I am new to the forum and am excited to find this forum.
I spent a week last year in Feb. for business in Tokyo. I had a couple extra days and had a great time walking around Tokyo and learning the rail system.
This coming week I have about ten days in Tokyo for business again and about three days free. I would like to go on a good day hike within a couple hours of Tokyo by rail and/or bus. No bouldering or technical, just a good day hike seeing Japan at some elevation.
I do not have access to a car and beyond a little research on rural Japan I know very little. I see Mt. Takao-san is very close, quite low elevation and a very easy day hike. Mt. Tsukuba-san looked close by via rail and interesting for the two peaks (Nantai and Nyotai) and the temple. Does anyone have any input on this? Or maybe Nikko or others?
I will have my Vasque heavyweight backbacking boots, a daypack and layers for subzero hikes, but no climbing equipment.
Any input would be great since I am flying out in a couple of days and would love some good first hand info.
Craig
cswanson@precolaser.com

Hey Craig, you might also consider the Okutama area. Its about 1 1/2 hours from Shinjuku (about 1,000 yen) so quite inexpensive to get to and a lot of trails up there. There is a visitor's center right at Okutama Station to get maps and info as well.

Hope that helps.

-G

Thank you, I spent the day around Ueno and am ready to get out of town tomorrow. I believe this may be much easier to get to and just as nice for hiking. I have not done any hiking around the area so I am only reading on it.