Minamiashigara is a small town located in Hakone area. It’s the best holiday place for people, who like hiking. There are many hiking routes in the surroundings of this town. At the beginning, I chose one of the shortest ones, called ‘Ashigara Pass’. According to the guide book, this tour takes 2 houres 40 minutes, but in my case, it took over 3 houres.

After 20 minutes by walk from ‘Jizodo’, I could watch the first tourist spot on my route. 23 metres high ‘Yuhinotaki waterfall’ is really worth seeing! There is a camping just near the waterfall, when you can go on holiday during the summer and bath in the river under the waterfall any time you want! After taking many photos, I came back on the route. Although I was walking away from the waterfall further and further, I still coud hear characteristic sound of falling water. Next part of the tour was harder than I thought it will be. Because of just a few signposts on the route, which was hidden in a lush forest, it was really difficult to recognize where the route leads. Moreover, there were a lot of stones there, what made walking hard and tiring. Although exhausting walking, I could fully relax, because on the route there were no tourists except of me and it was really nice to listen just the sounds of nature without any cars’ sounds or other people voices.

When I finally arrive at ‘togebunki’ spot, I felt really happy and satisfied. From here, walking became much easier. There were ‘Mt. Fuji wantage point’ on the route, but unfortunately, it was too foggy that day, to see anything. When I went to ‘Ashigara Toge’, I took a longer break than before, because there were some rest places there, where I could eat my snacks. I was really hungry, because I lost a lot of energy! When I ate up everything I found in my bag, I came back to the ‘Jizodo’ spot.

Summary

Ashigara Pass is not the most attractive and spectacular touristic tour. That’s why I recommend this tour only for the people, who like hiking. Remember to take precise map, bacause on the tour there are not many signposts and it’s easy to get lost. Tour is quite long and there are no shops on the route. Don’t forget about hiking shoes, drinks and snacks then. When you will be ready, let’s go and enjoy it, as I did!

Weronika Golubska

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* This article was written by a trainee from overseas. Please note that there might be spelling and grammar mistakes.