How I Met My Match On Top Of A Mountain

This was one interesting journey.

It was in 2015 when I went to Mount Takao, a mountain range that is easily accessible just on the outskirts of Tokyo.

It is a relatively easily trek up the 600 meter summit of the mountain, but what struck me even more was the beauty of nature, history and the sakura cherry blossom season all rolled into one!

When I first arrived at the base of the mountain, I was greeted with an old small town with mountain rivers crossing through old bridges.

And with the cherry blossoms just starting to bloom, it was so magical!  Here's one of the shots:

As you trek up the many different trails to the summit, what was so cool was all the different hidden temples just dotted around the trail.

And some of these hidden temples were over a few hundred years old!

It was a surprise at every different corner!

There's even hidden shrines near waterfalls...its hidden, but if you look carefully, you can spot them:

And this was just the beginning.

The surprises just keep on getting better.

As I continued my trek up the mountain, there was a huge Tori gate with steps leading up to what looks like another shrine.

As I walked the towering steps and crossed through the gate.

Suddenly, right at the corner of my eye, I see this:

One of the ancient mountain deities standing guard!

How fascinating!

At every corner in what looked like an obscure trail, was filled with so much unexpected pleasant surprises.

Can this get any better?

Well...

I continued on from the temple.  

And after another 1 hour of trekking,

I finally reached the summit of the mountain...

And was greeted with this view:

I was speechless.

It was so beautiful.

That was how I met my match on top of the mountain....

And that moment till this day always reminded me how beautiful Japan is, especially in the country side.

No matter what season, there's always something special to admire at.

It is very difficult to describe this beauty of Japan.

Even these pictures don't do it justice.

It's a feeling that you can only experience it when you really "see" it.

It's just like how after all these years, I get that feeling again and again after getting off the plane and entering Japan.

It's that exhilarating feeling of excitement.

That anticipation.

Just like the feeling you all been waiting for.

The Early Black Friday sale is happening very soon.  

We are on the cusp of it.

Look out for tomorrow's story, as we are about to start the adventure soon!

Cheers!

Alec