mount hachikoku snow shoe

 
Kashiwazaki skyline is dominated by the mountains Yoneyama (993m), Kurohime (891m) and Hachikoku (518m).  All three rise up from sea level, making for decent climbing.
 
Although the smaller of the three, Hachikoku is a great climb.  Like most mountain hikes in Japan, the route is steep and straight up.  

On Hachikoku there are several courses to choose from.  I like the fact that you can climb one route and come down another.

Only one route is good for climbing today though. The steep one straight up the middle.

My snow shoes, MSR Lightning Ascent are equipped with a heel bar for climbing. This is very useful today on the steeper upper reaches.

I'm surprised to reach the top in just 40 minutes. A good pace even in the summer months. The views of the city and the sea are always good reward for the climb.

The tough climb is rewarded by a fast bouncy descent. Great fun. It's easy though and doesn't really count as training.

At the bottom of the climb I take the rindo loop. Now I have to plough my own route. Tough work indeed.

Tuesday’s training: Snow shoe ( 1h 50 mins)