Mount Rokko - Hyogo, Japan

I missed a train transfer that would’ve saved some time, and by the time I got off, I had just three minutes to catch the bus—and missed it. After a 30-minute wait, I finally started hiking around 10 a.m.

The trail began on a gentle forest road before crossing a small river and climbing a set of stairs. It wasn’t too difficult, though a short detour section was noticeably steeper. Near the summit, a rest house offered benches and toilets—a good place to pause before the final push.

At the top, strong winds greeted me, so I quickly threw on my jacket, took a few photos, and began my descent. Most hikers continue toward Arima Onsen, but I retraced my steps, enjoying the quieter trail. With two kilometers left, I realized the next bus was leaving in 15 minutes—so I sprinted the last stretch and made it just in time. Lucky me!