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Most days as PhD students, we learn to be thrifty, our funding is usually just enough to live comfortably. And with schedules packed with experiments, and deadlines, traveling often feels like a luxury that requires more time and planning than we can afford.
This morning, while sipping tea at my desk, I felt the urge to reconnect with nature. On a whim, I searched for nearby mountains, and to my surprise, I found one just 15 minutes from my apartment: Miyukijiyama.
At the foot of the mountain sits Gokoku Shrine. My friend Irfan drew a fortune slip first, hoping to know whether the day would bless him before the climb. We also grabbed tea and water before heading up.
Finding the trailhead was a little tricky. It’s tucked right beside a cemetery. The first part of the trail is quite steep, but the trees, the autumn breeze, and the chorus of birds and insects made every step enjoyable.
Halfway up, we stopped to pray at a small shrine called Atago Hakusan Daigonen-dō. There isn’t much information available about it, but it’s clearly well-kept and lovingly maintained. There’s another shrine perched at the summit as well—simple, peaceful, and perfectly placed for anyone seeking a quiet moment with nature. It is one of those Tori gates in the sky!
We stayed at the top for a few hours to watch the sunset, and I’m glad we did. However, make sure you have enough water and food for your trip since there is no available vending machines along the way. We watched the sun kiss the mountainside, turning the autumn leaves into glowing gold. It felt like a blessing in itself.
Such a picturesque view, just a short walk from our backyard. Proof that reconnecting with nature doesn’t require an expensive trip. Sometimes, it’s simply waiting nearby, unnoticed until found.
Published: 11/25/2025
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