First winter hike: Kusenbuyama by rail 杓子ヶ峰・奥山・九千部山・石谷山

First winter hike: Kusenbuyama by rail 杓子ヶ峰・奥山・九千部山・石谷山 2021/12/4 

Winter has started although it is still warm during the day time in Kyushu. I left this house this morning with no clear plan of where to go or what to do. I just packed my bag, left the house and went to the station. I then decided to get off at Yayoigaoka station 弥生が丘駅 and walked past the bustling premium Tosu outlet stores and continued out into the mountains. On the way up a woman tending her vegetables called me over to warn me about monkeys in the mountain. I told her that I wanted to see them but she looked annoyed and said they are dangerous! Ha ha Unfortunately I didn't find any monkeys. 

I went up some smaller mountains before reaching the dam and continuing up to Kusenbuyama. It was great to use a new route as I have only hiked from the Fukuoka side in the past. I attention a late lunch on Kusebuyama 九千部山 and then continued to Ishidaniyama 石谷山 and down to the Ochouzu waterfall 御手洗の滝. I got worried that it may get dark before I could make it down so picked up my pace, I thought that I should pack a headlamp if I plan to wonder so aimlessly, silly me. In end it was fine as came to the station with about half an hour of daylight left. Click on the title or here for the route map and more pictures!