***This post is a recount of the trip after I returned to Singapore from the trip.***
Link to day 2's video: https://youtu.be/li2cak335o4
Today I had only one plan, to start climbing mountains ASAP. The mountain of choice is Mount Ukidake, located at Fukuyoshi, some 1 hour train ride away. Train rides are expensive in Japan, but I have no other choice. LOL.
And yes, I finally got to see the cab view of Japanese trains with my own eyes. Pretty amazing to actually see what the driver is doing and to see the views up ahead! Something I gotta say also, the trains are dead quiet when they stop at stations. So peaceful!
I finally reached Fukuyoshi at around 11am. Weather was crazy cold here in the countryside. I actually shivered a little at the train station. Had to stop to play some Pokemon Go first. Then it started drizzling. GG Pokemon Go. Braved the light rain and ran to the nearest FamilyMart to buy a pair of thick gloves, out of fear that my hands will freeze up on the mountaintop. Also bought a can of potato chips before my journey began.
First, I had to trudge through some private property to get access to the mountains at the back. It was nice seeing how locals do farming in Japan, although I would say other countries are superior when it comes to farming. I got lost a couple of times trying to navigate my way to the base of the mountain.
Saw the first shrine of my trip at this random shrine that looks real haunted, thought I didn't really care cause I am not afraid of anything, even death. Took some nice pictures and videos and left the place. Shrines are pretty boring.
The way up was tough. The roads just kept going upwards and never seem to become a neutral horizontal path. But the views along the way was everything I wanted in a hike in a cold country. Shiok!
I had to turn into this small suspicious road that is the start of the trail. Actually it wasn't even a legit trail to be honest. It was just some mountain I thought it'd be nice climbing. There was no one at all throughout my hike, which was honestly the best thing ever.
At 1:30pm, I reached this "peak" or lookout point. I can see the entire south Fukuoka from there. Decided to sit down and consume my food there. Even used a Tori gate as a selfie stick. Well, in my defence, I really didn't know what a Tori gate is at the start of the trip.
Chilled at the spot for like a good 10 minutes and decided to continue on because I might not make it back to town on time by sunset if I don't start moving again. Continued with the walk and was starting to get very bored. Until I chanced upon one whole entire abandoned village (no pictures cause I was busy recording videos).
After exploring the abandoned village and concluding that it isn't haunted, I left for civilisation. The roads started going downhill and I soon reached houses that are actually occupied. I wanted to walk to the other station called Chikuzen-Fukae but it was another 7km on top of my already covered 15km. Instead I turned left to Dainyu and took the train back to Fukuoka from there.
While waiting for the train (which I missed cause Google Maps was inaccurate), I got a notification on both iPhones about a potential snowstorm occurring in the area. I was legit excited sia, my very first natural disaster and I get to experience all of it.
Sadly it was likely a false alarm because the skies look super duper clear. The train arrived and I had no choice but to board it or else I'm gonna be waiting another hour in this dilapidated train station with no lights.
Reached central Fukuoka and decided to walk into a random izakaya and order a random item off the menu because I really don't understand the menu and I wasn't aware of how great Apple translate is at that moment.
Just gotta say this noodles with egg thing is damn good, although it takes like 20 minutes to cook one each time. Before I finished my first one, I already ordered my second one. Shiok. Bought more beer as I headed back to the hostel after dinner. This beer and bread buying each night will become the standard for the rest of the trip.
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