FINALLY! My first “hike” in Japan

I use quotation marks here because I hiked with a group of 70+ year olds. So, it was really more a stroll through the mountains of Nishiawakura than a full-on hike but, I ain’t complaining! I hope you enjoy the photographs as much as I enjoyed taking them. I had so much fun with the elderly! We spotted 2 snakes, many many mushrooms, deer and boar prints and thankfully, no kuma (bear).

PS some highlights: our snazzy guide (a true hiking nerd equipped with 304 pockets and bear spray) advised us that the picture below is where Tottoro lives hehe and at noon, I swear to God; every single person ate onigiri (triangular Japanese rice ball) as part of their lunch. Seriously, everyone. But, yours truly of course. Gotta love Japan and its quirk!