Yatsugatake Ridge - Caught in a Storm
Climbing Mount Akadake in Japan was one of the most intense mountain experiences I’ve ever had. I’d expected a tough ridge hike, but I didn’t expect to feel both so alive and so trapped at the same time.
The first part of the climb was exciting. The ridge was narrow and rocky, and every step made me feel like I was walking along the spine of the mountain. The views were unreal with clouds floating below us and the valleys stretching out in every direction. I felt strong and confident, like all my training back home was paying off.
But then the storm rolled in. At first it was just wind and mist, but it quickly turned into heavy rain and fog so thick we could barely see. The temperature dropped fast, and we had to move carefully, every rock slippery, every gust of wind threatening to throw off our balance.
We made it to the hut at the top of the ridge . We were told it would be too dangerous to continue to the next huts along the ridge.
We settled in and waited for the storm to pass. A day went by, then two. We wondered when we’d be able to get back outside.
But even in the low moments, there were highs. On the third evening, people began filing into the hut from below, soaked through their clothes. Tonight was a special Shinto celebration. Although there was a language barrier, we had gracious hosts who included us in their cultural celebration. It was wonderful.
Sharing hot food with the group, laughing about how wild the weather was, and feeling the relief of being safe while the storm roared outside reminded me why I love the outdoors. The weather had changed our plans, but it also gave me a story I’ll never forget.
In the end, we didn’t conquer the storm, but we did endure it. That was its own kind of victory.
The last morning, we woke up to sunshine, with Mount Fuji in the distance. It was all worth it. We climbed up to the top of Akadake, and descended a different way back to the trailhead.
Being high on Akadake, caught between the thrill of the ridge and the power of the storm, showed me that sometimes the hardest parts of the trip are also the most meaningful.
