Enjoy the view from the high point along the hike to Mount Miurafuji south of Yokosuka city, Japan. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes)
A visit to this local mountain range may be just the challenge you’ve been looking for on your next weekend trip.
On the outskirts of Yokosuka, just a 20-minute train ride south from Yokosuka Chuo Station, you’ll arrive at Keikyu Nagasawa Station, where the trek begins.
The 4.5-mile loop of Mount Miurafuji is perfect for a winter hike. Little or no snow collects on these mountains, and the trees block the cold wind.
Less than a quarter mile on a relatively easy ascent from the station, look for a park where you may find parents serenely watching from a distance as their children play. A small sign and a staircase indicates the trailhead.
Prepare for a thigh-burning 20% grade from the start. As you climb the daunting set of steps, the scenery changes from apartment buildings to forest and the children’s laughter fades to tranquility.
A passing walker may offer, “Ohayō gozaimasu,” but otherwise the scene is a departure from the urban area below.
A stone shrine rests atop Mount Miurafuji, a 660-foot high peak south of Yokosuka city, Japan. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes)
At one mile you’ll reach Mount Miurafuji, about 530 feet above sea level, where you’ll find a small stone shrine and views of farmland on Miura Peninsula, which separates Tokyo Bay from Sagami Bay.
The second peak, and the highest point of the hike, lies a half mile farther. Once there, take a seat on a small, serpentine bench for a scenic view from 660 feet above sea level while you enjoy that egg sandwich you purchased at the 7-Eleven just outside the train station.
Once you’ve replenished your energy, begin the final ascent. At the 2.5 mile marker you are more than halfway home and almost out of the woods, but the hardest part is over.
Look for this flight of stairs to begin your afternoon trek to Mount Miurafuji south of Yokosuka city, Japan. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes)
The peak of Mount Takeyama bears hallmarks of civilization -- a paved road and a public bathroom. Follow the road to a metal staircase that gives you views of the opposite side of the mountain. Below are the compact city of Yokosuka and the naval base.
The paved road returns to a dirt path and once again the forest surrounds you as you descend a steep stairway. At the bottom of the stairs are orchards of bright tangerine trees, and a variety of field crops.
The Tsukuihama Tourist Farm has fresh strawberries, tangerines and sweet potatoes for sale on your way back to the train station.
From the farm, the train is still another mile away, mostly downhill.
The All Trails website classified the route as moderately difficult, with an average completion time of 2 1/2 to three hours. My wife and I returned to returned to Keikyu Nagasawa station 2 1/2 hours after we stepped foot off the train, including a picnic stop at the scenic viewpoint and a stroll through the farm.
If city weekends have become dull routine, break up the monotony with a hike to Mount Miurafuji and its neighbors.
On the QT
Directions: The Mount Miurafuji trail loop starts with a 5-minute walk uphill from Keikyu Nagasawa Station’s north exit. From the station, continue north and make the first left after the 7-Eleven. Take the next right, and then another left. Just after a park the trail entrance is on your right. Google plus code: 6M4F+6M Yokosuka, Kanagawa
Times: Trail is best navigated in daylight.
Costs: Free admission
Food: A 7-Eleven near the station, and other small restaurants before and after the trail.
Information: Online: tamaki.yamap.com/en/spot/4711; All Trails: tinyurl.com/58h6aykb
