Mt. Kintoki - Part 2

I changed my blog title. I thought it needed a new description. It's quite simple, if you have something better to suggest, please leave a comment. ^_^

Miss S the guide and I, continued our climb of Mt. Kintoki in Hakone. Here are more photos from the day:

Another view of Odawakuni, the volcanic area of Hakone:

As I mentioned yesterday, there were a ton of rocks on this trail. Hiking in sneakers is okay, but they will get muddy. I used my hiking boots and carried a camel bag filled with water, as well as some snacks. I was glad I did; climbing those rocks was tough and tiring!

The newest drink: Cutenekko, on the rocks. Served still, not stirred nor shaken.

After about 1.5 hours of climbing, we reached the summit of Mt. Kintoki and got a fellow climber to take our photo. The sign is difficult for me to read, but I'll try my best; it reads (from top to bottom):

Under heaven's (some difficult Chinese characters I don't know) Mt. Kintoki.

Altitude: 1,213 meters

To the left is Mount Fuji, hidden in the clouds.

 Another view from the summit, looking down over Hakone Valley:

Be aware, Mt. Kintoki's summit has a strict "no gas burner" policy; so cooking, even boiling water, is prohibited.

We waited and hoped the clouds would part for a view of Mt. Fuji, but alas, it was not to be on this day. After 30 minutes at the top, we took a different route down. This large, split stone was very cool:

The sticks underneath are to "prop up" the stone and prevent it from falling.

 Our descent was by way of Mt. Kintoki Shrine. It took approximately 30 ~ 40 minutes from the summit to this point. The shrine is quite beautiful, sitting majestically in the midst of cherry trees:

View from the shrine, looking down to the entrance "torii" gate: 

Top right of this photo shows a sumo platform.
In summer, a sumo tournament for children is held here.

A water spring was also at this shrine. There was a cup if you wanted to drink. Miss S tried it and said it wasn't too bad.

After this hike, we explored around Hakone area. I'll show you the photos tomorrow. Please visit again soon!

~ Information ~ 

Mt. Kintoki is an easy morning or afternoon hike in the Hakone area. To get there, visit this site for details (via Must Love Japan) On good weather days, you can see Mt. Fuji. Recommended. 

The trail is muddy and narrow in some spots with large rocks near the top. Be prepared to climb up rock walls using ropes. Good hiking boots or sneakers are a must. The top is cold, so bring a light jacket or sweater. 

Access to Hakone:
Take the Odakyu Line to Odawara. Change to Hakone (red line) and travel to Hakone-Yumoto. From there, you can take bus T to get to the trail head. 
Odakyu Railway information & Hakone travel guide is HERE.