Spontaneous Hike Up Akagiyama - Mt. Jizoudake 地蔵岳

Nothing like a good hike, and where I live in Japan in the Kanto region is full of hiking 🥾 trails I have yet to explore.

Last Monday I took a spontaneous trip to Akagiyama ( Mt. Akagi ) in Gunma prefecture. The region is full of mountains 🏔many of which are volcanic and active, providing natural hot springs for your bathing pleasure.

I didn’t really plan to go hiking but I had planned to go to Akagiyama with the idea that the Navi would take me to a scenic view to take a few pics and inhale the fresh air.... but that wouldn’t be the case.

After a one hour and 15 minute drive, and the Navi saying “you have arrived”, hopes of an easy view of the prefecture were slowly dying. I decided to drive around a bit and ended up by a lake. Ah yes!!! Time to get the camera 📷 out and take some pics of Lake Onuma.

I can imagine in the summer this is a lively spot with swimming and picnic dates. But this time of year it is cold and the only people around are explorers like myself and a few fisher men.

So I guess I have to work for that view huh?

I drove from the lake and headed to a parking lot I saw that looked like it led to a hiking trail. I was right, it did, I also saw two men coming from a small trail dressed in running gear which was conformation. I should have asked how the trail was, but mama said don’t talk to strangers 😂.

I made my way up the trail with my camera 📸 out ready to snap up some nature. The trail was looking easy and manageable.

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Then the terrain got so bad I had to put my camera in my backpack. It’s a good thing I came prepared; thick jacket, timberland boots and some water. Hanging on to trees, rocks and a few slips here and there ( but no fall ), and I was on my way.

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There were many points I felt like turning back, the air was getting thin, and my legs weary. On top of that it was around 3:00 PM and it gets dark quick in the fall/winter. I kept on wondering “hmm how much longer?” While looking into the seemingly endless mountain. ”just trod on, it’s gonna be worth it. Get those pics. You gonna feel even shittier if you quit.”

I’m not a quitter, what I start I finish.....or leave for later. 😂

The thing about hiking besides the blissful nature, is the fact that it’s a life lesson every time. Every new mountain seems insurmountable and endless until you reach the top. And what is at the top only lasts for a fraction of the trip and it may not be what you expected. So enjoy the journey as well as the destination. There is benefit in the struggle.

<sub>love seeing the crumpled hills.

look at all those tiny 🏠. Zoom in, you can see a river as well.

I shouted at the top of my lungs, did a bit of affirmations to the universe/God as well.

Gotta love a view.</sub>

And just like life, the hike teaches us that the destination isn’t always what we expect it to be.

Antennas were everywhere. I could literally feel the frequencies flowing through my body starting from my wrist ( and I wasn’t wearing a smart watch). Are any 5G? Who knows. I know one said TBS.

But even when or if we reach our destination and it’s not what was expected, look for and focus on the positive.

Remember that lake we stopped at? Here it is from above... and to the side.

It was time to go, I actually had work in the evening and it was a far walk and drive back. As I looked for the right trail I couldn’t help but feel I was being watched. I looked to my right and saw this mini statue. They are usually in graveyards or near them. I need to learn the stories behind these.

And back down the trail we go. The entire hike took around an hour, not too bad.

This wooden fence greeted me as I neared the parking lot. Boy was I happy to see them 😆.

Hope you enjoyed the pics and insight into Akagiyama, more specifically Jizoudake.

Blessings!

Dmilliz