Fly, Hike & Travel.

We have moved slightly south of the Japan Alps to a very pretty town called Magome. It is the starting point of a historical trail which used to be part of the route Kyoto-Tokyo which was of great importance during Edo period. We are staying at the Minshuku Tajima one of those inns right next to that trail.

We spent a couple of days in the Japan Alps. We took a train to Matsumoto, continued to Kamikōchi and spent a first night at the entrance of the national park. On the second day the hiking started against an impressive backdrop of steep mountains rising up to 3000 meters. We hiked about 3 hours up along a river to reach our second night Ryokan Tokusawa-en. It was a bit pricy, had limited service and – kind of a big exception in Japan – the owner, we believe, was not overly friendly. On day 2 we hiked towards Karasawa, the starting point of serious alpine tours. For us that was the end as we had low hiking shoes, no ropes, no tent, well, nothing half-way professional looking. The Japanese mountain boys and girls came with incredible gear, the kind of equipment the NASA is using for the expedition to the moon (hmmm… I may just be jealous). It was a very nice hike. Again, the pictures…

We’re on a train during lunch time. As we had quite early breakfast before Pierre’s departure we knew we would be hungry. So we bought a japanese lunchbox. There are thousands of those, one for every taste and hunger.

Arigatou Gozaimasu Guido-Sensei & Guido-San & Ojiisan.
Dave and I enjoying our last Japanese meal at Osaka Airport. Udon, tempura, fried eggs and pickles!!!
Had an amazing time on all levels.
Thanks again for all!
Sayonara