“Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.”
The longest and most amazing hike I have done so far; this is the Omoteginza traverse on the Northern Alps of Japan. Four days and three nights on the mountains plus a day of exploring Matsumoto - I wish summer wouldn’t end yet.
Day one was mostly spent traveling to Matsumoto station and exploring the area, buying supplies, submitting my hiking plan, and reviewing the routes I would take. The information center at the station is a must-go place if you have questions or are not sure about the huts and routes.
On the day of the hike, I was up early to catch the 30-minute train ride to Hotaka station from Matsumoto station. The stations in the area do not accept IC cards so make sure to buy your tickets at the machine counters. There were only 5 people waiting for the bus to the trailhead (Nakabusa Onsen) when I arrived at the bus stop (1800Y).
Bus schedule - https://culmina.jp/en/chubu/nagano/tsubakuro
The trail wastes no time getting steep very quickly as it begins climbing the forested trail to Kasengoya hut - a great place to take a breather. From here, it's a gentle slope to the hut and campsite. Reservations are needed even when pitching a tent(2000Y).
Day three was the longest, most thrilling, and most amazing of all the days. It was about 7-8 hours of hiking up and down hills and involved ladders and chains. The rocky ridge made it all thrilling. I took my time and was very careful. The last stretch to the hut just below Mt. Yarigatake was my favorite. The hut charges 2000Y for tent use and they have a staff that speaks English.
The climb to the summit of Mt. Yarigatake was fun. Looking at it, you would think of climbing it otherwise but when you’ve climbed it, you’ll be happy you did.
On the last day, I woke early as usual since the hike down to Kamikochi would take me about 6-7 hours. From there, I took the bus to Matsumoto station (need to change to local train) and was back in Tokyo by 8 PM.
This hike got me a lot of thinking; to never doubt myself and to push harder. No matter how slow I take, how heavy I carry, eventually, I will get to my destination - and this thought kind of resonates and aligns with my life at the moment.
I did not get lost but I understand myself more.
