藤向堂　Fujisakido

I participated with one of the Trail running tour, organized by seven hill adventure at the last day of 2017.  Approximately 13km total, with 200m elevation.

We went a bit upscale trip to Nasu Shiobara, stayed  Angel Forest Nasu Shiobara  for our anniversary in December. We tried to hike mountains, but we did not prepare for any snow shoes, so we turned back down in the middle  Their hot spring was great, and these dome cottages are fun.  I ran in the early morning, just for 6km, since the ground was frozen and snowing like hell. We definitely should have had winter tires or chains for our Kei car to drive to this area in winter time!

Shibire lake camp (Sui-Mei-Sou) Facilities: Grill: You can make fire on ground, or one cooking section per a block Sink: About 6 facets Bathroom: Yes, 3 for each gender. Stores nearby: None Pet: OK. Mobile: IIJMio and Nuromobile are worked well there. Shower: No Administration: There are 4 sections; You can make fire on ground in one site, but you cannot in the other 2 bigger (specious) sites. Get a instruction of paper in the Sui-Mei-Sou above. This place is the most silent place, where you can get away from all auto vehicle noise. Map We visited in Oct 14th and Nov 25th  in 2017. It was freezing cold in the latter. Bring your heavy winter equipment!  Hiking trails: The hiking trail to Hiru ga take would reveal one of the best view of Mt. Fuji. Hotsprings  you could stop by on the way to go back to capital area:  Mitama no yu Hottarakashi hotspring Again, We western tattoo couple did not have any problem using both bath places.

While my husband's family was visiting in the beginning of Nov. 2017, we took the both side of the family to Karuizawa for vacation. In that occasion, I ran to Hanareyama in Karuizawa.  It was pouring rain, but it cleared out as soon as I finished running....  Mount Asama. I would climb if I would have been alone. Karuizawa is tourist destination, where attract people in each season. It was a bit crowded for my taste, but accommodating for foregin people. Recommended to take your family members who would not like adventure nor climbing.

Map I started climing around 7 oclock, through Honnida mountain. October 10th, 2017, and came back down around 1 oclock. I parked one of the paid parking lot right across the road from Okutama station. In order to go back to the car from Kori station, I needed to ride public train, so I didn't take my dog. Approx. 15km. 1400m elevation gain.  Te beginning of the climb is steep, and there are several steep rocky area. So you should bring your groves.

Sept 10th,  2017. Participated in short course, which is 23k.  We stayed Lodge Kaze No Oto for 2 nights, where we can bring our dog.

We climbed from Mitsumine shrine side, which is less crowded, than Tokyo side. We camped and reserved spot. Started climbing around 8am,  and arrived around 3pm. So, we stayed outside, but had dinner in this inn. We told them we will be with our dog at the reservation time. So they should be fine. However, in keeper automatically assumed our dog was going to bite people, and yelled at us for hanging out with other people in common area outside. I told him calmly. My dog do not bite. Maybe he had done nasty things to dogs in the past and got backlash, or not, nevertheless, I am disappointed about conservative fear nested in his mind.  Nonetheless, morning view there was priceless.  we came back down and took a bath in Mitsumine shrine.

Lake Motosu Ikeno Mori camp ground   Facilities : Grill : 12 ish Sink : About 12 facets Bathroom : Yes Stores nearby: None Pet : OK. Mobile : IIJMio and Nuromobile are worked well there. Shower : Yes Administration : Garbage has to be taken back home, or big plastic bag can be sold by the office for 100 yen and they will take that bag. This place is perfect for family with kids. In fact, YMCA camp apparently chose here for kids activity. On the other hand, if you prefer more silent, laid back environment, I would suggest staying the right neighboring camp site; Kou-an Tent village. Note : This camp site is sectioned out and your spot can be reserved beforehand. Map : https://goo.gl/maps/tyvRbqHbLYy Hiking trails: Mt Ryugatake through Hatashi peak (1256m) is the closest and steep trail of the casual climing. If it is fine weather, Mt. Fuji could be visible from the top. Note: We stopped by Fujisaikoonsen Izumi Hot Spring https://goo.gl/maps/2aW6uWcZtGD2 The ...

Prefectural Akagi Park Quote from the official website: "Camp Site. Application is unnecessary and free. It can be used freely. Toilets and water supply can not be used in winter. Please be sure to bring garbage back. Direct fire is prohibited. Please use barbecue stove etc. Please refrain from using for a long period (about one week)." Facilities: Grill : 8 Sink : About 12 facets Bathroom : Yes, but Japanese squatting style. Stores nearby : None Pet : No one said anything about a not-so-barking middle size dog. Mobile : IIJMio and Nuromobile are worked well there. Shower : None Administration : They clean toilet daily, but administration is the least invasive to visitor. Map :  https://goo.gl/maps/KVFk3oi11mL2 Hiking trails: Mt. Kurobi is the closest and highest mountain in the area. Note 1 : The place is in the story of one of the poplar road racing manga. Therefore, you will hear a lot of blasting sound in the middle of the night. If you nee...