Running in Yuzawa
Running in Yuzawa, Japan

Running in Yuzawa, Japan

But first: we must run!

Running and hiking during a trip is my number one must do. Cali and I had done some pre-planning on Google Maps days prior to our Fuji Rock trip. To our joy, we discovered how hilly and littered with forests Yuzawa is. There was no shortage of short trails around Yuzawa and even in Naeba where the festival was being held. So, we planned for a short run around the picturesque town of Yuzawa before heading to the festival.

Fuji Rock Festival 2018
Japan country side

It was a clear, cloudless July morning. I assumed it would be a hot run, but I was wrong!

Fuji Rock Festival 2018
Mornings in Yuzawa

Just 3 kilometers from our starting point, we spotted a trailhead and decided to go follow it. When in doubt, Google Translate.

Fuji Rock Festival 2018
Trailhead at Mt. Akiha

We had the well-marked trail to ourselves. In fact, we didn’t encounter a single human being until about the last 10 minutes of our run when we saw an old uncle walking his dog.

Fuji Rock Festival 2018
Road to trail

20 minutes later, we found ourselves at the top of a small hill, with this view.

Fuji Rock Festival 2018
View from Mt. Akiha

Fuji Rock Festival 2018
View from Mt. Akiha

Fuji Rock Festival 2018
A gate (torii) marks the entrance to the summit

We started our descent en route back to the road and to our hotel. We didn’t take the same route going back so we’d have more to see. Some more snaps from our run below.

Fuji Rock Festival 2018
Wayside temple in Yuzawa

Fuji Rock Festival 2018
Trail parallel to Shinkansen track

Fuji Rock Festival 2018
Shinkansen track

Fuji Rock Festival 2018
Road back to the hotel

Overall a good run. We weren’t too tired by the end of it, which left us enough energy for the day’s festival. Now off to Fuji Rock 2018!

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