I’ve started my hiking season in Vancouver already. As my friends and I hike up and down Abby Grind (Abbotsford’s equivalent of the Grouse Grind), I recall for them what I’ve observed about hikes/mountains in Japan. Many hikes in Japan have ropeways (cable cars/gondolas) for those who want to forgo the hiking part altogether.
For most of us here in Vancouver, we may think: that defeats the whole purpose of being in nature! But if you look at it from the other side, you might think: I can enjoy it without the sweaty, dirty, strenuous part of hiking!
If you think of accessibility, then we can all agree that ropeways make it possible for families, children, older folks, or those with disabilities to also enjoy nature. Win-win!
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I’d like to dedicate this post to BañoCheng and TTung. Thanks for your ongoing support.
Ropeways to Hike Mount Kurodake
For the hike up Mount Kurodake in Daitsetsuzan National Park, Shark and I took the ropeway up (¥1950 round trip), opted out of the ski lift and hiked up to the peak. I forgot how long it took us to hike, but thanks to the timestamps on my photos, I can tell you!
Hiking Time
Ascent: 2 hours (Hiked from 5th Station to Peak*)
Descent: 1 hour (Peak to 7th station, and took the ski lift and ropeway down.)
*Tenth Station. The stations mean how far up you are on the mountain in tenths. Ie. Fifth station = 1/2 way; Seventh station = 7/10 of the way.
To be continued…
