On the train I keep my fingers warm up by drawing other passengers. Sneaking in quick glances so as not to bother anyone!

In the past, pilgrims would have to walk all the way to the top of the mountain. But these days there is a cable car conveniently at the base!

The path is mostly concrete and stone - there’s an intersection where one path (the stairs) are male and the other branches off in different directions and rejoins at the top…

From which we could see Mount Fuji too!

I was really surprised to see a vending machine on the top of Mount Takao. Things are really convenient in Japan!

As we made our way back down the mountain, we stopped to get an O-mikuji - a random fortune written on strips of paper which we took from a box.

We then stopped to get a modern equivalent - from a Gashapon machine next to a kiosk selling ice cream.

As we walked back to the train station, I noticed there was an onsen. There is nothing better than having a dip in a hot spring after a long walk! There was even a restaurant inside the station.

Warm and full, we headed back to the bustle of Tokyo.

Adrian Hogan

Illustrator

Adrian is an illustrator and artist based in East Tokyo. His studio has directed campaigns, editorial media, and large format artwork for over a decade. He is a regular contributor to Popeye Magazine, Brutus Magazine and Tarzan Magazine.