Mostly Japanese Mountains: Bike riding around Sayama and Tama Lakes

It was a gorgeous spring day in western Tokyo. Rather than a hike, I grabbed my binos and headed for a bike ride to the trails around Sayama and Tama Lakes. There are enough trails between and around those lakes to keep one occupied for a few hours. Some of the views are really great, too.

This map is one that I encountered inside the Rokudoyama Park. Notice the orientation of North is down. That drives me crazy.

One reason for this trip is that the Rokudoyama Park (六道山公園) in Mizuho is home to one of Kanto's 100 best views of Mt Fuji. At least that's what this plaque claims. I've been here many, many times but it seems like I never get to make this trek when the skies are clear. So happy about the visibility today.

This is what the Rokudoyama Park Observatory looks like from below.

It was a crystal clear day so I was happy to catch these views from the top.

I really like this sign on the wall of the observatory. I have climbed all but maybe 5 of the mountains on it. It's nice to be able to see them lined up in front of me.

(You can also see downtown Tokyo and Skytree from this observatory.)

Another vantage point in the forest overlooks Yokota Air Base and I was able to see flight operations. I live on the other side of Yokota under the flight path. I don't often get to see takeoffs and landings.

From the Rokudoyama Park, I rode through the trails on the north side of the lakes and then turned right at the far end of Tama Lake and circled back before heading home. This ride takes in parts of Mizuho, Tokorozawa, Higashi Yamato and Murayama. On the way I skirted the Metlife (Seibu) Dome--where the Lions play--and Seibu Amusement Park. One of the cool things about the path where it passes alongside the lakes is that there are more signs identifying what mountains you can see in the distance.

I've climbed all but one of those. So many good memories. This sign is on Tama Lake.

Here is what the sign is expressing.

I thought there might have been a game going on when I took this because I could hear the P.A. system. I think it was just a test, though. Opening day is a few weeks away.

This dome makes a great landmark when looking down from the mountains.