![\"hiking](\"http:\/\/traveljapanblog.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/05\/17123432trim.jpg\" "\\"moss")
<\/a><\/p>\nA view of Mt. Fuji? <\/p>\n
And need a little exercise (about 700 meters of elevation gain)?<\/p>\n Then Mt. Kuratake is the hike for you. I followed the guidelines in Day Walks Near Tokyo<\/a><\/I> which was surprisingly accurate for once. One error is the view of Mt. Fuji. Weather permitting, you’ll get to see Fuji San from the top of the mountain, not from the ridge. <\/p>\n Regarding the Day Walks Near Tokyo<\/I> guidebook, if you are coming from Shinjuku and want to save a few hundred yen, each way, take the Keio Line to Takao Station insead of the Chuo Line on JR as suggested.<\/p>\n The hiking course begins at Torisawa Station (\u9ce5\u6ca2\u99c5). There are few services nearby. I didn’t see any restaurants or any of the typical tourist shops that can usually be found next to hiking routes this close to Tokyo. There are two konbinis near the Torisawa Station (7-Eleven and Daily Yamazaki). These will be your last chance to get a bento. There are a few vending machines before you hit the real trail. I brought my usual one bottle of water and ran out so you may want more than one. <\/p>\n Above is a picture of Otsuki City down below from the top of Mt. Kuratake. Even though it was a clear day, the sun was so bright many things in the distance got washed out a bit in photos. To increase your odds of a good Fuji scene start your hike early, very early if possible. If you don’t get an early start, consider arriving at the top about a half hour or so before sunset. Don’t forget your headlamp for the way home though. Also, Mt. Fuji is usually easier to see in winter. However, the trails won’t be nearly as green and enjoyable after the leaves fall (in November) and before they return again (in April). I wouldn’t really recommend this hike in the winter unless you know the skies will be clear on top and your main objective is to see Fuji San.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n