My travels in Japan have come to an end, however I need to chronicle the last few adventures and lessons. In subsequent posts, I'll be unveiling the future direction of this blog and what can be expected in further posts. However, let me begin with my most memorable event in the land of the rising sun; the 3 part story of the day I climbed a mountain.
Part 1: A Mammoth Decision
After taking a night bus to Tokyo from the university in Akita, I navigated the train system from Tokyo Station to Kawaguchiko station. I stepped off the train and stood in the presence of Japan's largest mountain and dormant (but soon active) volcano, Mount Fuji.
Humbled by its massive size and towering peak, I decided I should fill my belly before tackling such an assent. The local town was bustling with tourists, so I started walking down the street to the first restaurant I could find. It was a small cafe with only a few backpackers seated for service, so I entered and chose Beef Curry from the menu.
I decided to create a plan of attack for this mountain. My left pocket held my tactician's tablet, a palm-sized notebook where I could compare the relative costs and benefits for each strategy;
Plan 1) Scale the Fugisan (I had already paid for a bus ticket, and I wouldn't be with a group so nobody could know where I am, plus I'll be fatigued before getting halfway up the mountain. However, I'll have an awesome story and challenge myself, if I would just be a man, fill up my water pack and move through the pain)
Plan 2) Take the Bus and Meet friends at 5th Point/ halfway up the mountain (Basically the opposite arguments here. I would save energy by using the purchased bus ticket and meet up with friends at the designated point, but I would be nothing but a simple tourist and miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience)
After I finished my meal, I came to my conclusion. I thought to myself, "Fuck it, I'm climbing the bitch." Just after that, a backpacker who was also about to leave the restaurant gave me his hiking stick (the one you see in my facebook picture) and told me it was from his morning ascent. Taking this as a confirmatory sign from the universe, I thanked him and accepted the walking stick with my red-hot spirit blazing for adventure. And so my journey began ^_^
Part 2: Initial Ascent
The first two to three hours were a plunge into the doubting depths of my being. I started walking in the direction of the mountain along the main road, where busses shuttled herds of tourists to and from the 5th point (halfway up the mountain). It was a hot, humid day and the sun was cooking my flesh. I sipped away at the straw connected to my water pack, and observed the incoming doubts and compromises my mind began to create. Thoughts told me to turn back, or get on a bus, or try to hitchhike. I dismissed these and pushed forward through the oppressive heat, stopping every hour or two to rest and eat.
After three hours of walking, my defensively pessimistic mind began to settle and my spirit opened up. As I walked on I felt as if the mountain herself was observing me climb. The surrounding nature was calm and beautiful; the dense forest was filled with the quiet humming of insects and occasional chirping of birds.
I soon began to sing (both known and made up songs) with a rush of theatrical excitement, as if I were on stage or starring in a motion picture. I waved to passing busses and cars, grinning with pride. Every step was filled with purpose, and every kilometer a testament to human persistance. With force and fervor, I smashaed the walking stick into the ground in time with my steps, my body now becoming an instrument that drummed a beat against the pavement.
Kept in time by the perpetual rhythm of foot, stick, and concrete, I conquered First Step, Second Step, Third, Forth. Soon night fell, and I walked on by the light of the moon and stars. I finally reached the 5th station lodge at 9:30pm; I had walked 9 hours what most people took a 35 minute bus ride to skip over. After meeting with friends and sharing stories of travels thus far, I collapsed on the tatami mats to rest. Later I forced down a Bento dinner; I had no appetite, and only felt the throbbing pain in my calves. I finally went to sleep in a sleeping bag, glad to finally rest my muscles.
Coming soon...
Part 3: Test of a Man's Will!