Sunday - Haruna Hike!

Hiking Haruna today! Super gorgeous weather today – glad it was on my side this weekend. Woke up at 8:00am, had rice for breakfast, and then set off to pick up two other ALT friends. Made a quick stop at a convenience store to buy lunch (bread is so cheap! I bought doughnuts, a chocolate pastry thing, and butter rolls, AND a vege juice for only ¥400!) and then drove up Haruna. Had a bit of trouble getting up because Google Maps took us this route, but it was closed for maintenance, so I had to U-turn and go back down the mountain, then up again. My car didn’t do too bad with 3 people in it! The curves were definitely tight but I feel like it wasn’t as steep as Sakurayama. Some drivers were just crazy though – I feel like they weren’t very considerate and came so close to my car at some points.

Haruna was very busy today, but we still managed to find parking. I’m glad that parking on Haruna is free! I wonder how long it’ll be before they start charging though…hopefully they won’t make that change. There were plenty of families around, hiking groups, couples, and groups of friends all enjoying the perfect weather. Like Myōgi, most of the autumn leaves had fallen so it wasn't peak scenery, but still nice. We hiked up Haruna Fuji – it’s called Fuji because it’s very symmetrical and perfectly shaped, just like the real Mt Fuji! The hike was actually more tiring than Myōgi despite not having any chain work or cliff faces – so it was easier in the sense of no chain work, but physically harder cause it was a steeeeep hike up. Was a great exercise time though! Reached the top after maybe 45 minutes to an hour, and had a nice relaxed lunch under some autumn leaves at the top. Seeing all the people arrive by ropeway was interesting – it’s so much better to hike (free and fun!)! Made a quick visit to the shrine on top of the mountain as well, and then we made our way back down. Relaxed a bit by the lake before heading to another onsen back in Takasaki – we decided against the Haruna onsen because of crowds. Made a mistake with some turns on the way down so we unknowingly went on the Melody Road but it was so cool!!! As you drive over it you can hear music – I have no idea how it works, it’s like ridges in the road maybe? But it’s not a bumpy ride at all. We only drove a really short part of it so we couldn't tell what the song was. Definitely going to back to drive over it properly one day! The onsen we went to was very local and homely – it was literally located amongst houses in a quiet little neighborhood. It didn't have any outdoor pools, but it was still a nice onsen and felt great – plus no crowds! We spent a long time relaxing in the tatami room just cause we were so tired and sleepy from the onsen. Eventually dropped my friends off and then drove back home to have udon and dumplings for dinner.