Job Discussion Forums

[Mom'taro Arabia]

Hi all, will soon return to Japan for trip and want some advice about Yamagata or Tohoku. Is the Bandai-Asahi Mntn. area good? i hope to climb one or2 and of course ONSEN ...natsukashii!

Noone I know has gone there but it seems pretty cool. There are even cheap
koya and minshuku to stay in. Plan to stay some in smaller bergs like Obanazawa. Zao Onsen seems most famous...perhaps the most touristy, too. Am a bit worried will be there during peak "fall colors" season and rooms full up. Do suru Action Kamen!?

Then there is Morioka, on my way to Sapporo. I may just give it a miss, unless it is better than most.

Any advice is appreciated.

- Momo

[hivans]

I climbed Bandai san last year at about this time and though it was one of the best climbs I have done in Japan - views were good. I suppose I am about average fitness but i thought the climb was a bit tiring and tough in places but well worth it. I stayed at he youth hostel there - which adds an extra 40 min walk to the base of the climb - nice views of lakes but i felt every step of the way on the return journey! Also, I thought Inawashiro was a nice friendly town but i suppose thats all down to who you meet. Good luck with your trip anyway