This year Tokyo had its first snow on November 24; the first November snow since 1962! The temperature was lowest at around 2 degC. On the contrary, on the December 4, my friends and I went to climb Myojougatake near Gora and Miyagino. The temperature was as high as 18 degC - big swing in temperature.
If you like hiking with a lesser crowd than that in Takao san, I would recommend Myojougatake. The trainfrom Tokyo to Gora via Hakone Yumoto is approximately 2 hours. On the August 18 of every year, a bonfire of 大文字, can be seen flaming as part of sending away the spirits of the deceased during お盆.
The normal paced hike up to ~900m takes about 70 minutes. Glimpses of Fujisan.
My friends brought Bunsen burners and pots to make udon, kimichi soup and houtou for lunch.
On a good weather day like this, lunch can be accompanied by the view of Fujisan. It was splendid indeed!
One can view Gora and Miyagino from the lunch spot.
Ichimanbei Buddhisht temple on the way down from Tonomine. I was told that there are only three of such temples in Japan. Would need to verify that.
70 minutes hike up and another 95 + 30 minutes hike to Tonomine and to Hakone Yumoto Station. My leg muscles ached for 4 days after the hike. I must remember to constantly go for long hikes like this..
