I will be in Osaka to see the WCs and want to take a trip to Koyasan, spend a night in a Shukubo etc.
What is it like trying to run in Koyasan? Will I be run off the road by tour buses?
Many thanx for your replies.
I will be in Osaka to see the WCs and want to take a trip to Koyasan, spend a night in a Shukubo etc.
What is it like trying to run in Koyasan? Will I be run off the road by tour buses?
Many thanx for your replies.
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I've never been to Koyasan; I don't even know where Shukubo is. I've been around in Japan and in most area I've run casually with very little problem. Sure, roads are much narrower but those remote area is not as much of a problem because, most likely, traffic won't be as bad. It's the wider road that you really have to watch out; traffic are quite bad--meaning, they are right by you! Shoulders are much smaller and cars go quite fast. When I go back home in Mie Prefecture and go for a run where I used to do tempo run, it's a bit scarey! I now go somewhere else and I go much slower (not by choice!). Just use your common sense and be careful.
One thing I noticed is; since traffic goes the opposite way (they drive on the left side of the road...not the wrong side!), you should check the traffic on your right side, then left, and right again before you cross the road. If you're running and crossing the street, checking on your left first; incoming traffic on your left is the other side, not the closest side (left side of the road). Am I making sense?
I know of a couple of American guys (both runners) who live in Japan (one in Osaka and the other in Nagoya) if you want me to introduce you to them??? I myself MAY get to go to Osaka this summer for WC (crossing my fingers).
that'd be great.
Jason has my details - i'm in Taiwan.
Your friends in Southern Honshu will no doubt have heard of Koyasan. Its a big tourist draw, so lots of buses and madness. But its at 1000m or so, so very pleasant weather.
I've run in Japan cities/towns b4 and I know what u mean - no shoulder. People are not expecting u either.
If you go to Osaka, where is a decent place to stay? I found a hotel in Sakaishi 5k/night, near the river, 10 minute train to stadium, 20 minutes from KIX etc.