2km of the way on the trail, there is a net that make you wonder if you can continue. At first I thought it was a restriction due to the recent typhon. But the picture of a deer made me realise that it was to prevent wild life from escaping rather than to forbid passage. After running the first 5k I gradually found the trail too hard to do better than walking and almost crawling in the end. I started to late to relax and the weather turned from sunny to cold and rainy. In the end I handed over my litre of water to the man at the top and was helped by younger people to communicate...although his main concern was that I understand where I could stand in the hut. Nabe Udon was not on offer ("day off" and I was too late anyway). I came down the same way due to time constraint and to go with a young man who had taken the day off to help. He was more used than I was to walk fast down the path, with an umbrella in his hand! But I eventually overtook him and ran down to the Okura Bus stop which was good to see, with large restroom where I could change all clothes and feel clean enough to use public transport back to Tokyo. Great adventure

The climb, as you've no doubt have read, starts out incredibly leisurely. Not a care in the world. Just walking and appreciating the beautiful scenery. Once arriving at the base of Nabewari, you start actually climbing...stairs. So many stairs. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they were built as without them, the hike would've been tricky, but every so often I doubted why I'd decided to go on this adventure. Then, I remembered: UDON. Nabeyaki udon on top of a mountain with views for days (in good weather). WORTH IT! Warm broth and noodles with delicious vegetables and an egg on top. Come for the scenery, stay for the udon, appreciating that the supplies for the hut are often carried on the backs of volunteers. Thank you, volunteers. After eating my fill and taking some pictures, I made my way back down the mountain (same trail as the ascent). The descent is no problem with proper footwear.