(Easy)(Participation Fee 500 yen) NEW!!!
(Cancelled in case of rain)

Course: Toyoda Station – Sumigawa Seiryuu Park – HorinoUchi Green Course – TakahataFudo Pagoda – Mogusadai Nature Park (and Observatory) – Mogusaen(Plum Tree Park) – Mogusaen Station (Keio Line)

Walking Time: About 3 Hours (10KM) plus a lot of time for side hikes and Fun, so the total program should last about 6 hours

From Shinjuku, take the JR Chuo Line (Special Express) train at 9:51AM and get off at Toyoda Station, arriving at 10:23AM. We’ll meet at the ticket gate there at 10:25AM

People going from Shinjuku Station can meet at the front end of the 9:51 train. David will get on the front car of that train at Nakano Station.

(400 Meters)(Intermediate Course) NEW!!!
(Participation Fee 500 yen) (Cancelled in case of rain)
[map center=”Chichibu” zoom=”11″]
Ohanabatake Station, Japan
Seibu Chichibu Station, Japan
Kakemori Station, Japan
[/map]
Meeting Time & Place: 10:55AM at Kakemori Station’s ticket gate

Take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line Express train from Ikebukuro Station at 8:49AM. This arrives at Hanno Station (the final destination) at 9:38AM. Change here to the Seibu Chichibu Line (which leaves at 9:43) and get off at Seibu Chichibu Station (the last stop) (arriving at 10:32AM). We’ll walk from there to the Chichibu Tetsudo Line’s Ohanabatake Station and take the 10:49 train there, arriving at Kakemori Station at 10:53AM. The total train cost from Ikebukuro is \910.

Meet on the front of the 8:49 train at Ikebukuro if you want to go from there.

Hiking Course: Kekemori Station – Muze Park (a huge, forested park with plum trees, a spring, observation tower) – Music Shrine – Chichibu Temple – Seibu Chichibu Station The hiking time is about 4 hours.

Please bring your lunch and drink.

Place: Arakawa Saiko Lake Park URL:http://www.go2park.net/parks/arakawasaiko.htm

Time: 12:00 Noon – 6:00PM

JAMBO will provide barbecue equipment in the park. People should bring picnic food and drinks (Christmas party sharing rules apply) and whatever meat and veggies they want to have grilled. Benches are sparse, bring blankets.

The park is very interesting for children (GIANT INSECTS CLIMBING EQUIPMENT), lots of space for frisbee, rollerskating, skateboarding, walking.

Train Schedule

10:53 Leave Ikebukuro Station on the Saikyo Line (going towards Oomiya)

11:17 Arrive at Musashi Urawa Station

11:22 Take the Musahino Line (towards FuchuHonmachi)

11:25 Arrive at NishiUrawa Station

There’s a DAIEI store near the station and two convience stores between the station and the park, so you can buy your food after arriving at the station. We will be based in the park by the GIANT INSECTS. Impossible to miss.

If you’d like to go with David, meet at the NishiUrawa Station’s ticket gate at 11:27AM.

Organizer: Leszek – 080-4369-2537
Assistant: David – 080-6546-7688

Kamakura Hiking, Flower Walk & Beach!　(Participation Fee 500 yen)(Easy Course) (Cancelled in case of rain)NEW!

We will meet at the ticket gate of Kitakamakura　Station (on the Yokosuka Line) at 11:00AM. From Tokyo Station, take the 10:04AM Yokosuka Line train (towards Kurihama). This arrives at Kitakamakura at 10:55AM.

[map]
北鎌倉
[/map]

If you’d like to go with David, please meet at the front of the Yokosuka Line platform of Tokyo Station by 10:02AM.

Hiking Course – Kitakamakura Station – Genshiyama Park – Kewaizaka Pass – Enshoji Shrine – Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine – Gionyama Hiking Course – Anyouin Shrine – Ankokuonji Shrine – Zaimokuza Beach (Sunset?)

The selected shrines are well-known for the many flowers (Wisteria, Azalea, and Peonies) blooming this season!!!

OUME HIKING & AZALEA FESTIVAL! (Intermediate Course) (\500 Participation Fee) (Cancelled in case of rain) NEW!

We meet at Miyanohira Station at 10:15AM. Take the 9:08AM Oume Line Express train (it’s a Chuo Line train that goes all the way to Oume) from Shinjuku Station. This arrives at Oume Station at 10:07. Go across the platform and take the 10:09 train towards Okutama. This train arrives at MiyanoHira Station at 10:12. Be sure to arrive by this time since we will be unable to wait for the next train.

[map center=”宮ノ平駅” zoom=10]
宮ノ平駅
[/map]

Meet on the front of the 9:08 train at Shinjuku if you want to go from there there. David will get on the first car of the same train at Nakano Station.

Hiking Course – Miya no Hira Station – Umahikizawa Pass – Kyunitsuka Pass – Oume – Shiofune Goddess of Mercy Azalea Festival – Higashi Oume Station

Today’s hiking is about 5 hours. It finishes off at the Shiofune Temple, which has 17,000 red, white and purple Azaleas. Should be gorgeous!!!

Please wear appropriate shoes (tennis shoes, hiking boots), bring a lunch to eat on the mountain, and plenty of liquids.

Nogawa Walking Course & Jindai Botanical Park Spring Rose Festival! (EASY)(￥５００ Participation Fee + ￥５００ Park Entrance Fee) (Cancelled in case of rain) NEW!

Meeting Place/Time: Chuo Line’s Musashi Koganei Station’s South Exit at 10:25AM

[map type=map zoom=11]
武蔵小金井駅
[/map]

Take the 10:02AM Chuo Line Express train from Shinjuku Station. This arrives at Musashi Koganei at 10:24.

This is an 8 km course that runs through the suburbs and about 2/3 of the walk is along the Nogawa River. We finish up at Jindai Botanical Park, where there’s a Spring Rose Festival. The entrance fee to the park is ￥５００ for adults, ￥５００ for those over 65 and ￥５００ those 15 years and younger. We’ll be able to enjoy 272 kinds of roses as well as concert performances. （http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index045.html）

Mt. Kuki Hiking Course (A bit difficult, 970m)

Kasei Station (Fuji Kyuko Line)- Mt. Fuji Lookout – Mt. Kuki – Mt. Gozen – Sarubashi Station (Chuo Line)

Take the Chuo Line (Special Express) at 7:35AM from Shinjuku Station (going towards Takao). This arrives at Takao at 8:18. Change at Takao Station to the Chuo Line (going towards Kofu), leaving at 8:20. Take this to Ootsuki Station, arriving at 8:57AM. At Otsuki, change to the Fuji Kyuko Line (towards Kawaguchi-ko) and take the 9:02 train, which arrives at Kasei Station at 9:12. The Chuo Line cost comes to 1280 yen and the Fuji Kyuko Line costs 290 yen.

Meeting Place/Time: Kasei Station (Fuji Kyuko Line) Ticket Gate 9:15AM

[map]
九鬼山
[/map]

Meet on the front of the 7:35 Chuo Line train at Shinjuku if you want to go from there there. David will get on the first car of the same train at Nakano Station.

Walking time: about 6 hours

Please wear appropriate shoes (tennis shoes, hiking boots), bring a lunch to eat on the mountain, and plenty of liquids.

June 20 (Sunday) – Totoro Forest Hiking! （¥500 Participation Fee) (Canceled in case of rain) (Easy – Geared for children)

(Bring your own beverages and lunch box)

We will meet at Seibu Ikebukuro Line’s Shimoyamaguchi Station’s ticket gate at 10:50AM or at the front of the Seibu Ikebukuro Line platform at Ikebukuro Station at 10:07AM. Take the 10:10AM Seibu Ikebukuro Line express train (going towards Seibu Kyuujoumae) at Ikebukuro Station. This arrives at Shimoyamaguchi Station at 10:46AM. (360 yen)

[map]下山口駅[/map]

Actual walking time is about 3 hours, going to Totoro Forest and finishing off with a view of 7,000 irises, which should be in bloom.

Course: Shimoyamaguchi Station – Asama Shrine – Totoro Forest – Hakkoku Green Area – Kitayama Park – Higashi Murayama Station (Shinjuku Line)

June 25-27 (Friday – Sunday) – SPECIAL JAMBO Event (starting the Eco-House& other fun) at the Solar Cafe near Kawaguchi Lake! Reservations necessary!

You can take the train (Chuo Line to Ootsuki, then Fuji Kyuko Line to Kawaguchi-ko) or the Chuo Highway Bus to Kawaguchiko Station, leaving from the Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal (West Exit) quite often. This is about 2 hours, costs 1,700 yen and reservations are necessary and can be made at 03-5376-2222. From Kawaguchi-ko Station, take the bus to Koyodai (about 20 minutes), get off at Koyodai and walk up the road (in the same direction as the bus) about 3 minutes. Solar Cafe is on your right. The last bus from Kawaguchi-ko to Koyodai is at 17:45.

[map]
35.479683,138.671494
河口湖駅
富士山
[/map]

People will be coming at different times, so please come whenever you’d like on the 25th or 26th.

You can camp if you bring your own tent and sleeping bag. There may be indoor space as well.

Indoors – 3000 yen/night

Camping – 1500¥ (with your own tent)

Dinner – 1500¥

Breakfast (optional) – 1200¥

Contact me (at this email address) by June 10 for reservations for staying over (not for transportation).

Schedule:

June 25 – Evening (Sustainability Discussion with Jake and others)

June 26 – Daytime (work with Jake on the JAMBO sponsored eco-house); Evening (Yukari Hot Springs – 1000 & Dinner at the Cafe)

June 27 – Day (planting, hiking, relaxing, whatever you like); late afternoon – return to Tokyo

August 7 (Saturday) – Chiba Inner Coast Camping & Beach Fun!!! NEW!!!

(Participation Fee 500 yen (includes Sunday) + 500 yen Camping Fee) (Cancelled in case of rain)

We will go out to Haraoka Coast (Beach on the Tokyo Bay near Tomiura Station) on Saturday night. We will eat, drink and enjoy the beach that night as well as the next day.

Please bring your swimsuit, sleeping bag and tent (you can sleep directly on the sand, but may get eaten up by sand flies), beach toys, food and drink.　(THERE IS NO PLACE TO BUY FOOD & DRINK AT NIGHT NEAR THE STATION!!!)

Train Schedule (Saturday)

19:31 Leave Chiba Station on the Uchibo Line (Local)
21:28 – Arrive at Tomiura Station

You can meet David and others on the front of the Uchibo Line train at 19:31 in Chiba or at the ticket gate at Tomiura Station at 21:30.

Chiba Inner Coast Hiking & Beach Fun NEW!!!

Please bring your swimsuit, beach toys, food and drink (or you can buy at a supermarket near the station).

[map]
tomiura station, Japan
[/map]

Train Schedule

9:13 – Leave Chiba Station on the Uchibo Line (Local)
10:55 – Arrive at Tomiura Station (David & others will be waiting at the ticket gate)

The hike will be Tomiura Station – Hokkezaki Peninsula – Tatara Coast – Daibusami Peninsula Green Road and Park – Observation Point – Okahara Beach

After the hike, we’ll enjoy time on the beach.

The walking time is about 3.5 hours.

Tokyo/Kanagawa City Exploratory Green Course Walk

Please see http://www.ops.dti.ne.jp/~hmiura/sagamiryokudo.html for a course explanation (only in Japanese)

Course: Machida Station – Sagami Green Road – Komoregi Woods (Lunch) – Sagami Green Area – Minami Rinkan Station (Odakyuu Line)

[map]町田駅[/map]

We go through residential areas, fields and woods. There’s some walking on roads but mostly on designed city walking paths.

Walking Time: About 3 Hours (10KM) plus a lot of time for fun, so the hike should take about 5 hours.

From Shinjuku, take the Odakyu Express train (going towards Fujisawa) at 11:28AM and get off at Machida Station, arriving at 11:58AM. We’ll meet at the Machida Station’s (Odakyuu Line) South ticket gate at 12:00 noon.

People going from Shinjuku Station can meet at the front end of the 11:28 train. David will get on the front car of that train at Yoyogi Uehara Station.

Meeting Place/Time: Uenohara Station Ticket Gate at 11:25

Train Schedule

10:00 Leave Shinjuku Station on the Keio Line (Express going towards Takaosanguchi)
10:49 Arrive at Tako Station and change to the Chuo Line
10:58 Take the Chuo Line (towards Ootsuki)
11:24 Arrive at Uenohara

If you’d like to go from Shinjuku, get on the front of the 10:00 train at Shinjuku Station.

[map]御前山[/map]

Please bring your lunch and drink, and wear appropriate shoes for hiking.

Course: Uenohara Station – Muku no ki (a Natural Treasure) – Mt. Gozen – Sagami River (Swim, watch the sunset while eating/drinking) – Uenohara

Walking time: about 4 hours

After the hike, we’ll hang out on the riverside. The river is wide and calm so we can have a good time swimming (bring your swimsuit and towel). There’s also a convenience store nearby to buy food and drink. We should be there to see the sunset as well.

Half NEW!!!

Course: Musashi Yokote Station – Kusumi Slope – Mt. Ookuro – Mt. Tonosu – Iruma River (Swimming) – Kahara River Bank – Hanno Station

Walking time: About 4 hours

From Ikebukuro, take the Seibu Ikebukuro (Semi-Express) Line’s 8:25AM train and get off at Hanno Station, arriving there at 10:01AM. Change to the Seibu Chichibu Line (across the platforme), taking the 10:04 train. This arrives at Musashi Yokote at 10:14. Make sure to get on this train as we cannot wait for the next one.

People going from Ikebukuro Station can meet at the front end of the train on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line platform at 8:25, or meet at Musashi Yokote’s ticket gate at 10:15.

[map]武蔵横手駅[/map]

Please wear appropriate shoes (tennis shoes, hiking boots), bring a lunch to eat on the mountain, and plenty of liquids.

Since we’ll be swimming in the river, also bring your swimsuit and towel.

September 23 (Thursday) – SPECIAL AUTUMN EQUINOX BARBEQUE, PARK FUN & RIVER CLEAN UP!!! （￥500 Participation Fee) (Cancelled in case of rain) (EASY) NEW!

Meeting Place and Time: The East ticket gate of Higashi Oojima Station at 11:00AM

Those going from Shinjuku, take the Toei Shinjuku Line train (going towards MotoYawata) at 10:31. This arrives at Higashi Oojima at 10:57.

Event Place: Oojima Komatsukawa Park

Time: 12:00 Noon – 6:00PM

[map]大島小松川公園[/map]

JAMBO will provide barbecue equipment in the park. However, we don’t have enough for a lot of people so if you have your own equipment, it would be a great help if you could bring it with you. People should bring picnic food and drinks (Christmas party sharing rules apply) and whatever meat and veggies they want to have grilled. There’s a supermarket near the station, so you can buy your goods there.

Especially for children, we can play frisbee, baseball, or whatever fun stuff you bring along.

We’ll do a garbage pick-up from 15:00 – 17:00PM at the nearby Arakawa River bank. If you’d like to join in, please bring work gloves if you have them.

October 11 (Monday) – MIURA NATURE & OCEAN HIKING COURSE – Easy Course　- Participation Fee 500 yen, (Canceled in case of rain) NEW!

Bring your own beverages and lunch.

We will meet you at the ticket gate at YRP Nobi Station on the Keihin Kyuko Line at 10:30AM.

YRP Nobi Station – Roads and Nature Course to Karouto Mountain Kofun Park – Hikari Hill Water Park – Nature Course and roads to Nobi Coast Park – Coastal Boardwalk – – Keikyuu Nagasawa Station

Total course time: 4 hours

[map]
野比駅
[/map]

If you’re going from Yokohama Station, take the following train. We’ll meet at the front of the train.

Keihin Kyuko Line (Express going towards Misakiguchi) → Yokohama Station 9:47AM – YRP Nobi Station 10:30 (Arrive)

Meet at the JR Ohme Line’s Mitake Station’s Ticket Gate at 11:00AM. From Shinjuku, take the Chuo Line Rapid train going towards Takao at 9:26. This arrives at Tachikawa Station at 10:02. Get off there and change to the 10:07 Oume Line train (going towards Oume). This arrives at Oume (the last stop) at 10:38. Cross the platform and get on the 10:39 Oume Line train (going towards Okutama). This arrives at Mitake at 10:59. Be sure to arrive on this train as we will be unable to wait for the next one.

Leader: Jeff Harryman (080-3175-2506)

Meet with Jeff and others at the front of the 9:26 train at Shinjuku if you want to go from there there.

This trip will go from Mitake Station – Mitake Cable Car Station (by bus ￥270) – Mt Mitake (by Cable Car – ￥1090 round trip) – lunch – walk to shrine & overlook – Rock Garden & waterfall view – Mitake Station (by ropeway & bus) – Kabe Station (for Hot Springs – Optional)

[map]
御岳山
[/map]

This tour is more for experiencing nature and taking pictures than getting exercise. Bring your camera.

If you want to go to the Hot Springs after the hike, please bring a change of clothes and a towel!

October 31 (Sunday) – PICNIC, PARK FUN & RIVER CLEAN UP!!! （￥500 Participation Fee) (Cancelled in case of rain) (EASY) NEW!

Meeting Place and Time: The East ticket gate of Higashi Oojima Station at 11:00AM

Those going from Shinjuku, take the Toei Shinjuku Line train (going towards MotoYawata) at 10:31. This arrives at Higashi Oojima at 10:57.

People who ride their bikes there can take either of the following routes and ride with JAMBO members:

10:00 – Under Kasaibashi Bridge (Koto Ward) (David will be waiting there) 080-6546-7688

10:00 – Under SenjuShinbashi Bridge (Adachi Ward (Leszek will be waiting there) 080-4369-2537

10:45 – The two cycling groups will meet under the Funaboribashi Bridge and go to Higashi Oojima Station from there.

Event Place: Oojima Komatsukawa Park

Time: 11:30AM – 5:30PM

[map type=map]
大島小松川公園
[/map]

People should bring picnic food and drinks (Christmas party sharing rules apply). There’s a supermarket near the station, so you can buy your goods there.

Especially for children, we can play frisbee, baseball, or whatever fun stuff you bring along.

We’ll do a garbage pick-up from 13:00 – 15:00PM at the nearby Arakawa River bank. If you’d like to join in, please bring work gloves if you have them.

November 28 (Sunday) – Kaburi Pass & Mt. Kuroyama Autumn Colors Hiking (Participation Fee 500 yen)(Intermediate Course) (Cancelled in case of rain) NEW!

From Ikebukuro, take the Seibu Ikebukuro (Express) Line’s 8:35AM train (going towards Seibu Chichibu) and get off at Agano Station, arriving there at 9:41AM. Make sure to get on this train as we cannot wait for the next one.

People going from Ikebukuro Station can meet at the front end of the train on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line platform at 8:33, or meet at Agano’s ticket gate at 9:45.

[map]
吾野駅
[/map]

Please wear appropriate shoes (tennis shoes, hiking boots), bring a lunch to eat on the mountain, and plenty of liquids.

Course (from Agano Station): Kaburi Pass – Kasasugi Pass – Kuroyama Santaki – Ogose Station (on the Tobu Tojo Line)

Walking Time: About 6 hours

Note: Kuroyama Santaki was once a training center for monks who practice asceticism, but now it has become a sightseeing spot for hikers.

Tama “Abundance of Parks” Walk NEW!!!

Meeting Place & Time: Tsudayama Station (Nanbu Line) at 11:00AM

Course: Tsudayama Station (Nanbu Line) – Green Hill Cemetary – Higashi Takane Forest Park (Lunch) – Mukougaoka Yuuen Remains Park – Ikuta Green Area -Mukougooka Yuuen Station (Odakyuu Line)

[map]
津田山駅
[/map]

Nihon Minka-en (\500)

We go mostly through parks, but there’s also walking on roads.

Walking Time: About 3 Hours (8KM) plus a lot of time for fun, so the hike should take about 5 hours.

The parks we go to have a daffodil garden, an observation platform at the top of Mt. Masugata, a Fountain Square, a Science Center for Youth (which includes a Planetarium, Nihon Minka-en (Japan Open-Air Folk Museum) where there are many Traditional Folk Houses (¥500) and more!!!
Please see http://www.city.kawasaki.jp/71/71tama/home/ikutaryokuti/gaikokugo/english.htm and http://www.kanagawaparks.com/higasitakane/

Bring your own beverages and lunch.

We will meet at the ticket gate of Sagamiko Station (on the Chuou Line) at 10:42AM

Train Schedule

9:30 Leave Shinjuku Station on the Keio Line (Express going towards Takaosanguchi)
10:20 Arrive at Tako Station and change to the Chuo Line
10:31 Take the Chuo Line (towards Ootsuki)
10:40 Arrive at Sagamiko

If you’d like to go from Shinjuku, get on the front of the 9:30 train at Shinjuku Station.

[map]
相模湖駅
[/map]

The hiking course time will be about 6 hours.

At the end of the hike, we arrive at “Pleasure Forest,” where there is a spectacular illumination of lights. (Adults 500 yen, Elementary School and under 300 yen). Please take a look at: http://www.sagamiko-resort.jp/illumillion

(Bring your own food and drink for the hike)

We will meet at the ticket gate of Anjinzuka Station at 10:30AM.　From Shinagawa, take the Keihin Kyuuko (Keikyuu) Line’s Express Train (going towards Misakiguchi) at 9:36 and change at Kanazawa Hakkei (arriving here at 10:17) to the Kiekyuu Line local, leaving at 10:19 (going towards Uraga). Take this train to Anjinzuka Station, arriving at 10:26.

Hiking Course: Anjinzuka Station – Tsukayama Park (with 10,000 cherry trees and ranked as one of the top 300 cherry tree spots in Japan) – Mt. Oogusu – Kinugasayama Parke (2000 cherry trees and ranked in the top 100 cherry tree spots in Japan) – Kinugasa Station

The hike　itself is about 5 hours.　

If you want to ride on the train with David and others, please get on the front car at Shinagawa Station (David will be on that train already.)

[map]
三浦半島
[/map]

Please look at the following sites to see the beauty of this area (only in Japanese):

http://yokosuka-kanko.com/10_sakura_info.html

http://www.cocoyoko.net/tukayama/menu3.html

http://www.cocoyoko.net/kinugasayama/menu3.html

And here’s the hiking course (half each, in Japanese):

http://www.k-hiking.jp/yokosuka-miura/kinugasajo-ogusu_02.htm
http://omoideno.kenkenpa.net/yamawotanosimuzo/gallery/006-1gallery.html

April 3 (Sunday) – Koto Ward “Full of Cherry Blossoms” Canal Hike SPECIAL TOUR (Easy Course) (Participation fee 500 yen) (Will still go in case of light rain) HALFNEW!

Meet at Minami Sunamachi Station’s (on the Tozai Line) A2 Exit at 10:00AM

[map]
minamisunamachi station
[/map]

Course (3 hours slow walking = 6.2 KM): MinamiSunamachi Station – Sendaiborigawa Canal – Kiba Park (Cherry Trees, Eating, Drinking, Sports) – Kiba Station (or, for those who want to do more, you can do more cherry blossom viewing along the canal and go to MonzenNakacho Station)

You can go shopping along the way for food & drink.

April 9 (Saturday) – Hiking from Takao Station & Cherry Blossom Viewing (Not difficult)(500 yen Participation Fee + 400 yen for the Tama Forest Science Research Park) (Cancelled in case of rain)NEW!

From Shinjuku Station, take the 8:00AM Keio Line Express, which arrives in Takao at 8:53AM (350 Yen) or take the Chuo Line (Holiday Express going towards Kawaguchi Lake) at 8:14, arriving at Takao Station at 8:59. Meet at the Takao north ticket gate at 9:00AM.

Course: Takao Station (North Exit) – Sugisawa no Atama (mountain – 547M) – Mt. Shiroyama (445M) – Tama Forest Science Research Park (Cherry Blossom Viewing) – Takao Station

Walking time: 5+ hours

[map]
高尾駅
[/map]

The hiking group plans to arrive at the park at about 2:30PM, so if you only want to go to the park, meet the rest of the group there after that.

At Tama Forest Science Research Park, there are about 1,700 cherry trees coming from every part of Japan, a beautiful combination of different kinds and various colored flowers.

Please take a look at http://www.ffpri-tmk.affrc.go.jp/ (in Japanese)

Hiking Leader: Leszek Rybicki 080-4369-2537

April 17 (Sunday) – Chichibu Hiking & Cherry Blossom Viewing (Participation Fee – 500 yen)(Intermediate) (Cancelled in case of rain) HALFNEW!

Meet at the Seibu Chichibu Line’s Musashi Yokote Station’s Ticket Gate at 10:18. From Ikebukuro, take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line’s Semi Express train at 9:05 to Hanno (arriving at Hanno at 10:01) and change here for the Seibu Chichu Line’s train, leaving Hanno at 10:04. This train arrives at Musashi Yokote Station at 10:15. Be sure to arrive on this train as we will be unable to wait for the next one.

[map]
musashiyokote station, japan
[/map]

People going from Ikebukuro Station can meet in the front car of the Seibu Ikebukuro Line train at 9:05.

The hike will be Musashi Yokote Station – Gojonotaki Waterfall – Kamakita Lake (Lunch & Cherry Blossom Viewing) – Yugate tea plantation mountain – Higashi Agano Station

The hiking time is about 4.5 hours. There are 100 cherry trees on Kamakita Lake, which should be in bloom at this time.

April 24 (Sunday) – EARTH DAY SUPER ECO PROGRAM – Tamagawa, Todoroki Gorge, Sunset Hiking and Garbage Clean Up (500 Yen) (Cancelled in case of rain!) HALFNEW!

Meet at 10:30AM at Tamagawa station (on the Tokyuu Toyoko Line) ticket gate OR (for late risers) meet at 1:45PM at Todoroki (on the Tokyuu Oimachi Line) Station ticket gate at 1:45PM.

[map]
tamagawa station, japan
[/map]

Course: Tamagawa Station – Tamagawadai Park (Water plants botanical garden) – Tamagawa River Garbage pick up – Todoroki Gorge – Todoroki Station (1:45) – Todoroki Gorge – Tamagawa River Garbage pick up – Futago Tamagawa Hyogoshima Park (Sunset)

This is an easy hike so children can join too. On the riverside, we will pick up garbage (so bring a garbage bag or two) and also play sports (so bring frisbees, balls, whatever).

Walking Distance: about 10KM

May 1 (Sunday)　Chichibu SPECIAL – Mountain Flower Road and Multi-colored grass Hiking (Intermediate Course)　Half NEW!!!
(Participation Fee 500 yen) (Cancelled in case of rain)

Meeting Time & Place: 9:00AM at Ashigakubo Station’s ticket gate or 12:20 at Yokose Station’s ticket gate

Take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line Express train from Ikebukuro Station at 7:35AM. This arrives at Ashigakubo at 9:00AM.

For late comers, take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line Express train from Ikebukuro Station at 10:35AM. This arrives at Hanno Station (the final destination) at 11:31AM. Change here to the Seibu Chichibu Line (which leaves at 11:34) and get off at Yokose Station (arriving at 12:19).

For early comers, meet on the front of the 7:35 train at Ikebukuro if you want to go from there.

Hiking Course: Ashigakubo Station – Mountain Flower Road – Mt. Hinata – Yokose Station – Hitsujiyama Park – Chichibu Station

The total walking time is about 6 hours.

Please bring your lunch and drink.

Check out the following HPs for more information:

http://www.ksky.ne.jp/~kinoko/syuuhen/hanamiti.htm (Mountain Flower Road)
http://www.hikingmap.jp/course/yokoze01.html (Hiking course from Yokose)
http://www.yokoze.gr.jp/hiking/index.htm (Hiking Course)
http://navi.city.chichibu.lg.jp/flower/shibazakura/index.html (Multi-colored Grass Park)

May 3 (Tuesday) – Nishizawa Azalea Garden & Jindai Botanical Park Flower Double Whammy! (EASY)(￥５００ Participation Fee + ￥５００ Jindai Park Entrance Fee) (Cancelled in case of rain) Half NEW!

Meeting Place/Time: Keio Line’s ChitoseKarakuyama Station’s West Exit at 9:58AM (Get on the front car of the 9:41 Express Keio Line) or Keio Line’s Tobitakyuu Station’s North Exit at 11:25AM.

Course: ChitoseKarasuyama Station – Nishizawa Azalea Garden (15,000 stalks) – Tobitakyuu Station (by train arriving at 11:22) – Musashino Forest Park – Jindai Botanical Garden (Wisteria, Azalea and other flowers should be in bloom)

This is an 8 km course. We finish up at Jindai Botanical Park. The entrance fee to the park is ￥５００ for adults, ￥５００ for those over 65 and ￥５００ those 15 years and younger.

Please see the following HPs:

http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index045.html (Jindai Botanical Park)
http://www.enjoytokyo.jp/amuse/event/424677/ (Nishizawa Azalea Park）
http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index058.html　(Musashino Forest Park)

May 5 (Thursday)　Old Tokaido Road and Mt. Sengen Hike （802M）(Intermediate)

(Participation Fee 500 yen) (Cancelled in case of rain) Half NEW!

We’ll meet at the gate of Hakoneyumoto Station (on the Hakone Railway) at 10:20AM.

From Shinjuku, take the 8:20 Odakyuu Line express to SagamiOono (arriving at 8:58). Change there to the 9:03 train going towards Odawara. Get off at Odawara at 10:02 and change to the 10:03 Hakone railway, getting off at Hakone Yumoto at 10:18). We’ll meet at that station’s ticket gate at 10:20.

For those going from Shinjuku, get on the front car of the 8:20 train. David will get on that car from Yoyogi Uehara.

Hiking Course: Hakone Yumoto Station – HatakeJuku (about 2 hours on the Old Tokaido Road) – Mt. Sengen – Mt. Shiroyama – Hakone Yumoto

About 5.75 hours walking time.

Please check out the following HP for information:
http://pub.ne.jp/lidenbrock/?entry_id=1893766　(Old Tokaido Road – From Hakone Yumoto – Ashinoko Lake)

Please bring your own food and drink.

We will meet at the ticket gate of Higashi Moro at 10:40AM.　From Ikebukuro, take the Tobu Tojo Line’s Express Train at 9:30 and　change at Sakado (arriving here at 10:13) to the Tobu　Ogose Line. Take the 10:25AM Tobu Ogose Line train to Higashi Moro　Station. It arrives there at 10:38AM.　

There are roses, irises and hydrongea on this course. The course we take will depend on which flowers are blooming, but we’ll probably do this one:

Higashi Moro Station – Rose Garden – Iris field – Hydrongea Road – Mt. Hanamagari – Higashi Moro Station

Please feel free to take a look of the map and pictures at this link:
http://www.town.moroyama.saitama.jp/www/contents/1285065144345/files/haikugaido.pdf

[map]
鼻曲り山
東毛呂駅
[/map]

The hike itself is about 5 hours.　Should　be a lot of fun! The train fare is 630 Yen one-way from Ikebukuro.　
If you’d like to go together from Ikebukuro, get on the front of the 9:30 Tobu Tojo Line train from there.