On a Mountain High in Japan

By Garry Sonter

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Ten years ago I dared to climb Mt. Fuji, Japan’s most famous mountain and was awed by its shear size. I had never before hiked so high or stood with the world at my feet looking over a sea of clouds. There were hundreds of people including young and old making their way to the top. Mt. Fuji was a busy place and I am not one to like large crowds but the experience was truly amazing.

On my latest visit to Japan I not only revisited Mt Fuji and rejoined the hoards of people on a pilgrimage to the summit, I also found another place that exists high in the clouds – a place of respite from mainstream Japan – a place of scenic views and treacherous trails. This paved the way for a physical, exciting and deeply moving experience in the North Japan Alps.