Takao Is A Great Place!
Hello, everyone!
Hello there!
My name is Gary McArdle and I’m the newest staff of the ALE team since joining in June of this year. I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you about my hobby and one of my favorite places in Japan.
With the summer heat and humidity over, and the Autumn season upon us.It’s the perfect season for getting into the mountains and enjoying the Autumnal yellows, reds, and browns.So whenever I have nothing better to do, you can usually find me with my trusty backpack hiking one of the many trails surrounding Takao mountain on the western outskirts of Tokyo.
At 599 meters, it’s the highest mountain in Tokyoand is crisscrossed with a wide variety of walking trails ranging from easy two hour strolls through to tough full day hikes.
One of the reasons I like this area so much is the convenience. It's great to be able to escape the city by jumping on a train and just 30 minutes later finding yourself surrounded by nature and mountains. Yes, for ease and accessibility, Takao mountain is hard to beat!
I first started hiking while I was traveling in New Zealand and was immediately bitten by the bug. If you ever have the chance, you should enjoy nature and the outdoor life. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
Since then, I have also been hiking in Nepal, Australia, Malaysia as well as my home country, England. Of course, in past years I have also hiked the bigger peaks around Kamikochi in the North Alps as well Kita-dake in the South Alps.
But these days it's this small mountain on the western edge of Tokyo that I call my spiritual home.
See you on the trail.
Best wishes.
Gary
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