***This post is a recount of the trip after I returned to Singapore from the trip.***
I followed what I assumed to be fellow hikers and because of Pokemon Go, I lost track of them and ended up on the wrong path. GG. This area was really peaceful and quiet, and I loved it. Finally found the trailhead and it was situated snuggly behind a small town.
The initial climb was so steep that chains are provided for hikers to grab. I scaled 500m of elevation in the first hour alone. Only caught up to like 2 other groups of hikers and overtook them. Surprisingly, the jungles start getting thicker the higher I went.
And pretty soon, the temperatures dropped to freezing, although for me it is still manageable. I spent about 2 whole hours going upwards before reaching the summit.
And surprise surprise there were vending machines supplying hot drinks at the top. What even... My body is starting to feel the cold but the hot coffee warmed me back up. So crazy. And not sure why there are Pokemon Gyms at the top here as well, so I spent a good amount of time inside this cozy toilet playing Pokemon Go. There are actual functioning heaters in the toilet, which is crazy because the whole time, I was the only one at this summit.
I needed to climb another 20m or so to reach the actual high point. This was where I finally touched the snow I wanted to touch so badly this trip. But sigh, it wasn't really snow, just some frozen water. But still, what an achievement.
After a few photos at the summit, I hurriedly left the place headed for the tourist town, Arimaonsen, behind the mountain. The down climb was smooth, as it had many gentle slopes and I was able to run down most of it. I reached the town slightly before 3pm and treated myself to some sake.
Again, my friends kept suggesting me to try the Japanese sake. I tried, and it isn't my cup of alcohol. I still prefer beer and whiskey. Actually wanted to loiter around this little town more, but I'm super shag and just wanna head back to Osaka. I wanted to find my comfort food.
As I was leaving this town, I actually think it would be pretty amazing if the next time I visit Japan, I could stay in this town. It is still pretty accessible via train, but far enough from Osaka to be peaceful and quiet. Not to mention half of Google pictures about this place is filled with snow.
My train passed by Kobe and I decided to get off cause why not right? Kobe is another amazing prefecture and I figured I could also find food here. It was dark by the time I reached Kobe central cause the sun sets real fast in Japan. I walked to a random udon place and settled dinner there. So nice the vibes!
Initially wanted to try some authentic Kobe beef but almost every restaurant was fully booked. Not fated so I guess I'll still stick to my Australian steaks. Loitered around Kobe a little more before heading back to Osaka for real.
Promptly returned to the hostel but was feeling hungry again. The adrenaline from climbing mountain died down and now I'm famished. Headed back out to the streets at 9pm and chanced upon this amazing izakaya. Had to self-cook the food before eating. Quite nice the vibes...
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