How We Enjoyed Our Stay at the Top of Mount Hodo

Introduction

Last blog of mine, I talked about how I found all of my lost items in Japan. After everything that had happened, I then hastily wrote all the things that happened to me which made this part two become delayed. Since all of those emotions are now fading, I can now finally continue the story of our hike in Saitama. Well then, let me tell you the story of how we enjoyed our stay at the peak of Mount Hodo.

^{Town visible from the top of Mount Hodo}

The Descend

After we had our lunch at the peak of Mount Hodo, we grabbed our things and started moving. Near the stairs going down somewhere, there was a single shop which sells some keychains and other souvenir item. I didn't find something good, so I proceeded to walk towards a shrine. After looking around, we continued our way down below where we passed a tori gate.

^{Talks about the history of the place}

Going down, we started seeing more blooming trees. I took a lot of photos at that time and my phone gallery was everything filled with flowers. After the said stairs, we started seeing more people and I was wondering how these people came here without passing us by. Holding on to that thought, we saw a restaurant there, so we started approaching the place.

^{More Sakura blossoms}

We were enticed by the shop which sells ice cream, so I grabbed my coin purse and picked up some 100-yen coins. I ordered a matcha-flavored one and after receiving the ice cream, I took photo of it with the Sakura tree in the background. Then, the two other friends of mine also copied me and I jokingly teased them when I told those copy-cats. (LOL)

^{Matcha flavored ice cream}

By the time we finished our ice cream, we were able to identify why there were a lot of people there. There was a ropeway station there and it is a shortcut when going up the top of the Mount Hodo. Many families and tourists were gathering around the area. Near the ropeway station, we saw an overlooking view of the towns. We also saw this bell which my friend rang.

^{"Peace" bell at the Mount Hodo}

^{Passengers in the ropeway nearing the station}

After our peaceful stay at the top of the mountain, everyone agreed to start our descend. It was also easy going down and you won't feel tired as you can still see many flowers that are blooming. Arriving at the base, we started seeing structures. Many people were also visiting the place and some of there were praying in the Mount Hodo Shrine.

Overall, the hike in Mount Hodo was not that hard and it is not that steep. I recommend you, especially beginners, to try hiking this place. It surely will be worth of your time. And if you do not wish to hike, there is an option to ride the ropeway. In addition to that, also explore the areas of Nagatoro. It is walkable if you are at the summit of Mount Hodo.

^{More flowers as we descend the mountain}

^{Structures at the base of Mount Hodo}

Afterword

If you have reached this part, thank you so much for reading. The story still did not end there as I just mentioned the areas of Nagatoro. Next time, I will continue the last part of this story which is about the Valley of Nagatoro which had a spectacular view of rock formations along the river. This will be it from now, thank you so much again. See ya~!