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Hooker Valley Track to Mount Cook Lookout: All You Need to Know
If you are looking for amazing hikes in New Zealand then I recommend the Hooker Valley Track to the Mount Cook lookout. The Hooker Valley Track is a 10km there and back hike that offers plenty of beautiful views and stunning mountainous terrains. From the parking lot, you follow the Hooker Valley Track across three swing bridges that ultimately end at Hooker Lake. At Hooker Lake you get a chance to see Mount Cook and Hooker Glacier. We did the Hooker Valley Track during New Zealand’s summer months and it was a spectacular time to visit. We completed the hike and want to share our experience, recommendations, and how to best prepare for the Hooker Valley Track. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! About the Hooker Valley Track to Mt. Cook ✅ Distance – 10 km there and back. The Hooker Valley Track starts at the White Horse Hill Campground and ends at Hooker Lake. ✅ Difficulty – Easy. The trail is relatively flat and doesn’t gain a lot of elevation. The trail is also well maintained. ✅ Duration – About 3 hours, it depends on your physical abilities, whether or not you are like me and take tons of pictures, or if you spend a longer time at the Hooker Valley Lake. ✅ There are three suspension bridges to cross, Lower Hooker Suspension Bridge, Hooker Bluff Bridge, and the Upper Hooker Bridge. Mount Cook Facts ✅ Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand at 3,724 meters or 12,218 Ft. ✅ Mount Cook is part of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, which is a mountain range on the South Island. ✅ It’s also known as Aoraki, which is the Māori name for it. ✅ Mount Cook is named after the famous British explorer Captain James Cook. ✅ Mount Cook was first summited on December 25, 1894 by Jack Clarke, George Graham, and Tom Fyfe. ✅ Sir Edmund Hillary first ascended Mount Cook in 1948. ✅ It is considered New Zealand’s deadliest mountain, since there have been about 80 recorded deaths due to attempted climbs. Hiking the Hooker Valley Track We started our day early. We were at the White Horse Hill Campground around 7:30 am and began the Hooker Valley Track at 8:00 am. At this time the parking area was starting to fill up but the trail was still somewhat empty. We hiked to the Lake Müller Lookout and saw our first swing bridge. When crossing the swing bridges, there are signs that state a maximum load of people. So on the way back especially, make sure to let others cross if it is crowded. After the first swing bridge, we hiked to the next swing bridge, the Hooker Bluff Bridge. This one was the tallest of the three. If you are afraid of heights, don’t look down! Between the second and third swing bridge there is a public toilet. We then accessed a boardwalk and stopped here for photos of Mount Sefton. At this point, you should already see Mount Cook. Unfortunately for us, it was cloudy but Mount Cook was slowly revealing itself. We crossed the third swing bridge and the weather began to favor us. The clouds finally cleared and we had perfect visuals of Mount Cook. At first, I was worried that we’d miss out of seeing New Zealand’s tallest mountain. From the third bridge it was an easy and quick hike to Hooker Lake, which is the 5km mark and final stop of the Hooker Valley Track. Like everyone else, we took a well deserved break here, ate some snacks, and just enjoyed the nature around us. We hiked the Hooker Valley Track in December and Mount Cook was still fairly snow covered. We walked around sections of the lake, before heading back. As we hiked back, I couldn’t help but notice the amount of people on the trail. It went from maybe 30 – 50 people we saw at 8:00am to hundreds of people around 10:00 am. I felt on the way back it wasn’t as an enjoyable hike because we had to constantly let people pass, got stuck behind groups, or just had tons of people in my photos. Word of advice, start early but not to early. I say not to early because I imagine Mount Cook is often times covered in clouds early in the morning. You don’t want to go to early and miss out on seeing Mount Cook, which some people did. As we finished the Mount Cook hike, we took a short break at the car park area before leaving. There are bathroom facilities and snack areas at the parking area and trailhead. Parking Situation One of my biggest recommendations for hiking the Hooker Valley Track is to come early. Not only are conditions better and the trail is far less crowded but the parking situation is much easier. There is a decent sized parking area at the trailhead but it quickly fills up. We arrived at 8:00 am and managed to find parking. But by the time we left at around noon, the parking lot was full as was the Hooker Valley Rd leading to the parking area. There were what seemed to be hundreds of cars lined up on both sides of the road for a solid kilometer or more. Keep in mind, that adds more walking on what’s already a long and tiring walk. Tips and How to Prepare for the Hooker Valley Hike Like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing on New Zealand’s North Island the Hooker Valley Track does take a bit of planning and preparation before setting foot one of New Zealand’s best hikes. The trail is only 10 km but in high altitude climates, the weather can change drastically. In our experience, the beginning of the trek was cold, cloudy, and drizzly, once we got to the Hooker Valley Lake, the clouds dissipated and it got hot and sunny. You should prepare for all kinds of weather conditions along the Hooker Valley Track and here are my recommendations on things to bring. ✅ Day Pack to hold your supplies, snacks, and water. Have a rain cover for your pack. ✅ Water (About 2 bottles just to be safe) ✅ Snacks (Trail Mix, Granola Bars, Chocolate, these are all good options). ✅ A pair of hiking shoes or some type of comfortable shoes. ✅ Depending on time of year, a water resistant or wind proof jacket. ✅ Layers of clothing. (I wore thermals and a beanie at the start and ended up in just my hiking pants and a shirt toward the end). ✅ Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection. ✅ First Aid Kit, at least band-aids and maybe bandages. ✅Fully charged phone and battery pack. ✅ Toilet Paper, there is one toilet along the trail and toilets at the parking area. Conclusion The Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hikes in New Zealand and amongst my favorites. I loved that this hike wasn’t difficult yet you were surrounded by beautiful mountains, glaciers, and lakes, the entire time. The 10km there and back trek to see Mount Cook was a memorable experience. Just remember to come early to beat the crowds and the traffic. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇳🇿 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Hiking the Mount Sunday Track in New Zealand to Edoras in Rohan
One does not simply visit New Zealand without hiking the Mount Sunday Track. Mount Sunday is the filming location of Edoras, the capital of Rohan in The Lord of the Rings. The Mount Sunday Track is an easy 1.5 km hike to the top of Edoras. The beauty surrounding the rock is stunning. It’s easy to see why Peter Jackson chose this spot to film Edoras. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Where is Mount Sunday Mount Sunday is located in the Ashburton Lakes area on the South Island of New Zealand. The parking lot for the trail head for the Mount Sunday Track is located right off of Hakatere Potts Road. Mount Sunday is in a valley surrounded by mountains and located next to the Rangitata River. Mount Sunday is actually a small rocky hill surrounded by beautiful scenery. Driving to Mount Sunday from Christchurch From Christchurch, Mount Sunday is about a 2 to 2.5 hour drive. We took State Highway 77 from Christchurch because I wanted to stop by the scenic Rakaia Gorge. For a shorter driving distance you can stay on SH 1 toward Rakaia before turning onto smaller roads. For the most part the road to Mount Sunday is paved until you reach Hakatere Historic Town then Ashburton Gorge Rd turns into Hakatere Potts Rd and is unpaved until you reach the Mount Sunday parking lot. Although unpaved, the road is still decently maintained and easy to drive. Just take your time, drive safe, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. Filming Location of Edoras in Rohan For fans of The Lord of the Rings visiting New Zealand, a trip to Edoras is a must. Edoras is the fictional capital of Rohan. The movie set of Edoras took nine months to build. Unfortunately, unlike the Hobbiton Movie Set, Edoras was dismantled after filming was done. For The Lord of the Rings fans, you can point out the exact rock and locations of Mount Sunday where Edoras is located, you can even stand at and imagine the spot where Meduseld (The Golden Hall) stood prominent on the hill. Other then Mount Sunday itself and your imagination, there is nothing really LOTR related here or markers and signs that explain anything. Whether you are a die hard The Lord of the Rings fan or not, hiking the Mount Sunday Track is a must because of the natural beauty surrounding the hill. Hiking the Mount Sunday Track The Mount Sunday Track is a short and rewarding hike. It’s only 1.5 km each way and takes 30 – 45 minutes. It’s an easy hike and can be achieved by most hikers. Just keep in mind that there are some steep portions and rocky surfaces. If you are doing the Mount Sunday Track on your own and driving, there is a parking area with a toilet. Once you cross the gate, there are trail markers that point you toward Edoras (Mt Sunday). Just remember to stick to the guided path as portions of the trail are on private lands. There is one river crossing. Don’t worry, there is a nice swing bridge that crosses the river. From here, the path become steeper until you reach the summit of Mount Sunday. Once at the summit of Mount Sunday, take your time and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views. You are surrounded by mountains and can see the Rangitata River. Of course the day we hiked Mount Sunday it was very overcast and rained a little bit. I did get a clear view of the surrounding mountains but it was beautiful in its own way. The descent is easy. Just follow the same path back to the parking area. Tips and How to Pack The Mount Sunday Track is fairly easy and short. It’s certainly nowhere near the intensity of some of New Zealand’s other hikes like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. But that does not mean you shouldn’t plan and prepare for this hike. Similar to any other hike in New Zealand, pay attention to weather, time of day, and your own level of fitness. After all, you are hiking to the top of a somewhat steep hill that has no shade whatsoever and the elements can be unpredictable. Keeping this in mind, here are some of my recommended tips and packing items to successful complete the Mount Sunday Track. ✅ Hiking Boots or comfortable shoes. ✅ A hat and sun glasses for sun protection.✅ Layers, the weather can change in an instant. ✅ Water, I think one water bottle for the hike itself is find.✅ Snacks, when you reach the top, sit down and enjoy the view.✅ A Camera or phone, the views are stunning on top of Mount Sunday. Conclusion Visiting Mount Sunday, the real-life Edoras from The Lord of the Rings is a must visit destination in New Zealand, especially for LOTR fans. The 30-40 minute hike was well worth the effort, especially because the raw beauty of the landscape surrounding Mount Sunday. Standing on top of Mount Sunday surrounded by the mountains, rivers, and marshlands, I could easily see why this location was chosen as the filming site for Edoras in Rohan. Whether you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings or just want to see some of New Zealand’s spectacular scenery, then hiking the Mount Sunday Track is well worth the effort and highly recommended. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇳🇿 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing: One of the World’s Best Hikes
Considered to be one of the world’s best day hikes, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand is a spectacular yet challenging hike. Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing offers stunning views of volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and rugged terrain. This 19.4 kilometer (12.1 miles) trek takes hikers through diverse landscapes from hiking at the base of Mt. Ngauruhoe to finishing the trek in lush forested areas. Trekking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is no walk in the park. This post details our experience on one of New Zealand’s best hikes. I’ll go over the shuttle bus system, what to pack, and what to expect along the way. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! About Tongariro National Park Located on New Zealand’s North Island, Tongariro National Park is the country’s oldest National Park and is known for its volcanic activity, Maori religious sites, and abundance of outdoor activities. Tongariro National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was listed as a UNESCO site in 1993. According to UNESCO, it made the list because of it’s diverse ecosystems, unique landscapes, and it’s a cultural and religious site to the Maori people. If you are traveling to New Zealand in search of The Lord of the Rings sites, Mt. Ngauruhoe in Tongariro National Park is the inspiration and setting of Mordor and Mt. Doom. While hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, you hike at the base of Mt. Ngauruhoe and at certain locations along the trek, you really do feel like you are hiking through Mordor. Tongariro Crossing Shuttles The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is recommended as a one way trek starting from the Mangatepopo Car Park and ending at the Ketetahi Car Park. Luckily there are shuttle buses that pick you up from Ketetahi Car Park and drop you off at Mangatepopo Car Park. From here you hike the 19.4 km alpine crossing back to your vehicle. Make sure to book your shuttle to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing well in advance. You can select a date and time through the National Park Shuttles website. The price for the One way shuttle service from the Ketetahi Park is NZ$60. There is a large parking area, your car is safe here. Once at the car park, staff will check you in. It’s a wonderful service and well worth it. Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing We got dropped off at the Mangatepopo Car Park and began the 19.4 kilometer journey. The goal was to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one way from Mangatepopo Car Park back to our rental car at Ketetahi Park. At first, the weather was ideal. It was comfortable outside with a mix of sun and clouds. That quickly changed as we gained altitude toward the emerald lakes. The first portion of the hike consisted of a boardwalk through the Mangatepopo Valley at the base of Mt. Ngauruhoe. Passing the popular Soda Springs Walk, we continued on until we saw a sign saying “That was the Easy Part, it’s Much Harder Ahead.” I would say, the signage along the Tongariro Alpine Crossing was amazing. There were constant reminders to check conditions and your health before proceeding. There were also signs posted along the route showing distances from each parking area and displaying the distance to the next bathroom. From here, the trail did become more difficult. The trail was mainly stairs and loose gravel ascending about 350 meters as we reached the plateau of the south crater. Walking through the South Crater was one of my favorite parts of the trek, not only because it was flat and a nice break from the steep climb but the landscape was beautiful, I felt like I was walking on a different planet. Enjoy the nice break, because after hiking through the South Crater, the trail gains in elevation quickly as it climbs to the highest point of the trek, the Red Crater at 1886m. This is the area where I really felt like I was in Mordor from The Lord of the Rings. I pictured Frodo and Sam here hiking the path and starring directly into Mordor. After reaching the top of the Red Crater, the trail to the Emerald Lakes was deep gravel. Here, I let gravity do its work, but you really have to watch your footing as it’s easy to ski down the mountain to the lakes. In my opinion, the Emerald Lakes were one of the most beautiful spots we saw while hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. These lakes are here as the result of craters being filled in with water. The turquoise color comes from minerals in the area. We took a mini break here at the Emerald Lakes. Although, I recommend taking a longer break at the Blue Lake, about a 20-minute hike from the Emerald Lakes. We took a break at the Blue Lake, there was more open space here to sit and take a break. By the way, New Zealand had these amazing trail mix snacks from Mother Earth called Apple Crumble. We purchased them at Woolworths grocery store. About 5-minutes from Blue Lake there were more restrooms. The restrooms along the Tongariro Alpine Crossing were pretty decent. Some were dirtier then others. Don’t forget to bring your own toilet paper. It’s all downhill from here! The trail zig-zags for several kilometers. The views from this side of the alpine crossing were spectacular. Off in the distance we saw Lake Rotoaira and Lake Taupo. As we descended further down toward the Ketetahi Parking area, the landscapes changed as did the flora. It went from an alpine climate to what seemed to be like a tropical jungle all within an hour it was gorgeous! Finally after trekking through the forest, we popped out at the Ketetahi side and marched toward the parking lot. After reaching the car, I felt both exhausted and proud of myself for completing one of New Zealand’s best hikes. I recommend a change of clothes in the car to change in afterwards and maybe an extra bottle of water and snacks for the journey out of Tongariro National Park. Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing was a challenging yet rewarding hike. I can see how it is considered to be one of the world’s best day hikes and one of New Zealand’s most famous hikes. We trekked a little over 20 kilometers in total through volcanic landscapes, passed emerald lakes, and walked through lush forests. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing was one of the most memorable days during our 2-week New Zealand itinerary. What to bring for the Hike If you plan on hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing then you definitely need to prepare beforehand for the hike and know the conditions. Thankfully, the shuttle services and official websites post up to date weather information and conditions. Of course time of year plays a role in how to pack for the trek. I did the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in December which is technically summer time in New Zealand. Even though it was summer, I found myself using all my gear to include my rain jacket, thermal layers, beanie, and even gloves. Both the climate and temperatures changed throughout the hike and I was well prepared. If you are hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, here are some of the necessary items to take with. ✅Day Pack with a Rain Cover. ✅Water (About 2-3 liters). ✅Snacks (Trail Mix, Granola Bars, Chocolate, these are all good options). ✅Hiking Shoes or comfortable sneakers. Please don’t wear flip-flops. ✅Water and Wind Proof Jacket. ✅Layers of clothing, including socks. (I found myself adding and taking layers off constantly). ✅Thermal layers both tops and bottoms. ✅Hat for sun and beanie for colder weather. ✅Sunscreen, the sun can get intense. ✅First Aid Kit, at least band-aids and maybe bandages. ✅A fully charged phone and maybe a battery pack. ✅Bring toilet paper for the toilets and wet wipes. Common Questions about the Tongariro Alpine Crossing How Long Does it Take to Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing? Generally, it takes the average hiker about 6 to 8 hours to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It can take more or less though depending on many factors. What Month is Best for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing? According to the Tongariro Crossing website, the best month for hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is November. April would be the second best month. I went in December and the conditions were acceptable. There was no snow along the trail but the weather was still unpredictable. I hiked through fog, rain, sun, and high winds. How Difficult is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing? The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is very doable and I considered it to be easy for the most part. Because of the volcanic landscapes, there were a lot of rocky portions and steep inclines. The most difficult part for me was the length of the trek. You have to pace yourself. Listen to your body, go slow, it’s not a race, and enjoy the beauty of the trek. Where does the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Start? The most recommended starting point for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is at the Mangatepopo Car Park and ending back at the Ketetahi Car Park. Shuttle buses drop all the day hikers off at the Mangatepopo Car Park. Are there Restrooms along the Tongariro Alpine Crossing? Yes, there are toilets along the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. There were about 6-7 toilets along the trek, about 3-4 kilometers apart. Bring your own toilet paper! Conclusion Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing was one of the best hikes I’ve done, no wonder why it’s considered to be one of the best day hikes in the world. Between hiking at the base of Mt. Ngauruhoe (Mt. Doom) to having a snack at the beautiful emerald lakes every step along the 19.4 kilometer trek was both rewarding and awe-inspiring. I hope this post and my experiences on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing gets you motivated to hike one of New Zealand’s best and most famous hikes. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇳🇿 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars. 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Visiting Rangitoto Island from Auckland by Ferry
Just a short ferry ride from Auckland is Rangitoto Island. This volcanic island formed after an eruption around 600 years ago. It has stayed relatively wild as there are no people that live here, it hasn’t been destroyed by agriculture, and many native animals call Rangitoto Island home. Most visitors come to Rangitoto Island to hike and explore its unique nature. Whether you are hiking to the summit, interested in geology, or just want to escape the city, Rangitoto Island is makes for a great destination that is easily accessible by ferry from Auckland. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Where is Rangitoto Island Rangitoto Island is a volcanic island located in the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland. Rangitoto Island is about 5.5 km or 3.4 miles wide. The island is a shield volcano, the summit is about 260m or 850 ft tall. Taking the Ferry to Rangitoto Island from Auckland Ferries depart to Rangitoto Island from Auckland’s downtown ferry terminal. A one way trip to Rangitoto Island from Auckland is about 25- 30 minutes. It is recommended to arrive at the ferry port 30 minutes prior to departure to allow for any security checks and boarding. The ferry company that travels between Auckland and Rangitoto Island is Fullers360. The ferries were spacious and quiet, I had no problems finding indoor seating on each leg of my journey to Rangitoto Island. On Rangitoto Island, there are two ferry ports, Rangitoto Wharf and Islington Bay Wharf. Rangitoto Wharf is the primary wharf but Islington Bay Wharf is used as an alternate when conditions are not ideal to port at Rangitoto Wharf or in my case, there was work being done on Rangitoto Wharf, so we arrived and departed from Islington Bay Wharf. Below is the current Rangitoto Island Ferry Prices and Timetables. Ticket Prices to Rangitoto Island Adults: $58Children: $26Family Tickets (Two Adults and Two Children): $119 Timetables Departing Auckland Monday – Friday9:30, 10:30, 12:15 Weekends9:15, 10:30, 12:15 Departing Rangitoto Island Monday – Friday12:45, 14:30, 15:30 Weekends12:45, 14:30, 16:00 For updated times, prices, and bookings, I recommend visiting the Fullers360 website. Hiking Rangitoto Island and Things to See Most people visiting Rangitoto Island from Auckland come here to hike to the Summit Lookout. There are multiple trails that lead here to include the Summit Track, Summit Road, or Coastline Track. If arriving via Rangitoto Wharf, taking the Summit Track is the easiest route to reach the summit. It’s an hour hike uphill. Don’t forget to stop at the lava caves on the way there. I arrived at Islington Bay Wharf and took the Islington Bay Road to the Summit Road. Taking the road took a little over an hour. After spending 10 minutes at the summit, I took the Summit Track to the Coastal Track and hiked about 2 hours along the coast back to Islington Bay. For those that want to get a real good hike in, I recommend doing what I did. The Coastal Track was 100% worth the time. The trail was easy and flat for the most part. It crossed lava fields, traversed through forests, and followed beautiful coastal areas. Just remember to pay attention to trail times and don’t get stranded on Rangitoto Island. The best and most common way if not the only way to get around Rangitoto Island is by hiking. But there is more to see and do then I listed. Get your self a trail map and see what interests and works best for your day trip to Rangitoto Island. Tips for Visiting ✅ Rangitoto Island is uninhabited and there are no stores here so pack wisely. Bring your own food, water, and any supplies you think you might need. ✅ You visit Rangitoto Island mainly for hiking, so bring hiking shoes or at least something comfortable. The trails are unpaved and can be rocky. ✅ Protect the local flora and fauna, so stay on the trails and let wildlife be wild. ✅ Make sure you are aware of the ferry times the day of your trip. There is a last ferry that leaves the island. You wouldn’t want to get stranded. Conclusion Rangitoto Island is a must-visit destination and makes for the perfect day trip from Auckland, New Zealand. With scenic hiking trails, 360° summit views, and lava fields as far as the eye can see, Rangitoto Island is an incredible place to travel to outside of Auckland. The ferry to Rangitoto Island is stress free and convenient, so there shouldn’t be any excuses to miss out on this unique volcanic island. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇳🇿 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Hiking Shoushan National Nature Park: Tips & Recommendations
If you love hiking, being in nature, wildlife, exercise, and gorgeous views, then visiting Shoushan National Nature Park is a must! This nature park is easy to get to from anywhere in Kaohsiung City and offers an incredible experience. If you are like me and the site of wild monkeys gets you excited, you’ll love this nature park. Shoushan National Nature Park has many trail networks and for the most part they were well maintained and somewhat easy. I highly recommend adding Shoushan National Nature Park to your Kaohsiung itinerary. In this post, you can find information on the nature park, learn about the wildlife, and I’ve included tips and recommendations to help better prepare you for a hike at Shoushan National Nature Park. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Getting to Shoushan National Nature Park by Public Transportation Getting to Shoushan National Nature Park is really easy, especially if staying near one of Kaohsiung’s subway stations. You don’t need to rent a car to get here, you can rely entirely on public transportation. Kaohsiung has great public transportation. There is a KMRT Red Line, KMRT Orange Line, and the Light Rail. There is a clockwise and counterclockwise Light Rail that circles the city, making it very convenient. We stayed near Formosa Boulevard, R10 and took the Orange Line toward Hamasen. From Hamasen Station, we took the Green Light Rail to Gushan Station. From Gushan Station, you can walk to one of the main park entrances. At this trail entrance there is a newly placed public parking space with bathrooms. You can also get off at the Museum of Fine Arts Station and take Qnghai Road to Mingde Road. Either station will take you directly to a hiking trail. About Shoushan National Nature Park If you look at a map of Kaohsiung City, Shoushan National Nature Park is located west of the city. It’s the big green space between the city and the sea. The park is located in Kaohsiung’s Gushan District. Shoushan National Nature Park is a lard nature park that consists of limestone formations and lush forests. Most visitors will come to the park to hike, sightsee, and even mountain bike. The majority of the trails are nicely maintained but some trails do require appropriate gear to successfully and safely hike, I’ll get more into that later on. The main reason for my visit to Shoushan National Nature Park was to see the wildlife, primarily the rock macaques. Trail Information Honestly, there is not a whole lot of trail information or info in general on Shoushan National Nature Park and the hiking trails here. One of the best resources to look at trails within the park is AllTrails. On AllTrails there 10 different trails listed within the park all different lengths and experience levels. If you are like me and only wanting to visit Shoushan National Nature Park for a half day and see the Taiwan Macaques I recommend the moderate Monkey Mountain Trail. According to AllTrails, Monkey Mountain is a moderate trail, totaling just about 5 km. If you plan for a full day hike, the full loop is a 10.5 km long trail. If following the maps posted throughout the park, stay on the main trail for an easier hike. Many of the trails that branch off the main one appear to be shortcuts on the map but they are more intense trails that are smaller, more overgrown, and challenging. Do yourself a favor and stick to the main trails. If following the Monkey Mountain Trail, the trail is a mix of concrete, loose gravel, and boardwalk. For the most part the trail was really well maintained. Many of the pavilions labeled on the map actually are rest stations, equipped with water, shelter, shade, and even workout and stretching equipment. Wildlife The wildlife of Shoushan National Nature Park is the main driving factor for my visit here, primarily to see wild Formosan Rock Macaques otherwise known as Taiwanese Macaques. There is a reason that locals call this park “Monkey Mountain.” Not even 5 minutes into our hike we spotted trees full of these energetic monkeys. When we visited (August) many of the adult macaques had babies. We spotted monkeys at the very beginning of our hike to the very end, they were everywhere. Although fun to witness in the wild, keep in mind that these monkeys are in fact, wild. Although cute, they can be aggressive and unpredictable. Give them their space, don’t feed them, and respect their boundaries. How we Spent a Day Here While staying in Kaohsiung City, we were near Formosa Boulevard Station. On our second day we visited Shoushan National Nature Park in the morning. From Formosa Boulevard Station, we took the KMRT Orange Line to Hamasen Subway Station. Here we jumped on the Hamasen Light Rail stop and accidentally took the light rail to the Gushan District Office stop instead of Gushan Station. We ended up walking from Gushan District Office station to the new parking area, but I recommend just getting off at Gushan Station. From here, we found a nature park map and decided on hiking the Monkey Mountain Trail, I’m not sure if that is the official name but it is highlighted Yellow on the maps. I believe this started near the North Shoushan Trail Entrance near the Qianguang Temple. 5 minutes in we spotted a bunch of Taiwanese macaques, many with babies. They were on the road, up in the trees, and even walking up and down stairs. We followed the path toward Monkey Rock and stopped at a few of the rest stations along the trail. We were worried because we finished our water about half way through the hike but were thankful that the rest stations had water and tea, so you can fill your bottles here. We followed the trail clockwise and ended at the Longquan Temple entrance. I actually recommend going in a clockwise direction. Although the other direction seemed to be more popular, it seemed to have had more stairs and steeper hills to climb. Near the Longquan Temple entrance, there are shops that sell hiking gear, snacks, and beverages. Tips & Recommendations Bring water and appropriate clothes with. The hiking here is not difficult, but the elements can be harsh. Mainly the heat and humidity. There are rest stations along portions of the trail. Thankfully, when we went (August), the rest stations were equipped with water and even hot tea, free of charge. Beware of the wild monkeys. They are cute and entertaining but can be aggressive and unpredictable. Simply give them space. Share the trails. Shoushan National Nature Park is a popular attraction for both locals and visitors. Plus monkeys might walk on the trail as well. Bring a hand towel or some type of towel or cloth to wipe sweat or clean hands. Of course, snacks are recommended, especially if you are planning on hiking the majority of the day. Just beware that monkeys are known to steal food and can be aggressive over it. Conclusion If you are looking for things to do in Kaohsiung City, I highly recommend starting your morning at Shoushan National Nature Park. This nature park is the perfect place to spend a relaxing morning, whether it be for exercise or spotting wildlife, Shoushan National Nature Park is a unique experience and is accessible from anywhere in Kaohsiung City. We had a great time here and were glad to have shared the trails with other friendly hikers and even monkeys. This was one of my favorite places to visit in Kaohsiung and I hope to visit one day again. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇹🇼 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Taroko National Park Day Tour: Hiking, Culture, and Natural Beauty
Located in Taiwan’s Hualien County, Taroko National Park is a stunningly beautiful canyon that attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Famous for its near vertical mountains, lush forests, and turquoise blue rivers, Taroko National Park is a must see natural attraction when visiting Taiwan. A Taroko National Park Day Tour is the perfect way to explore this park, stress and hassle free. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! History of Taroko National Park Geological The geological history of Taroko National Park is far to complex for me to go in depth. Taroko Gorge was formed by erosion and uplifting occurring over millions of years. The Liwu River caused most of the erosion seen at the gorge today. Taiwan sits on top of the Philippine and Eurasian plates. The collision of these plates is still uplifting much of Taiwan. There are 285 mountains in Taiwan that are 3,000 meters or higher. While exploring Taroko Gorge, you will notice a lot of limestone and marble. What is especially interesting is marble is found on one side of the road while limestone is on the opposite side. Cultural Although the geology of Taroko Gorge is fascinating, I found the cultural history even more interesting. While on our day tour to Taroko National Park, our guide gave us a lot of great information regarding Taiwan’s history and the people that first settled Taiwan. There are 16 indigenous tribes that call Taiwan home. One tribe, The Taroko (Truku) inhabited the area we now call Taroko National Park, according to our guide. The Taroko tribe lived in the Taroko Gorge area using the steep mountains as protection. Their huts were fairly advanced and well suited for hot summer months and cooler winter temperatures. Males in the tribes hunted game while the women excelled in weaving. Each gender had facial tattoos that were only achieved by excelling in their crafts and hunting skills. There is a great museum with displays of what the Taroko Tribal members looked like and their homes at the Buluowan Suspension Bridge. You can also visit the Taroko National Park Website for more information. Getting to Hualien from Taipei Traveling to Hualien from Taipei? It’s actually really easy and cheap. Obviously, there are numerous ways to travel to Hualien. You can rent a car, cycle (I’ve had friends that have done that), or take trains. I recommend the latter. We took a train from Taipei Main Station directly to Hualien Station. Depending on the train, the trip to Hualien can take anywhere from 2 to 4 or more hours. We ended up taking the Express Trains, the T. C. Ltd Express to Hualien and the Taroko Express back to Taipei for a whopping NTD 440 or about $14 a person one way. The express trains take about 2 – 2.5 hours and make very few stops along the route. How to Get to Taroko National Park Hualien is the nearest and most accessible city to Taroko National Park. You can visit Taroko National Park from Taipei as a day trip, but I recommend staying in Hualien and making the most out of a day at Taroko Gorge. Taroko National Park is free to visit and there are a couple ways to visit the park as a tourist. The main options to visit the park are by bus, taxi, rental car, scooter, or through a tour. Visiting by Bus If visiting Taroko Gorge by bus, there are a few routes within the park with bus stops. Using the bus is a cheap option, but does take planning. Visitors have to come up with a plan, know the bus route, and know the bust stop locations. The Taroko National Park website does have a Bus Timetable. Visiting by Rental Car or Scooter Car and scooter rentals are other popular means of transportation to access Taroko National Park. In fact, we did see quite a few rental cars and other travelers on scooters. The positive of having your own rental car is it gives you flexibility within the park. Note, many of the roads are narrow and traffic picks up late morning into the afternoon. If you are not an experienced driver, the narrow roads, sharp corners, buses, and other hazards can be a bit challenging to navigate. Visiting by Tour My recommended way to see many of the top sites and attractions within Taroko National Park are through Private Tour. Booking with a private tour allows you to see the main sites stress free at a steady pace. Not to mention you learn a lot about the park and Taiwan in general if you have a good guide. The next section is all about our tour we booked for Taroko Gorge. Taroko National Park Day Tour I personally think the best way to experience the magnificent Taroko National Park is by booking a day tour with a local guide or company. Lately, all my trips have been booked through Viator. Viator is easy to use, you can view the trip itinerary, and read through reviews. I ended up booking the Full-Day Private Taroko National Park Tour from Hualien City and could not have asked for a better day and tour guide. Our guide, Jason picked us up promptly and took us to all the Taroko National Park highlights listed below. He had a nice car, was very knowledgeable, and was passionate about his home country of Taiwan. I learned more from Jason regarding both the park and Taiwan then I have on all my previous trips to Taiwan combined. Jason did a great job hiking with us. He wasn’t to quick or to slow, he knew the perfect spots for photos, and gave us separation so we could explore a bit on our own. Here are some tours to Taroko National Park through Viator. Full-Day Private Taroko National Park Tour from Hualien City Taroko Gorge Day Tour from Taipei by Train One-Day Private Guided Tour in Taroko Gorge from Hualien Shared Full Day Tour of Hualien Taroko National Park from Taipei Taroko National Park Highlights There are so many highlights and must see sites that make Taroko National Park a must visit destination in Taiwan. A day tour to Taroko Gorge is sufficient to see the main sites and most tours will make the same stops within the park. Below are the Taroko National Park highlights that we stopped at on our day tour. Shakadang Trail The Shakadang Trail in Taroko National Park follows the Shakadang River. This trail was actually built by the Japanese during the Japanese occupation. The Shakadang Trail was the first stop on our Taroko National Park day tour. There is a parking lot with a toilet on the opposite side of the bridge were the trail begins. The Shakadang Trail is an easy trail, no experience required. It is well maintained, flat, and very scenic. The trail follows the turquoise water of the Shakadang River below. About a kilometer or so from the entrance there are a couple huts here that sell food and souvenirs. Make sure to try the world famous sausage from one of the stalls. Apparently a 3 star Michelin chef came here and raved about the peppercorn sausages made here. I’ll be honest, it was a really good sausage. Eternal Spring Shrine The next stop on our Taroko Gorge day tour was the Eternal Spring Shrine. This picturesque shrine was built as a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives while building the Central Cross-Island Highway. If looking at the shrine, to the right is a steep cliff with evidence of landslides. The shrine was destroyed twice at the same location, so they moved the location of the shrine to the left above the waterfalls. Indigenous Lunch at Dnamux Truku Want to try an Indigenous lunch? Our guide took us to a local restaurant called Dnamux Truku. Dnamux Truku specializes in indigenous meals using local ingredients and traditional methods to prepare the food. The lunch was incredible. I had the Wild Boar lunch with bamboo rice. I could not have asked for a more satisfying meal. The platter came out on a giant leaf with a nice mix of fresh fermented vegetables and just enough meat. The banana rice served with the meal was incredible as well. Buluowan Suspension Bridge After lunch we headed to the Buluowan (Shanyue) Suspension Bridge. Our guide mentioned this was his favorite part of the Taroko Gorge tour and after visiting the bridge I can see why. The Shanyue Suspension Bridge crosses the Liwu River and is considered to be the longest bridge within the park. According to a sign at the park, the bridge is 196 meters in length, 2.5 meters wide, and sits 152 meters above the river. The bridge is free to access. Apparently it gets crowded in the afternoon since they only allow a few hundred people on it at a time. My recommendation is, have an earlier lunch and beat the afternoon crowd. We did and there was no wait time and hardly anyone on the bridge. Tunnel of Nine Turns One of my favorite stops on our Taroko Gorge day tour was the Tunnel of Nine Turns. This is or was a part of the Central Cross-Island Highway and was a busy road. Due to the condition of the road and environmental events the road was turned into a trail. There is no parking at the trail, visitors must be dropped off and picked back up. The trail to the end was not long but the scenic viewpoints were absolutely incredible. Sheer cliffs gave way to crystal clear water below and waterfalls. Swallow Grotto The final stop on our Taroko Gorge tour was at Swallow Grotto. Strap on your helmets and pay attention to the safety signs because this area can be dangerous. This narrow section of the canyon is lined with sheer cliffs towering over the Liwu River. Visitors can walk a road that turns into a suspended walkway right over the cliff. The views and scenery here is incredible. But watch out for falling rocks. Taroko Gorge Facts The park was established on November 28, 1986. According to the Taroko National Park website, the park is 36 km north to south and 42 km east to west. Many of the rocks found at Taroko Gorge include: Marble, Gneiss, and Schist. There are many animals that call the park home. Some animal species found here include: Asian Black Bear, Rock Macaque, Sambar Deer, snakes, and many types of birds. Many mountains within the park are 3,000 m or higher. The indigenous Taroko tribe called the area home. Be careful of falling rocks. Wear protective gear. There are signs all over the place warning about falling rocks and not to linger. Conclusion Taroko National Park is truly one of the most beautiful destinations I’ve visited. The near vertical marble cliffs, turquoise river, and dramatic landscapes make Taroko Gorge a must visit destination, especially when visiting Taiwan. If you love the outdoors, hiking, and exploring, Taroko National Park is for you. Learning about the history and culture of the indigenous people that called this place home add to the park’s allure. I highly recommend visiting Taroko National Park and Taiwan in general. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇹🇼 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Hiking to Risshaku-ji: Yamagata’s Yamadera Temple
Risshaku-ji, more commonly known as Yamadera Temple or Japan’s “Mountain Temple,” is a scenic Buddhist temple located in the the beautiful mountains of Yamagata Prefecture. With a history dating back over a thousand years, Yamadera Temple remains a popular destination for pilgrims and is quite popular among tourists due to the breathtaking views, scenic hike, and ancient temples. With more then 1,000 stone steps to reach Risshaku-ji, hiking to Yamadera Temple is no easy task but the reward is worth every step, trust me the views are worth it! **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! About Risshaku-ji, Yamagata’s Mountain Temple Yamadera Temple was founded in the year 860. The official name is Risshaku-ji but it has adopted the name Yamadera Temple meaning “Mountain Temple.” To the northeast of Yamagata City, tucked away on what appears to be the side of a mountain is a complex of temples terraced along the mountainside. Risshaku-ji was founded by a Buddhist monk by the name of Jigaku Daishi who belonged to the Tendai sect. The Tendai sect is the study of Mahayana Buddhism in Japan. It’s roots belonging to China.Jigaku Daishi chose Risshaku-ji as his base to influence his teaching in this mountainous region. Today, visitors can hike the 1,105 steps to Yamadera Temple and explore the beauty of this temple. Hiking to and Exploring Yamadera Temple Most visitors coming from Sendai or Yamagata City will arrive to Yamadera Temple via train. There is a JR Senzan Line that stops at Yamadera Station. From Yamadera Station, there are helpful sings with directions to the entrance and trailhead. From the station it is about a 5-10 minute walk to the trailhead. For those, like us that rented a vehicle. There is plenty of parking at the foot of the mountain. We found most places charged ¥500 for parking. After following the signs to the Risshaku-ji Mountain Trail Start, we found ourselves facing the Konponchudo Risshaku-ji. When facing it we turned left and walked until we found the trailhead. There is a fee of ¥300 to enter Yamadera Temple. To see Yamadera Temple, visitors first must hike up 1,015 steps to the temple. There is no elevator or escalator, sorry! The hike takes roughly 15-30 minutes depending on how athletic you are or if you are like me and take photos very 15 steps. In general, the stairs are small and easy to walk on so the hike felt much easier then anticipated. After passing through the Niomon Gate, we headed left to the overlook of Godaido Risshaku-ji. Honestly, some of the best and most impressive views I’ve seen in Japan. I must have taken 100+ photos and stood here for a solid 15 minutes in awe. Standing here, I realized that the view at Godaido Risshaku-ji might just be the prettiest view in all of Japan. We then made our way to Daibutsuden Risshaku-ji passing by several smaller temples. After exploring the whole complex at Yamadera Temple, we headed back down the 1,105 steps to the bottom. Trust me, going down was much easier then going up! Popular Questions About Yamadera Temple How Many Steps are there to Yamadera Temple? There are 1,015 stone steps that lead to Risshaku-ji How Long Does it Take to Hike to Yamadera Temple?Ascending to the top of Japan’s Mountain Temple can take anywhere from 20-45 minutes. I believe we hikes to Yamadera Temple in under 30 minutes. Going down will take much less time, anywhere from 10-30 minutes. Is Yamadera Temple Worth Visiting? Absolutely, Yamadera Temple might be one of my favorite spots in Japan. It’s a stunning area rich in history and beauty. Side Trip to Tarumize Remains Not far from the beautiful temple of Risshaku-ji is a beautiful hike with a hidden temple in a unique geological setting. Mine no Ura Tarumizu Iseki or the Tarumizu Remains is a natural religious site. There is a 1.5 hour hike but the 15 minute hike to the Torii gate is definitely the highlight of the whole hike. The Torii gate is set up on a rock in a cave like feature that was formed by erosion. Visitors can view the Torii gate and the small shrine to the harvest deity. To get to Mine no Ura Tarumizu we drove the road Yamadera train station to a small parking lot in front of Senjuin shrine and took the trail until reaching the Torii gate. Apparently there are bears and monkeys in the area so be bear aware and use common sense! For those that want to walk to Mine no Ura Tarumizu from the bottom of Risshaku-ji, walk passed Yamadera Cemetery, keep left until you see a big Torii gate with a railroad track behind it. Be careful as you cross the tracks and you’ll find your self at Senjuin. From the shrine, there are signs pointing toward Mine no Ura Tarumizu. Conclusion Possibly one of the most beautiful Buddhist Temples I’ve visited in Japan, Yamadera Temple is situated in a breathtaking environment . Climbing the 1,105 stars to the top was well worth the exercise. Risshaku-ji has a rich history paired with with a beautiful atmosphere, no wonder why so many people want to visit Yamagata’s famous “Mountain Temple”. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊 For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site.
Beyond the Summit: 10 Things to do Around Mt. Fuji
The iconic Mt. Fuji is a symbol of Japan that has captivated travelers from all around the world. Mt. Fuji is known for its symmetrical cone shape, a mountain that truly stands out from the rest. Every year, between the summer months of July through September, hikers attempt to reach the summit of Mt. Fuji. Lets be honest, Mt. Fuji looks better from afar then it does close up and not everyone is up for the challenge to reach the summit. Or if you are like me, you’ve already hiked Mt. Fuji in the past and want to explore more of what is around Mt. Fuji. From haunted forests and crystal clear lakes to iconic temples and beautiful waterfalls, here is a list of recommended things to do around Mt. Fuji. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! 10 Things to do Around Mt. Fuji I’ve been to the Mt. Fuji area twice now, each time for different travel purposes. My first visit to Japan’s most iconic mountain was a dream come true. I hiked Mt. Fuji via the Yoshida Trail, stayed the night at one of the stations and attempted to see the sunrise. If you’ve read my post on Hiking Mt. Fuji, you know it wasn’t pleasant. I conquered Mt. Fuji but the weather conditions weren’t ideal. None the less, I summited Mt. Fuji and am privileged to do so, not to mention some of my rainy pictures from the summit turned out to be pretty awesome. My second visit to the Mt. Fuji area was planned in a way to explore attractions and sites around the Mt. Fuji area. I rented a car, stayed in Fujinomiya, and took daily day trips. I covered a lot of ground and tried to do a little bit of everything from visiting Aokigahara Forest to driving south to Shuzenji Onsen on the Izu Peninsula. Here is a list of my recommendations on things to do around Mt. Fuji that don’t include hiking the mountain itself. 1. Discover Aokigahara Forest, aka Japan’s “Suicide Forest” One of the most sought after destinations around Mt. Fuji is Japan’s Aokigahara Forest otherwise known as “Japan’s Suicide Forest.” It’s unfortunate that Aokigahara Forest has such a negative stigma since this forest is absolutely beautiful. People think it’s bad luck to enter the forest or have a weird connotation that bad things constantly happen here. In fact, the Aokigahara Forest has a few attractions and sites that are worth seeing and can be quite touristy. If visiting Japan’s suicide forest while on a trip around the iconic mountain, I recommend starting off at the Ice or Wind Caves. These caves are both unique in their own ways but both are worthwhile. I’d also recommend going on a hike n the forest. There are several trail networks throughout Aokigahara Forest. Curious to learn more about Aokigahara Forest? I wrote a post on my trip here:Aokigahara Forest: The Reality of Japan’s “Suicide Forest” 2. Drive to Tanuki Lake for some of the Best Views of Mt. Fuji Honestly, on a clear and non-hazy day, one of the best views of Mt. Fuji can be see right here at Tanuki Lake. Tanuki Lake is a mountain lake near Shiraito Falls. I love the Tanuki and saw this lake browsing Google Maps so I had to stop and am glad I did. Tanuki Lake is a beautiful little lake where people come to for a quick bike ride around the lake, camping, fishing, and to take photos of Mt. Fuji. Mt. Fuji can be tough to photograph, especially during the summer months when it’s humid outside. Most of the times it seems to be either cloud covered or the hazy air leaves just a trace of the mountain off in the distance. At Tanuki Lake, there is an observation deck that has a clear view of the mountain. If you are lucky enough to see the mountain, Tanuki Lake is a prime location for some of the best views of Mt. Fuji. 3. Explore the Izu Peninsula For a nice day trip from the Fuji area, I recommend a trip to the Izu Peninsula and visiting Shuzenji Onsen. The drive from the Mt. Fuji area can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on routes, traffic, and additional stops. There is a lot to see on the Izu Peninsula. On our latest road trip, we decided to just spend a day here. We visited Shuzenji Onsen, went to Baird Brewery for a quick lunch break, and hiked down to Joren Falls. Shuzenji Onsen was a cute little town that is famous for its onsen resorts, historic temple, and beautiful bamboo forest. I think the bamboo forest here rivals the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, mainly because there were no tourists. After a stop at Shuzenji Onsen, Baird Brewery is just down the street. They have a beautiful taproom with 20 beers on tap. To cap off our trip on the Izu Peninsula, we drove to Joren Falls. Joren Falls is listed as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Waterfalls” and it was one of the most beautiful I’ve seen in Japan. If interested in learning more about Shuzenji Onsen, I wrote a post about our time here:Shuzenji Onsen: Culture, History, and Natural Beauty 4. Get stunning Photos of Mt. Fuji from the Chureito Pagoda Another great location to view Mt. Fuji is at Chureito Pagoda in Fujiyoshida. You’ve seen it in Japan travel magazines and postcards. That iconic photograph of the beautiful pagoda with Mt. Fuji in the background. Getting to Chureito Pagoda is fairly straight forward. There is a road you can drive to get closer to the pagoda or take the 400 steps from the bottom to the pagoda. Each step makes the view that much better, you’ve earned it! Even on a cloudy day with Mt. Fuji hidden in the clouds, you can still get great photos from this area. The two photos above are different days. The first day, Mt. Fuji was hidden amongst the clouds. Two days later, I woke up, peaked out the window of my hotel, saw Mt. Fuji and ran to the Chureito Pagoda in hopes of getting a photo of it with the mountain in the background. I was successful! If staying in Fujiyoshida, I highly recommend visiting the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine. If interested in hiking Mt. Fuji and exploring Fujiyoshida, feel free to read my post on our trip here:Hiking Mt. Fuji – Yoshida Trail 5. Plan a Trip to See Shiraito Falls Located to the South-West of Mt. Fuji is the beautiful Shiraito Falls. Like Joren Falls, Shiraito Falls are listed as one of the “Top 100 Waterfalls” in Japan. For good reason, these falls are very impressive and unique. There is a large parking lot, visitors must pay for parking ¥500, but the falls itself is free. After parking and before hiking to the falls, there are a few gift shops and information centers to browse. Before hiking down to Shiraito Falls, you can view Otodome Falls from afar. This falls is impressive but they’ve built structures around it giving it a not so authentic look. Hike down, I say hike but it is a quick walk about 5 minutes to Shiraito Falls. These falls are stunning. There is a main waterfall that is 20 meters tall and several other falls that appear to be coming out of the cliff above. In fact, this water is snow melt from Mt. Fuji and the water rushes underground from the mountain to the waterfall, it is a spectacular site to see. When finished at the falls and walking back to the car, don’t forget to make a brief stop at Obin-Mizu Pool. This is a scenic little natural spring that feeds some water into Shiraito Falls. 6. Sample Whiskey at Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery Looking for something to do around Mt. Fuji on a rainy day? What better way to avoid the rain and escape boredom then sample high quality Japanese whisky. For those that love whisky, Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery offers tours of the facility, has a store, and a tasting room. Tours are through reservations and can be booked through the Kirin Distillery website. Unfortunately, I made the choice to come here last minute and could not do a tour. Instead I went to the tasting room in order to sample some of Japan’s best whisky. It’s easy, at the register you select three whisky’s you want to try, hand the bar tender the receipt, and they will bring you 3 sample glasses. 7. Spend the Day in Hakone A day trip to the Hakone area from Mt. Fuji is a must! In a recent post on Hakone, I stated that I was disappointed in Hakone’s #1 attraction, the famous Hakone Shrine and the Torii Gate that sits in the water. So why do I still recommend Hakone as a day trip? Hakone is so much more then its famous Torii Gate at Lake Ashi. Lets start with Hakone Shrine and the Torii Gate. For me, personally, tourism has ruined this attraction. In reality the site itself with the lake in the background is stunning. Because of its beauty, it’s become a very popular tourist site and it shows. When I was here, there was a line of people waiting to get their picture taken here. The wait time was 30 minutes to an hour, which is absurd. As a photographer, who had no intentions on waiting in line for a selfie, I just wanted a photo of the shrine and could barely achieve that. Because of this, I was not impressed. But if visiting Hakone, there are many other things to do that are very much worth a trip. I recommend visiting the Choanji Buddhist Temple, Owakudani, Hakone Open-Air Museum, and the Amasake Tea House. Owakudani was my favorite attraction in the area. Owakudani is a volcanic area famous for their Kuro Tamago (Black Eggs) that are boiled in the sulfur springs. If interested in visiting Hakone, I wrote a post about my day trip to Hakone from the Fuji area:Is Hakone Worth Visiting? 8. Touristy but Worth it: Oshino Hakkai In the village of Oshino lies the touristy Oshino Hakkai. This attraction was never on my radar until my third trip to the Mt. Fuji area. Oshino Hakkai is the location of eight springs that are fed by Mt. Fuji. The springs here are deep yet clear and are worth seeing. Oshino Hakkai has become pretty popular amongst tourists. Visitors can see a few traditional thatched roof houses like those at Shirakawa-go. Most visitors come here to see the clear springs, sample local Japanese food, and do some souvenir shopping. The area at Oshino Hakkai is quite small, I’d say an hour or two max is sufficient in visiting this site. 9. View Mt. Fuji from the Fuji Five Lakes Area One of the most popular destinations around Mt. Fuji is the Fuji Five Lakes Area. Although popular, I spent the least amount of time in the Fuji Five Lakes Area. Not because I didn’t enjoy it but I specifically drove around the lakes in hopes of catching a glimpse of Japan’s iconic mountain but the day I was here Mt. Fuji was nowhere to be found. Fortunately, for Jill and I, Mt. Fuji made an appearance on our final day of the trip. As we were leaving the area, Mt. Fuji was clear as day so we stopped once again at the Fuji Five Lakes Area for some quick photos. The Fuji Five Lakes Area is a popular destination for visitors to stay. There are tons of hotels and resorts here and as well as many
Aokigahara Forest: The Reality of Japan’s “Suicide Forest”
Aokigahara Forest, located just northwest of Mt. Fuji’s base has long been the speculation of mystery and has an eerie reputation. Known as the “Sea of Trees” or unfortunately, more famously known as “The Suicide Forest,” Aokigahara Forest has captured the attention from people around the world. Japan’s Suicide Forest has been the the subject in horror movies, folklore, and dark tourism. But is Aokigahara Forest really shrouded in mystery and unfortunate events or is simply a peaceful forest, rich in natural beauty? In this post, I’ll dive into my recent trip to Aokigahara Forest and explore what makes this forest so captivating to so many people and recommend some of the attractions that are a must when visiting Aokigahara Forest, Japan’s “Suicide Forest.” **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Where Exactly is the Aokigahara Forest and Best Way to Get Here? Japan’s famous Aokigahara Forest is situated at the northwest side of Mt. Fuji. Nestled in between Mt. Fuji and the Fuji Five lakes area, this dense forest is expansive at 30 square kilometers or 12 sq miles. The best way to reach Japan’s Suicide Forest is by car but there are buses that stop at the Wind Cave and Ice Cave entrances. But if you want to truly explore Aokigahara Forest and stop at some of the eerie parking lots or go for a hike on one of the many trails along highway 71, I recommend renting your own personal vehicle. Tours to Visit Aokigahara Forest There are tours to Japan’s Suicide Forest. I recommend looking at the wide variety of tours offered through Viator. There are a variety of tours offered through Viator, from private one day tours to exploring Mt. Fuji’s Ice Cave in Aokigahara. Here are a few specific tours on Viator. Explore Mt. Fuji Ice Cave in Aokigahara Forest Exploring Mt. Fuji Ice Cave and Sea of Trees Forest Aokigahara Nature Conservation Full-Day Hiking Tour Exploring Aokigahara Forest’s Folklore The Aokigahara Forest has a rich history of folklore and supernatural tales that have made their ways into Japanese culture, tradition, and story telling. It is said that Aokigahara Forest is home to the Yūrei and the forest is haunted by demons. The Yūrei is a Japanese mythological ghost that haunts a person or place. In appearance the Yūrei is known to wear the clothes they wore when they passed away or were buried in, most likely they have on their burial kimonos. Their hair is typically long, covering their face and their skin is nearly transparent. The Yūrei are said to roam around Japan’s suicide forest. Because of the demons that are known to reside at Aokigahara Forest, many Japanese will not enter the forest. Although this has nothing to do with hauntings, the volcanic soil here also interferes with compasses and mobile devices. Given the extreme stillness and denseness of the forest not to mention the magnetic soil, many hikers get turned around and lost in Aokigahara Forest. Aokigahara Forest, known as “The Sea of Trees” There are so many nicknames associated with Aokigahara Forest, the two most notable nicknames are “Japan’s Suicide Forest” and “The Sea of Trees”. Why is Aokigahara Forest known as “The Sea of Trees?” Aokigahara Forest is a very dense forest. From above, you can see a vast canopy of coniferous and broadleaf trees covering an area of 30 square kilometers. Mt. Fuji is an active volcano. In 864 the Jogan eruption spewed lava down the slopes of Fuji. Lava covered the ground and the accumulation of soil has been rather slow. The roots of trees that grow here have no place to go down, instead they blanket the ground. Rocks and trees throughout Aokigahara Forest are covered in thick moss. Since the forest here is so thick hardly a breeze whistles through and the forest is dead silent. Surprisingly, Aokigahara Forest is full of life! There are many animals that call this forest home to include deer, foxes, birds, and even bears. During one of our hikes, we spotted two deer off in the distance. Why is Aokigahara Forest Known as Japan’s Suicide Forest *Trigger Warning*These paragraphs provide information regarding Aokigahara Forest and why it’s known as Japan’s “Suicide Forest”. Most people know Aokigahara Forest as the “Suicide Forest.” Japan’s Suicide Forest has been given this name because it is one of the most popular places in Japan for suicide. Out of respect, I won’t go into to much detail about this topic. In the early 2000’s records have came out that anywhere from 70 – 200 people a year attempted suicide in this forest. In recent years, this information has not been publicized in order to help prevent such tragedies and to separate Aokigahara Forest from this unfortunate stigma. *Camping is prohibited in Aokigahara Forest. Attractions and Things to do in Aokigahara Forest It is a shame that there is such a negative stigma behind Aokigahara Forest. After all, there is a lot to do here and exploring the beauty of this forest is one of the many reasons to visit. Locals visit Aokigahara Forest for hiking, caving, escaping the cities to relax in nature, and to practice photography. Trust me, we didn’t really come to Aokigahara Forest to try and uncover its many mysteries or to hike deep in the forest to find unusual items left behind. We actually visited Aokigahara Forest to see the Ice and Wind Cave and find hiking trails to explore the beautiful wilderness. It is said that there are over 100 caves at the base of Mt. Fuji. These caves are the result of lava tubes. Two of the more popular and touristy caves in Aokigahara Forest are the Ice Cave and Wind Cave. If traveling to this forest, I highly recommend visiting both caves as they are close by and unique in their own ways. Narusawa Ice Cave One of two tourist caves in Aokigahara Forest is the Narusawa Ice Cave. This cave was the more popular of the two and there was a long line waiting to get into the cave. For visitors wishing to access the Narusawa Ice Cave, know that it can be challenging for some. The trail through the cave is a short loop but it is accessed through a steep set of stairs followed by a small tunnel where you have to crouch down somewhat small to access. So if your knees aren’t what they used to be or tight spaces just aren’t your thing, maybe skip this cave and head over to Wind Cave which is a little bit more open and easier to navigate. The average annual temperature of Ice Cave is 3° which is cool enough to support ice year round. There are sections of the cave where you can see big blocks of ice. Wind Cave Just a few minutes walk from the Wind Cave Gift Shop, is Wind Cave. Like the Ice Cave, the temperatures here are much colder then the surface temperatures and you will instantly feel the sudden drop in temperatures as you descend into the cave. Afterwards, when coming out of the cave, your glasses or camera lens will fog up, we learned that from experience! Wind Cave had an interesting history. Because of the temperatures, people back then would use this as a natural refrigerator and used it to store silkworms. Sericulture or silkworm breeding is a practice that has a long and rich history in Japan. I even learned about Sericulture in Shirakawa-go. Keeping the silkworms in colder spaces like Ice and Wind cave allowed for breeding a 3 to 4 times a year as opposed to just once or twice in warmer weather. There is a trail connecting the two caves. It’s about a 30 minute hike. I am glad we decided to hike the trail as we were able to explore more of this magnificent forest. Prices for each cave costs ¥350, so ¥700 if you want to visit both. Hiking Trails Besides visiting the caves in Aokigahara Forest, hiking is another favorite past time. There are designated trails all throughout Aokigahara. There is even a trail that leads to the Fifth Station. You could always check out AllTrails, for a list of popular hiking trails within Aokigahara Forest. But we simply drove down highway 71 through the forest and pulled off in designated areas to hike. No matter what trail you decide on, it is going to be beautiful. Common Questions about Aokigahara Forest Is Aokigahara Forest safe? – Yes, as long as you stay on designated trails and use common sense. Can you visit Japan’s Suicide Forest?– Of course! In fact, it is an easy day trip from Tokyo or anywhere in the Mt. Fuji area How big is Aokigahara Forest?– Aokigahara Forest is about 30 square kilometers or 12 sq miles. How Old is Aokigahara Forest?– The forest is relatively young at around 1,000 years old. Conclusion Aokigahara Forest remains a mysterious yet fascinating place that has captured the interest and obsession of people around the world. Aokigahara reputation of being Japan’s “Suicide Forest” is unfortunate since the forest is absolutely beautiful with so many leisurely activities and attractions that can be thoroughly enjoyed. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊 For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site.
8 Recommended Hiking Trails Near Iwakuni
Being so close to mountains and nature, Iwakuni has no shortage of spectacular hiking trails. Hiking wise, Iwakuni and the surrounding area has it all from short easy hikes on the outskirts of town to strenuous and multi day hikes. I’ve hiked several trails in and around Iwakuni and these recommended hiking trails near Iwakuni are among my favorites! These trails are all very accessible, non-technical, and can be enjoyed by anyone no matter your skill set. Like anything nature related, have a plan, prepare, and be safe! **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! From Mountains to Waterfalls: Best Hiking Trails Near Iwakuni If you are an outdoor enthusiast like me and love to get out and hike, then Iwakuni and the surrounding area is perfect for you. I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite hikes and hiking trails around Iwakuni. These trails are fairly easy and offer a nice mix of beautiful nature and breathtaking views. * I’m not entirely sure of all the names of the trails as many of them are not named or have no trail markers. Some of the trail names are just taken from Google Maps or All Trails. 1. Heikeyama The trail to Heikeyama is a short trail that is somewhat hidden and difficult to find. This hike is within Iwakuni City, we usually walked to the trail head from our apartment. The trail is a through trail and can be accessed behind the Iwakuni Medical Center (34.1739905,132.2043968) or accessed through the bamboo forest near Murooki Kindergarten (34.1761979,132.2101265). It took us a while to find the trail the first couple times. Once you find the trailhead the hike is pretty easy. It’s about a 20-30 minute uphill hike to the top of Heikeyama (Yama means Mountain in Japanese). The views at the top are always spectacular. You can see Iwakuni City and the ocean as far as the eye can see along with some of the islands. The hike back down is usually faster about 15-20 minutes. The trail is kind of steep so be aware of that. The hike to Heikeyama is a quick and easy hike that is suitable for anyone. It’s nice to get a quick morning hike in or go in the evening yo catch the sunset. 2. Iwakuni Castle Trail There are several ways to get to Iwakuni Castle, most travelers will probably take the ropeway, but for those that love to walk or hike, there are some really good options. There is a paved road accessible from Tosenji Temple that goes to the top of Shiroyama, it’s an easy walk to the castle, it takes anywhere from 20 minutes to 40 minutes depending on how many stops you take. If paved roads aren’t your idea of hiking, there is a trail next to the Iwakuni Art Museum. This is a traditional wooded trail that goes straight up the mountain. This trail is fairly easy as well, but it does get steep in parts with cut backs. I would plan at least 30-40 minutes on this trail. There are longer trails that start at various locations and follow the ridge line to the top of the mountain eventually ending up at Iwakuni Castle. Either route you decide on, the castle and views from Shiroyama are worth it. I recommend at least an hour at the top if not two. The views from the castle walls are incredible. 3. Jyakuchikyo – Five or Seven Falls I am getting conflicting results here, where it should be called Five Falls or Seven Falls. Either way, visiting Jakuchikyo Gorge and hiking the trail is worth a day trip from Iwakuni. Like most hikes in the region there are several trail heads and trail networks. We parked at the Jakuchikyo Visitor Center and found a trail marker and decided to go that way. Lucky for us, it led us directly to the waterfalls. The trail had many steep parts, thankfully there were ropes or railings to hold on to for some of those steep and slippery parts past the waterfalls. You hike above the waterfalls and get real nice views. Unfortunately, I wasn’t the photographer I am now, so my waterfall photos didn’t turn out that great. Near the top, there are a two tunnels. The tunnel on the left goes back toward the visitor center while the tunnel on the right continues along a trail that seems to have never ended. We took the tunnel to the right, hiked for hours, ended at the top of a mountain, and thought we got lost! We ended up finding our way back to a road that led back to the visitor center but we ended up hiking a lot longer then expected. But the weather was beautiful that day and we had no plans so it ended up being a fun adventure. You don’t have to be like us, you can take the left tunnel or turn around and head back the same way. Be careful as the trail is damp, slippery, and steep in spots. We hiked for about 5-6 hours and ended up doing 10-13 kilometers. 4. Kinryu Falls – Mt. Komekoya North of Iwakuni past the town of Otake is the trail to Kinryu or Kinryuno Falls. Head toward the Kamei Castle Ruins here is a road here near these coordinates (34.247952,132.2178357) that goes north before turning into a dead end. The trail to Kinryu Falls starts near here. It’s just a few minute walk to the waterfalls. The times I was here, the waterfalls were off limits, but I heard people swim here during the summer months. If the hike to the waterfall isn’t fulfilling enough, there is an observatory deck on the mountain top above the falls. The observatory was less then a half kilometer away. The observatory deck has great views of the area, you can even see Miyajima from here. You can either backtrack the same way or follow the path as it loops back around to the falls. There are other trails that branch off from here but stick to the main route back to Kinryu Falls. Hiking at Kinryu Falls was not strenuous at all and hardly ever busy. This area is great for those who want a quick hike, enjoy nature, and perhaps take a dip in the clear water. Oh and this area is beautiful to come to around Sakura Season. I highly recommend viewing the Sakura Trees at Kamei Castle Ruins prior to or after hiking to Kinryu Falls. 5. Mt. Misen – Miyajima I can’t mention great hikes around Iwakuni without mentioning a hike to the top of Mt. Misen on Miyajima. There is a ropeway that gets you close to Mt. Misen, but you still have to walk about 10 minutes or more to the summit. I usually recommend hiking one of the several trails from the bottom of Miyajima to the top of Mt. Misen. Mt. Misen is 530 meters above sea level but the trails are only a few kilometers long. I usually take one trail up and descend on a different trail. One trail starts right behind Daishoin Temple. If you have not seen this temple, it’s worth a visit. According to Google Maps, this is the Misen Mountain Trail Daishoin Course. The other recommended course is called the Momijidani Course near the Ropeway. No matter what course you decide to hike, the reward at the top of Mt. Misen is worth it. There are some cool temples on top and very nice multi story observation deck. From here, you can see all of Hiroshima Bay and Hiroshima City off in the distance. 6. Mt. Jakuchi Mt. Jakuchi is considered the tallest mountain in Yamaguchi Prefecture. This mountain is right at the border of Yamaguchi Prefecture and Shimane Prefecture. Although further away, it is still doable in a single day. I did this hike with some friends and we parked alongside a road at the base of the mountain, found the trail head and started to hike. Apparently this trail can be looped with Jyakuchikyo five falls trail hike. The hike to Mt. Jakuchi was primarily up hill to the summit. It was a tad disappointing as we reached the summit there was absolutely no view, it was blocked by trees! There was a picnic table and small shrine at the top. This hike was definitely not worth the views, but hey! Can’t complain about getting out in nature and exercising. 7. Mt. Daishi We stumbled upon this hike on accident while biking around Yasaka Lake. Honestly, this hike might be my favorite out of the bunch. There is a road that dead ends right at the trailhead (34.255788,132.1308665). The hike is somewhat short, it usually takes 30 minutes or less to the summit. But the trail is steep with a lot of tight switchbacks. You don’t have to be an experienced hiker for this trail but definitely be aware of your surroundings. The summit of Mt. Daishi offers spectacular views of the Kose River, Yasaka Lake, and distant mountain peaks. There are large rocks on the summit, perfect for relaxing on. 8. Two Deer Falls This is a relatively short hike through a gorge to Two Deer Falls. There is a designated parking lot for the trail and the trail is well maintained. The waterfalls are probably less the a half kilometer away. But the trail continues past the waterfalls for those looking to continue on. Honestly, I am not sure how far the trail continues, there is an old mine on top of one of the hills that is fun to explore. It seems like the river follows an old road that is obviously no longer in use. This is a popular destination for swimming, especially in the summer. You can see people jumping from rocks into the natural pools. Conclusion These hiking trails in and around Iwakuni are perfect for anyone looking to get out and explore some of Iwakuni’s most beautiful nature. From mountain trails to scaling stairs alongside waterfalls, these well-maintained trails are the perfect escape for nature enthusiasts looking for nice hikes in this beautiful region. There is no shortage of beautiful hikes in and around Iwakuni, so get out there are explore. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊 For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site.