It was a warm, sunny weekend (above 0degC), we decided to wake up early, drove to Okutama area, took the cable car (MitakeTozan Railway), passed by Mitake Shrine, and hiked up to Mt. Mitake.
It was a bit icy at some areas, had to use the crampons, but the route was quite flat. It looked like a good route for MTB if there were no snow. It was quiet, peaceful and full of trees around, more like woods than mountain (not much view), but pleasant to walk in the winter. Next time, I certainly want to try riding MTB there!
We found an interesting Ninja-shaped Popcorn machine, and posting of Ninja Recruit (paid activities for kids)! Also there were a few souvenir shops near the Shrine. I was really interested in the enamel pins of many different kinds of local birds and animals, very detailedly drawn. Especially, Japanese Flying Giant Squirrel (Musasabi) is very popular in that area, you can find dolls sold and symbols of them around (even as toilet signs!)
Please click here to see my route!!
This is a really cool Utube video of Musasabi flying (which is extremely rare to see), please enjoy~
