Tsukuba-san hike (Give up before the peak due to unexpected congestion...😂)

I share this information because you might not want to experience human traffic jam while you go for a hike, seeking for a nature. Sorry for no GPX data as I was not yet familiar with YAMAP application this time. The route was Tsutsujigaoka ～ OtatsuIshi. I arrived at Tsutsujigaoka parking space at 09:30am and the space was already almost occupied...😳(bit surprised since I hadn't experienced this before in any hiking). Close to downtown, easy route that can be enjoyed with family from the young to old, visiting in crowded season and condition such as in Golden-week with a nice weather, I am pretty sure you will experience the same. Luckily got a few spaces so I parked and got started a hike. ●(09:45 am: Started a hike from OtatsuIshi course entrance) I casually took a photo of signboard of guidance at the entrance. However, I overlooked the content at all since I thought there would be no dangerous points in Tsukuba-san. If I had paid attention to what it says in the board, I could be ready for what will happen afterwards, at least, I think... Anyway, I had steps to begin with. From this point, I could have a clear view of parking lot from above, which it was fully occupied... Blank at the right is for space for a coach only. In the beginning, there weren't many hikers so I was optimistic, "Maybe many of them would go to the top via a cable car". Yet, soon after that with several minutes, the path was filled with hikers... ＜！＞「Very nice Tsutsuji (azaleas) spot」 ●(09:58 am: Tsutsujigaoka Highlands) After 10 min from the entrance up through small-rock area, Tsutsujigaoka Highlands was there. In this season, Tsutsuji (azaleas) are very beautifully in bloom with magenta color, between pink and red, so highly recommended to visit. ＜！＞「Good view」 ●(10:05 am) Soon after Tsutsujigaoka Highlands, you will be able to find a good scenery between trees. You can view Houkyou-san and Lake Kasumigaura there. ●(10:13 am) Around here, path is becoming more like a trekking trail. Looking diagonally upward, you can find large rocks lying on the grounds and slopes. It's very amazing that plants can root even on these rocks. Their vitality is some beyond our understandings. It's also beautiful to look up and see fresh green leaves between spring and summer season. ●(10:27 am:　Benkei NanaModori) Arriving at Benkei NanaModori. Above stone ? rock ? always seems to fall down any moment, but it actually stays. I wonder how it can stay like this 😳 After passing here, congestion is getting worse…😰 The path was filled with hikers and you’ve got to wait at some points (narrow path section). People in front clear the point first, then you move forward… Now I come to realize what the signboard of guidance at the entrance really means. It says “One-way only”. In short, the path is used for only up to the top but you may not use it for going down (gotta use cable car to down). No wonder we didn’t pass anyone going down…I’m pretty sure, there must be full of hikers on the top of Nyotai-san. Before that, not even sure how long it takes to the top😂 Luckily, it was only a few minutes after entering One-way only section. Not many hikers are coming up from behind. And, no argument between dad and son to stop right here and go back😆 Maybe it’s not that unusual. But it was a real shock to me as I had never expected to suffer from human traffic jam in the middle of nature (visiting nature for refreshing the things from daily congestion !!) Changed my mind, we went back without hurry but with taking pictures ! Again, azaleas in Tsutsujigaoka Highlands is really beautiful. Peak of the bloom is around mid Apr until beginning of May. ＜！＞「Alert of congestion」 If you want to visit Tsukuba-san in a popular season like azaleas peak of the bloom or under such conditions as below, ●GW ●Silver week ●Gantan (Jan 1) ●more than 3 consecutive holidays ●Autumn (autumn color of leaves) ●Nice weather you should be ready for congestion. Maybe this is not only for Tsukuba-san but also for any other popular places. "Earlier you start your journey, more comfortable it will be 👍!!". Thanks for reading 😄!