大楠山 Oogusu Mountain - Part 1

Last week, I was fortunate enough to be invited to join a private mountain climbing group by a friend. I was excited as I had done some climbing last year and loved it. For this climb, the group traveled near Yokosuka city, in Kanagawa, to hike Mount Oogusu.

Access to the mountain was very easy. Taking a JR train to Zushi station, we transferred to a city bus and traveled about 15 minutes to "Maedabashi" stop. From here, we would hike 1.5 hours to the top of the mountain.

Bus stop sign: 

The group getting ready:

These ladies were all serious hikers, having attended mountaineering school to learn harness, rock climbing and map reading; some had even experienced "shower climbing" (climbing up waterfalls)! By joining this group, I am hoping to learn to be a more "serious" climber. My dream is to try rock climbing with a harness and snow climbing. ^_^

After group introductions and stretching our muscles,  I took a photo of the river route to the mountain.

Red letters show our current location; the river is part of the climbing route. The river's name is "Maedabashi River".

The river with hiking route visible (wooden planks next to the river):

Due to several typhoons in mid October, the river route had a sign warning hikers that part of the route had been damaged or washed out. Our guide decided to hike this route anyway. Some people got a little wet due to missing stones along the path.

A dry section of the climb:

The river component was the most beautiful as we passed many small waterfalls along the way. The sound of the water also kept us cool despite carrying heavy packs (I'll explain why later....).

One cascade: 

Close up of the cascade: 

Several more small waterfalls were seen along the hike:

The route criss-crossed over the river at several spots. Large stones had been placed for hikers, making it easy to get across. I thought this part of the hike was very fun; we just had to be mindful of the slippery surfaces.

The ladies play "leap-frog" across the river: 

After completing the river component, we had two choices: 

1) continue to take the river further up the mountain, or,

2) switch to the forest path

Our guide chose the forest route. We often heard the sound of squirrels in the trees. 

Stairs are a common sight on Japanese hiking routes: 

A flat section of the trail, south of the peak: 

I'll post more photos from the summit tomorrow and show what was inside our large packs. Check back again soon. ^_^


~Information~

Oogusu mountain is located in Yokosuka, Miura Peninsula, Kanagawa prefecture. 

Access: 
-- from JR Zushi station, take a bus getting off at Maedabashi stop. Travel time: 15~20 minutes. Look for any of these buses with these signs on the front: 長井、(Nagai) 市民病院、(Citizens Hospital) 大楠芦名口行きバス (Okusu-Ashina Exit). All go to Maedabashi stop. Cost one way: ¥360 ($3.60)

-- From Maedabashi stop, turn left, walking down the road about 50 meters. The trail entrance is on your right, when you reach the river. 

There are various routes to the top of Mt. Oogusu. Routes, maps and travel times are available HERE (Japanese only). This hike is rated very easy. Safe for children over 5 years of age.

Interested in hiking or mountain climbing in Japan? This site, HIKING IN JAPAN should be your #1 stop for hiking information. I love this site as the author includes lots of photos and reviews.