![\"FH000023\"](\"http:\/\/www.hyogoajet.net\/hyogotimes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/FH000023.jpeg\")
<\/a>The trail starts with 4 or 5 log steps that quickly dissolve into a mess of tree roots and rubble. The initial ascent is incredibly steep and challenging. After about an hour of steep climbing through the pine and cedar forest, you will reach a huge rock formation that popular with expert rock climbers. After this, the hike gets really challenging and fun (or scary, depending on who you ask). There are a series of rock outcroppings that require the assistance of ropes and chains to climb. After about 40 minutes of this fun, you will reach the summit of Otenshou, which is the target peak for the majority of climbers. Here I took a short break to admire the amazing view, and had a chat with a fellow hiker about teaching English in Japan, while snacking on some matcha cookies he gave me. I ran into quite a few other hikers on this day and received choruses of \u00e3\u20ac\u0152\u00e3\u0081\u2122\u00e3\u0081\u00b0\u00e3\u201a\u2030\u00e3\u0081\u2014\u00e3\u0081\u201e \u00ef\u00bc\u0081\u00e3\u20ac\u008dand gifts of cookies and candy when they heard I was hiking by myself. After saying goodbye to my new friend, I continued on the full circuit trail to the main peak (with not much of a view to speak of), before peacefully descending along a series of waterfalls. The loop hike is 6km and took me just over 5 hours, however I would allow 5-7 hours depending on group size and fitness level, as I find solo-hiking is a lot faster. The peak is only 915m high, but rest assured this is a challenging hike, and not for the faint hearted. However, if you would like to challenge yourself and see breathtaking views, this is the hike for you! Let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hiking!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
For more information on hiking in Japan, with highly detailed guides (in English!) I recommend the website \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHiking in Japan\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/a>.<\/p>\n