Nov13,14: Okuchichibu-Uenomura

[Andy]

Ikebukuro to Chichibu and Mitsumineguchi by Seibu train then bus to Nakatsugawa.
Timetable changed though and best bus at 1020 now cancelled. 0850 or 1300 bus now.
Leave on express train 7am or use local train and get 1pm bus from Mitsumineguchi. A bit later but its possible - will finish Monday evening.


wilder hike from Okuchichibu to Uenomura.
Main information for this event in the planning section:
Okuchichibu-Uenomura rocky mountains, caves [上野村 西上州の山]
http://outdoorclubjapan.com/index.php?topic=1383.0


Same beautiful mountains but colours are a little better there.
This hike  is at least technical level 2 - balance needed on narrow paths, cliffs etc. Probably level 3 with a few easy  short chains on rocks. I think it is ok for average hikers and sports people.

Fitness level is low ... probably level 1 with about 4 hours hiking but could be a bit more. Altitude climb is very little ... about 1 hour climbing up - mostly flat or downhill.

Information can be found on the website and gallery by searching for;
Nakatsugawa
Uenomura
Aka Iwa

Weather looks good so you can sleep out with just a sleeping bag. OCJ has a sleeping bag available.
Train from Ikebukuro on Seibu line and bus from Mitsumineguchi to Nakatsugawa - walk from there.
Andy

Aka Iwa - start (we go easier way though)
http://outdoorclubtokyo.com/gallery/var/resizes/040501nakatsugawa/040501nakatsugawa007.jpg?m=1271078692



Ryougami San ridge (we go other way but scenery similar)
http://outdoorclubtokyo.com/gallery/var/resizes/051105chichibu/051105chichibu036web.jpg?m=1271078408



http://outdoorclubtokyo.com/gallery/var/resizes/051105chichibu/051105chichibu022web.jpg?m=1271078402


http://outdoorclubtokyo.com/gallery/var/resizes/051105chichibu/051105chichibu034web.jpg?m=1271078408


http://outdoorclubtokyo.com/gallery/var/resizes/040501nakatsugawa/040501nakatsugawa010.jpg?m=1271078692


http://outdoorclubtokyo.com/gallery/var/resizes/040501nakatsugawa/040501nakatsugawa025.jpg?m=1271078698


Onsen maybe ...
http://outdoorclubtokyo.com/gallery/var/resizes/070428shimonita/070430shimonita019.jpg?m=1271080542


Caving possible if you have gear and we have time.
http://outdoorclubtokyo.com/gallery/var/resizes/100501-Golden-Week-in-Shimonita/100501shimonita031.jpg?m=1278418598