The "Northern Tanzawa Area Course," introduced as the "third course" of the Tokai Nature Trail, is indeed a wonderful course, as described on the official website as "a rare mountain course within the Tokai Nature Trail," featuring beautiful streams and forests shimmering with sunlight filtering through the trees.

However, even so, "a mountain is a mountain." I was forced to endure an unforgettable experience, realizing that underestimating it can lead to serious trouble... (July 17, 2021)　　　(Nihedon @ KesaranPasaran Lab)

The arrow in the photo below indicates that if I had followed the ridge, I should have reached the Ootakibashi bus stop. However, I somehow went astray and ended up in an area that looked like no one had ever been before.

Later, I realized from looking at the topographic map that the trail was supposed to leave the ridge and follow the stream, but I didn't notice this and continued along the ridge until it suddenly ended, giving way to a steep slope leading down to the stream.

And so, despite my doubts, I descended that steep slope, which marked the beginning of my nightmare.

I somehow managed to get out of the ravine, and after frantically finding a place where I could get a cell phone signal, I called 110 (the emergency number). I was then secured by the mountain rescue team and local firefighters sometime after 9 PM.

Afterward, I received taping treatment, and was carried on the backs of the rescuers at various points. I finally made it down the mountain sometime after 2 AM.

The rescuers from the Matsuda Police Station Mountain Rescue Team and the local firefighters displayed truly remarkable first-aid skills, mountaineering abilities, and physical fitness. Their consideration for my injuries was also incredible. I am filled with gratitude, regret, and admiration for them.

I was 100% at fault for completely underestimating the Tokai Nature Trail. I thought I loved mountain hiking, but I completely lacked any respect for the mountains.

After safely returning home and checking my camera, I discovered that nothing had been taken after the last photo above. I was too shaken up to take pictures. If I had taken photos, I might have been able to pinpoint the exact location of the incident, but I don't remember for sure. I suspect I was stuck somewhere on a side ridge north of Byobu-iwa (Folding Screen Rock).

I wrote this article as a reminder to myself. I deeply regret what happened, and above all, I want to engrave in my heart my gratitude to those who rescued me.