I am officially getting old. On our next visit to Mt. Takao I think we will go up trail 6 and try a new trail on the way down....after stopping for Dango....