When I went to Barcelona in Spain the other day, I will report on the wonderful running tour “EARLY BIRD TOUR” organized by the tour company “RUNNING TOURS BARCELONA“.
OUTLINE OF “EARLY BIRD TOUR”
This tour is a perfect private tour by Robin of Ultra Runner living in Barcelona.
The price is high somewhat because it is a perfect one – to – one tour with no other customers.
However, Mr. Robin will come to pick me up at the hotel where I am staying early in the morning, and he will show me to the hotel after running.
Of course you can completely leave it up to him about the running start time and course.
In my case I stayed at a hotel near the Sagrada Familia and he adjusted for arriving at the beach just at sunrise time.
It is unique service of Robin who knew Barcelona.
The running course runs through the city of Barcelona where nobody is yet, runs through the beach, goes from La Barceloneta through the Gothic Quarter back to Sagrada Familia.
Meanwhile, Mr. Robin will guide you in English about the history, architecture, art work and customs of Barcelona without a break of time.
In addition to academic knowledge, you will never get tired of his talking with his new interpretations and trivia.
From Gaudi to the world ‘s first non – atmospheric dependent promoter submarine inventor Narcís Monturiol i Estarriol, his knowledge range was wide and I felt his love for Barcelona.
I made an appointment with the official website “https://www.runningtoursbarcelona.com/“.
If you enter the name and address of the accommodation hotel in the form, they will guide you the course optimized by you, the meeting time and the place by e-mail.
Payment was only cash.
It is a tour that you can fully enjoy the city of Barcelona before waking up from the runner’s point of view. If you are runner, and planning to travel Spain it is definitely recommended.
I am reporting that I participated in a very unique running tour “The Chasing of the Guard” sponsored by the tour company “SECRET LONDON RUNS” in London.
TOUR OVERVIEW
In front of Buckingham Palace, which is crowded with many tourists, it is very difficult to observe the ceremony sufficiently because it is so popular.
If you participate in this running tour you will be able to see the whole picture of the famous “the Changing of the Guard” ceremony while you enjoying run.
On this tour you can start a run with a cavalry from the cavalry departing point “Hyde Park Barracks” and run through Buckingham Palace and you can see the whole picture until the replacement ceremony at “Horse Guards Parede”.
During the tour the tour guide will guide you not only about “the Changing of the Guard” but also detailed information about the history of the London royal family.
For example, she talked about the information on “human nose” that jumps out to the wall of “Admiralty Arch”, and she never got tired of talking with interesting topics.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS TOUR
Although I seem to be able to book it even on the official website, I booked it on the site “Eventbrite“.
After specifying the date on the site and completing the application, the e-mail with the voucher attached in PDF format so I printed it on that day.
After applying, my wife, who was going to join together, injured her feet and she canceled, but they responded pleasantly.
It is a recommended tour that you can enjoy super famous sightseeing spots with a new perspective with unique ideas from runners.
Access to the mountain climbing route of Mt. Fuji used a bus terminal “Busta Shinjuku” located at JR Shinjuku station.
From Shinjuku Express Bus Terminal “Basta Shinjuku 4th Floor” to “Mt. Fuji’s fifth station” it usually takes 2 hours 40 minutes.
However, the day we visited it took 3 hours 30 minutes due to traffic congestion.
Reservation is possible from one month in advance. Because it is a very popular means of transportation, I recommend making an early reservation.
The period during which you can climb Mt.Fuji from this course is from July 1st to September 10th.
Mt.Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan with an altitude of 3776.24 m.
Because of high altitude sudden strong wind and rain may hinder walking, sufficient equipment, food and rest are necessary.
We stayed at mountain hut to do our best.
Even though we stay, we need to eat at 6 pm to see the sunrise, sleep at 7 pm and wake up at 10:30 pm.
By temporarily resting we were able to secure physical strength to climb the mountain road all night.
I left the mountain hut of the night at 11 o’clock, continued walking for about 6 hours 30 minutes and reached the summit of the mountain.
The morning sun we saw from the summit was the best, but on the other hand it was cold anyway.
If you go, we strongly recommend you to have enough warm clothes.
Also mountain hut is very popular so we recommend you to reserve it from about 2 months ago.
WHAT I BROUGHT TO MT.FUJI:
Trekking shoes
spats
Backpack & rain cover
Cold weather protection
Rain wear ( Gore-Tex )
gloves
hat
Garbage bag
Sufficient water
Behavioral diet
Washcloth
Sunscreen
Coin for toilet
Headlight
map
Acupuncture & Emergency Set
Dust mask
sunglasses
THIS 2-DAYS SCHEDULE:
Arrival at Mt. Fuji’s fifth station 15:00
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Depart Mt. Fuji’s fifth station 15:30
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Arrival at Mt. Fuji’s sixth station 16:00
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Mt. Fuji’s seventh station arrival 17:00
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Arrival at mountain hut 17:30
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Dinner 18: 00
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Bedtime 19:00
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Wake up 10:30
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Departure 11:00
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Mt. Fuji’s eighth station Arrival 02:30
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Mt. Fuji Arrival at the summit 04: 45
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Sunrise sightseeing 05: 00
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Down hill start 05: 30
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Start Shimoyama 08: 30
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Arrival of the restroom of the seventh eleventh (30 minutes break) 07: 00
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Arrival at the goal Mt. Fuji’s fifth station 9: 00
Map of the YOSHIDA ROUTE
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Why do not you hike at the sunset forest at Mt. Takao and observe the Japanese Giant Squirrel?
Mt.Takao is easy to access from metropolitan area at 599 m above sea level and you can enjoy beautiful nature and mystical shrine casually.
The hiking time is about one and a half hour is scheduled.
The hiking course is “Inariyama course” about 3 km in length, and even beginners can feel easy to participate.
Also, at the event, after hiking, we are also planning a meal while watching the night view at the restaurant “Beer Mount”. (Participation is free.)
Let’s enjoy delicious dishes and beer while watching the beautiful night view of Tokyo!
the Japanese Giant Squirrel is nocturnal, and it will come out of the nest in about 30 minutes after sunset.
Because they are very timid, there are times when they are scared and do not come out if direct lighting of the flashlight is hit.
Therefore, the flashlight must be covered with a red cellophane, I will prepare the red cellophane and the rubber band for every participant.
Every participant must bring a flashlight.
ABOUT BEER MOUNT:
I am planning a meal with a BEER MOUNT after observation of the Japanese Giant Squirrel.
BEER MOUNT is a 2 hour buffet with all you can drink and all you can eat.
You can enjoy meals while watching the night view of Tokyo from Mt. Takao.
The price is 3,800 yen for men and 3,600 yen for women. http://www.takaotozan.co.jp/beermnt/
Participants who do not go to BEER MOUNT will guide you to the cable car stop so please be relieved.
BELONGINGS:
·flashlight
· Non-slippery shoes for hiking
·water
·towel
· Change clothes (if entering a hot spring)
SCHEDULE:
Keio Takaosanguchi Station (15: 00)
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Inari mountain climbing course
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Mt.Takao mountain peak (16: 30)
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Yakuou-in shrine (17: 00)
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Observation of the Japanese Giant Squirrel (18: 00)
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Beer Mount (18: 30)
※ Free participation
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Cable car go down (20: 30)
AFTER THE HIKE:
After hiking, Beer Mount is basically free to join.
In case of non-participation please do descend by cable car as it is.
I will show you to the cable car stop.
If you want to participate, The end time is scheduled for 21:00.
Waiver of Liability/Disclaimer: Please read before signing up for this event.
These organizers are not professional hikers or trained leaders and are not medically trained to handle emergencies. Hiking is an inherently dangerous activity that can lead to serious injuries including but not limited fall injuries, poison oak. By participation in this event/hike you agree to not hold these organizers liable for any harm that may come to you, or your property. Always remember to let the event organizer know if you are leaving the group. Stay on the trail, never hike alone and use your own common sense.
“Sento run” refers to a running style that puts luggage in the japanese public bath and enjoying running, of course, after running, you can relax with a bath by taking a shower.
This group is for groups who can enjoy “Sento run” with public baths in various parts of Tokyo.
The manager is not good at English, but I’d like to spread the goodness of the japanese public bath as well as possible to the world, please do not hesitate to join foreigners and Japanese people!
INFORMATION ON PUBLIC BATH
The public bath that we will use at this event of this day is “Kanda Aqua House Edo | 神田アクアハウス江戸遊”. http://www.edoyu.com/kanda/
This public bath is in a building located between Ochanomizu and Kanda.
There is a bathroom on the 3rd floor, you can enjoy two types of bathtubs.
first one is a bathtub that can enjoy the scent of hinoki and the other one is using a stone of Hokkaido’s “Futamata Hot Spring”.
Sauna and water bath are also available at extra charge, if you like it!
On the second floor there is a free lounge where you can relax and there is also a restaurant so if you wish you can have evening meal here!
RUNNING INFORMATION
At this event we are planning a course of about 7 km which will start from the sento and make a round around the Imperial Palace.
You can enjoy the landscape chosen as “100 roads in Japan” such as Sakurada-mon Gate and the moat of Edo Castle.
This event is aimed at relaxing only, so running speed is slow.
If you are beginner of a running, please do not hesitate to join us.
MEETING PLACE
I will be waiting you in front of the Starbucks after leaving Hijiribashiguchi Exit at JR Ochanomizu Station at 6 PM.
I am a buzz cut man, If you do not understand please contact me via email!
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info@sampomaster.com
ENTRY FEE:
free
※Public Bath charge is 460 yen and coin locker use fee costs 100 yen.
WHAT TO BRING:
running shoes
running wear
towel
FACILITY:
Rental Towel Set(210 yen)
locker (100 yen)
hair dryer (free)
body shampoo, conditioner shampoo (free)
DISCLAIMER:
Please read before signing up for this event.
These organizers are not professional or trained leaders and are not medically trained to handle emergencies. Please carry a personal medical emergency kit and any medications you need. Running is an inherently dangerous activity that can lead to serious injuries including but not limited to slip and injuries, fractures, heatstroke. By participation in this event/run you agree to not hold these organizers liable for any harm that may come to you, your guests, or your property. Always remember to let the event organizer know if you are leaving the group.
Maneki-no-yu is super Sentou in Funabori, Tokyo.
Super Sentou is more expensive than ordinary public bath, but it is more luxurious.
The bath is a natural hot spring with a large inner bath and open-air bath, sauna and jet bath.
In addition, 15,000 cartoon books are prepared in the rest room and you can enjoy it all day if you like manga.
As a running course, a course that goes along the Arakawa River to the sea is good.
The running course of Arakawa is connected to Kasai Rinkai Park as it is.
Because Maneki-no-yu is also friendly to runners, you can enjoy running and hot springs slowly all day.
Arakawa river has a cycling course along the river and is easy to run.
It is possible to run comfortably feeling the sea breeze if the weather is good.
In addition, since Kasai Rinkai Park has a large lawn open space, it may be good to enjoy a nap by laying a seat.
It is the perfect running course to relax on a holiday without any plan.
How to Reception
When using this facility as a running, please use the following procedure.
① Put shoes in the shoebox and pull out the key.
② Enter and pay fee to Receptionist.
③ You will tell Receptionist in Japanese as follows.
“Running De Riyou Shitai Desu”, which meams “I would like to use it for running.
④ Please change to running wear at the dressing room first.
⑤ Please put the luggage in the dressing room locker.
⑥ Please give the locker’s key to the Receptionist.
⑦ Running
⑧ When you return from running, receive the locker key.
⑨ Please take a bath and relax
“MAGNET by SHIBUYA 109” is a commercial building one minute walk from Shibuya station.
Mainly selling fashion for young men, food court on the 7th floor.
The rooftop of this building is open for free, and you can take a photo from almost directly above Shibuya Crossing.
You can reach the rooftop from the back door of food court on the 7th floor.
When you come to Shibuya, please go to this rooftop and shoot your best picture.
The time zone I visited was PM 6 o’clock and it was very empty so it is recommended!
Please note that it is not a building of SHIBUYA 109 famous for female fashion, but a commercial building that sells fashion for men.
Store Information
Address : 1-23-10 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3477-5111
website: https://www.shibuya109.jp/MAGNET/mag7
Access : 1 minute on foot from JR Shibuya station
Closed: January 1
Business hours : 10: 00 ~ 21: 00
7F MAG7 11: 00 ~ 23: 00
Rooftop MAG’s PARK 11: 00 ~ 23: 00
※ There are cafe and restaurants where some business hours are different.
Mt. Takao’s trail is just off the Keio Takao Line Takaosanguchi station | 京王高尾線高尾山口駅.
It takes about 1 hour by train from Shinjuku staition.
HIKING OVERVIEW:
If you can not enjoy hiking because it is too hot in summer in Japan.
How about hiking starting from the evening?
August 15, 2018 I went hiking at Mt. Takao at night.
There are two reasons.
The first one is to see the japanese giant squirrel at Mt. Takao at night.
Mt. Takao lives a lot of the japanese giant squirrel, but since they are nocturnal they can not meet without visiting at night.
Another reason is to enjoy the night view of Tokyo from Mt. Takao.
You can look over Tokyo from near the cable car platform. If the air is clear, you can hope for Sky Tree and Tokyo Tower.
The night view of Tokyo from mountain was simply stunning.
WHAT TO BRING:
• mountaineering shoes
• Sufficient water (1.5 liters on this day)
• Light snack (Sandwiches and rice balls etc…)
• the mosquito repellent spray
• changing clothes (If you visit a hot spring.)
• Light with red cellophane attached
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The japanese giant squirrel is very timid.
If you hit the light of the light directly, they may scare and may not come out of the nest. Be sure to put a red cellophane on the light.
SCHEDULE FOR THIS DAY:
Keio Takao Line Takaosanguchi station | 京王高尾線高尾山口駅（4:00 PM）
(Mt. Takao has some trails, but I chose Inariyama Trail this day.)
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Mt.Takao| 高尾山山頂（5:30 PM）
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Yakuo-in | 薬王院有喜寺（6:00 PM）
(you have to report the observation of the Giant Flying Squirrel to the company office of shrine which is called as Shamu-Sho 社務所.)
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Takao station of cable car | ケーブルカー 高尾山駅（7:30 PM）
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Keio Takao Line Takaosanguchi station | 京王高尾線高尾山口駅（8:30 PM）
As a result, did I see Giant Flying Squirrel?
On this day, I was able to see Giant Flying Squirrel, I will summarize concrete actions below.
6:00 PM
I arrived at Yakuo-in as planned, the sunset of this day is scheduled for 6:32 PM.
I immediately looked for Tree hollow which is the nest of Giant Flying Squirrel.
tree hollow or tree hole
A tree hollow or tree hole is a semi-enclosed cavity which has naturally formed in the trunk or branch of a tree. They are found mainly in old trees, whether living or not. Hollows form in many species of trees, and are a prominent feature of natural forests and woodlands, and act as a resource or habitat for a number of vertebrate and invertebrate animals.
Quote: Wikipedia
6:30 PM
I found 2 Tree hollows that seemed to be nest of Giant Flying Squirrel in 30 minutes after arrival.
One in the back of Oku-no-Fudoin and one in the middle of the staircase leading to the summit.
A few minutes to sunset, I waited for sunset.
6:45 PM
I kept observing the Tree hollows in the stairs for about 15 minutes, but Giant Flying Squirrel did not show up, I headed for another candidate Oku-no-Fudoin.
I came to foot of the tree and turned on the light and looked up to the Tree hollow.
Then …
There was! ! !
Clearly the red eyes of Giant Flying Squirrel from the Tree hollow were watching me!
Because Giant Flying Squirrel is afraid of lights, I knew that if I shine a lot of light on him, he will not come out of the nest.
Nonetheless, I could not hide joy and excitement in the face of the first Giant Flying Squirrel and I did shine a lot of light on to his nest many times.
But due to my misbehavior, Giant Flying Squirrel did not come out easily from the nest.
7:10 PM
The first excitement I found Giant Flying Squirrel settled down little by little, I tried to shift the light from the nest and shine a light on.
Then Giant Flying Squirrel was relieved, came out of the nest and showed me the whole picture.
The Giant Flying Squirrel I met for the first time was bigger than I imagined, surprisingly it was about the size of a cat.
The Giant Flying Squirrel is also called “a flying a zabuton” and is the largest species of mouse in Japan in the eyes.
7:15 PM
After leaving the nest The Giant Flying Squirrel wandered around the trees, for a while, then disappeared into the depths of the forest without flying through the sky.
I could not see The Giant Flying Squirrel which is flying this day after all in the end.
I think now, it may be because I was too excited at the Giant Flying Squirrel who appeared at last, and shine a light on too many times.
The lesson I got this day is that if you discover the Giant Flying Squirrel, do not shine a light directly on the light.
Apparently the Giant Flying Squirrel is a very cowardly creature, and if you shine a light directly on too, they will alarmed and will not move at all.
I can witness the giant of the Giant Flying Squirrel to fly at a later date, but it can be said that reflection at this time was useful.
It will also summarizes it in another blog.
Map of the hiking course
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CAUTIONS WHEN OBSERVE:
If you want to directly illuminate the musasabi, use red cellophane paper and gently light up with red light and let’s observe.
Let’s observe quietly without loud voice.
Let’s minimize the photography with the strobe.
Bon fires are forbidden.
setting up a tent is prohibited.
Please do not leave any trash.
Please stop acts that threaten the living things.
Please do not enter into the fence or the implantation.
Please do not light the inside of the building with a powerful light.
AFTER THE HIKE:
There is a hot spring at Takao-San-guchi station which is the goal of the hiking course.
Keio Takaosan hot spring “Gokuraku-yu” is able to enjoy an outdoor bath and a variety of compatible bathtubs and saunas for a bathing rate of 1,000 yen.
If you go home on a hot spring and relax, take a change of clothes.
Store Information
Name: Gokuraku-yu | 極楽湯
Address : 2229 7th Takao-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo
Tel: 042-663-4126
website: http://www.takaosan-onsen.jp/english/
Access : Next to the Keio Takao Line Takaosanguchi station
Closed: open 365 days per year
Business hours : 8: 00 ~ 23: 00 (last entrance reception 22: 00)
Usage fee : 1000 yen (Bathing fee included)
If you are looking for guide of this tour please refer to the following.
