Monday- 7th of July 2025.
And then there were 4.
I took an early morning flight to Asahikawa airport and then bus to the mountain base which meant, by the time I had enjoyed the ropeway to the Fifth Station, it was 11:35.
The ascent was very steep, with parts of it reaching over a 30% grade. And without my poles (they can’t fly with me), I found my self using my hands to help me clamber over the rocks. The trail was also in bad condition, so it really was man vs rock, but whilst it was difficult considering my fatigue, I summited relatively quickly in 1 hour 35 minutes.
The peak had a brilliant 365 degree view, with a selection of snow filled rivers, mountain peaks, lakes, geysers and the gorgeous summer greenery.
After spending 25 minutes admiring Hokkaido, I headed down to the base, becoming a lot harder than I anticipated. The blisters on my feet took the brunt of a very steep decline. With rocks sliding around and unpredictable ground, it took all of 1 hour and 10 minutes to return to the Fifth Station. My feet by then were knackered and beaten, welcoming a rest.
A bus to the airport and a short flight ensured my return to Tokyo in time for a few hours sleep and an early start to tomorrow for number 3…
2 important qualifications for Mount Aso:
Mount Nakadake (not Nakadake crater) is the tallest point in Kyushu, being at the top of the Mount Kuju area. However, due to summer bus schedule being out of line with expectations, the decision was made to climb the highest point on Mount Aso (the second tallest)- Mount Takadake. If I was to climb the Kuju mountains, it would leave me stranded, as by the time I summited and returned, there would be no bus route anywhere, whilst taxi service is very limited to the rural area. Renting a car also is not a viable option as this challenge requires linear movement, whilst the majority of car companies ask for it to be returned to the original place.
That being said, an eruption warning has been recently issued at Mount Aso. Therefore, there is a certain unpredictable nature of the climb. Whilst I still aim for Takadake, the route access is up to the volcano.
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