9 Comments
User's avatar
KasiaBXL's avatar

Last summer when in Sendai we went to visit the Yamadera temple - « only » 1000 steps, and what a treat! I sincerely admire the postman who does this route every day (no cable car). He is well positioned to become Japan’s longest living man…

Expand full comment
Dr Miki from Japan's avatar

Thank you for your comment! "Only" 1,000 steps— that’s still no small feat! That’s amazing! I can’t even imagine doing that route every day, that postman is incredible!

Expand full comment
Sophia's avatar

Thank you for this amazing article! I can already visualise myself walking up the stairs while the rest of my family takes the easy way up 😄

Thanks for the health and safety advice too! I'd like to add that it's a good idea to also bring someting salty if you hike when it's very hot. We lose electrolytes while sweating and a salty snack helps to regain some sodium and avoid getting dehydrated fast again. My bottle of water and crisps saved me this summer when I climbing steps up to St George's church in the island of Syros!

Expand full comment
Dr Miki from Japan's avatar

That’s a great tip! Thanks to you, I just updated my newsletter to include how important salty snacks can be. Thanks for the advice!

Expand full comment
Sophia's avatar

Thanks for being so responsive to my suggestion and so generous with your time and knowledge! 💫

Expand full comment
Ridiculous Thoughts's avatar

Wonderful! New challenge accepted! 🤭

Expand full comment
Dr Miki from Japan's avatar

Yes! I’ve been to Fushimi Inari and Konpira-san before, but not the rest, so they’re on my bucket list too! I actually went to Konpira-san on an elementary school field trip when I was around 9, and I remember racing my friend from the bottom to the top—definitely couldn’t do that now! But I’d love to go back. The area around Konpira-san has so many famous spots, especially for udon! There are even places where you can make udon from scratch.

Expand full comment
Stephanie Bax's avatar

I felt the same way! As someone about to move to Tokyo, this offers a fun way to explore the country and the culture.

Expand full comment
Dr Miki from Japan's avatar

Yes, you’re absolutely right! Even though I was born and raised in Japan for 17 years, there are still so many incredible places I haven’t visited yet. Looking forward to hearing about your experiences when you move to Japan!

Expand full comment