Mountain Hut Feast & the True Power of Workman’s XShelter Jacket
A body tested by wind and rain, a heart filled with mountain rice.
This is what hiking in your 50s looks like.
📖 Estimated reading time: 10–13 min
👣 Who This Story Is For
・Hikers in their 50s wondering, “Can I still climb like before?”
・Those curious about the legendary meals at Miyama Sansou (Tanzawa Mountain Hut)
・People who want to know how good Workman’s XShelter rain jacket really is
・Anyone who feels their stamina fading but still wants to challenge themselves again
・Those who enjoy “tasting the mountain” rather than just conquering it
🎯 The Mission: Four Simple Goals
- Taste the famous meal at “Miyama Sansou” (Tanzawa Mountain Hut).
- Test my new Workman “XShelter Ultra-Breathable Rain Jacket (Orange).
- Find out if a man in his 50s can still make it up the mountain.
From Okura to Tounodake and Tanzawa—12.2 km one way, 24.4 km round trip.
My body is no longer young, and the question haunted me: “Can I still do this?”
After two days of rain, fog, and wind, I somehow made it.- Remember: the hardest part of climbing is the descent.
A slip at the end can ruin everything.
Landing on your toes instead of your heels is the key to staying upright.
That’s one of the lessons you learn only with age.
⏱ Data Tells the Story — Two Days of “Training and Reward”
Day 1: The Ascent (Okura → Tounodake → Tanzawa)
- Start: 8:55 AM → Goal: 2:36 PM (5 hr 40 min)
- Elevation gain: about 1,200 m (Okura 290 m → Tanzawa 1,567 m)
| Section | Time | Distance | Pace | Condition |
| Okura → Miharashi Tea House | ~1 hr | ~2.3 km | 2.3 km/h | Easy start, still energetic |
| Miharashi → Hanatate Mountain Hut | ~2 hr 30 min | ~3.9 km | 1.5 km/h | Heavy rain, fog, steep slope |
| Hanatate → Tounodake | ~50 min | ~0.8 km | 1.0 km/h | Steepest part, strong wind |
| Tounodake → Tanzawa | ~1 hr 20 min | ~3.2 km | 2.4 km/h | Ridge walk with harsh wind |
Average ascent pace: 1.8 km/h
Despite the bad weather, I managed to keep moving with minimal breaks.
That steep section between Hanatate and Tounodake—honestly, I surprised myself.
Day 2: The Descent (Tanzawa → Tounodake → Okura)
- Start: 6:05 AM → Goal: 10:49 AM (4 hr 45 min)
- Weather: Clear skies after the rain
| Section | Time | Distance | Pace | Condition |
| Tanzawa → Tounodake | ~1 hr 15 min | ~3.2 km | 2.6 km/h | Comfortable ridge walk, great view |
| Tounodake → Okura | ~3 hr 15 min | ~7.0 km | 2.1 km/h | Steady descent, careful footing |
Average descent pace: 2.3 km/h
Even with tired legs, I enjoyed the clear air and sunshine.
Still, a reminder—downhill is where most accidents happen.
I chose stability over speed and made sure every step landed on my toes.
| Element | Day 1 (Ascent) | Day 2 (Descent) |
| Weather | Rain, fog, strong wind | Sunny, clear view |
| Fatigue | High — like training | Moderate — satisfying tiredness |
| Pace | Slow and steady | Relaxed, controlled |
| Feeling | Enduring the storm | Reward and relief |
It truly was two days of training and release.
For a man in his 50s, I’d say it was the perfect model of a safe, meaningful hike.
🌧️ Into the Storm — The “Training Climb” Begins
My main reason for this trip?
To finally eat the famous meal at Miyama Sansou on Mt. Tanzawa.
I’ve climbed Tanzawa before, but never stayed overnight.
Everyone kept saying, “The food there is amazing.”
So when the forecast said “sunny” a week before, I booked it immediately.
But on the day itself—rain.
And wind.
If I hadn’t booked, I would’ve probably stayed home.
Still, I told myself, “You’ve already booked, no turning back now.”
And besides, it was the perfect chance to test my brand-new rain jacket.
👉 Here’s the video:
🌍 YouTube Video A (Rain and Wind on Mt. Tonodake — The Voice of the Mountain)
🌍 YouTube Video B (The Ridge of Wind and Rain — From Tonodake to Mt. Tanzawa)
🌍 YouTube Video B part2 (From Tonodake to Mt. Tanzawa — Walking the Wind and Rain Ridge)
🧥 Workman “XShelter” Ultra-Breathable Rain Jacket — My Honest Review
👉 Official page of WORKMAN “XShelter Ultra-Breathable Rain Jacket” (Japan)
👉 Official WORKMAN “XShelter” Page — The Wearable Insulation Series
I’d worn my old Montbell rainwear for over ten years—it had started leaking.
So I decided to try this new XShelter jacket from Workman, priced around $40.
Honestly, it performed far beyond expectations.
🔬 Material Highlights
Workman’s XShelter fabric is engineered to regulate body temperature through
two scientific mechanisms: thermal insulation and evaporative cooling.
Tests show up to a 9°C cooling effect compared with ordinary clothing,
and it features 14 heat-reducing functions with specs like:
breathability 70,000 g/m²·24h / waterproof 10,000 mm.
| Feature | Description |
| Insulation | Polyester fibers block external heat |
| UV & Heat Shield | UPF50+, comparable to a sunshade |
| Near-Infrared Block | Reduces skin heat stress |
| Evaporative Cooling | Spreads sweat to cool via evaporation |
| Ventilation | Openings on back and underarms |
| Light & Flexible | Easy to move even on long climbs |
💬 Real Feel in the Rain
On the steep climb between Hanatate and Tounodake, I was drenched in sweat—
but surprisingly, the inside stayed dry.
With my old jacket, I’d have been soaked both inside and out.
This one? Breathable, no chill, no clamminess.
And that bright orange color—great for visibility and safety.
Perfect for hikers in their 50s. Reliable, affordable, and smart.
🍶 Reaching the Hut — A Well-Deserved Drink
Finally, I reached Miyama Sansou.
My legs were trembling like a newborn deer.
I dropped my backpack, opened a can of sour, and toasted myself:
“Ahh… that hits the spot.”
There were only two guests that night—me and another middle-aged man.
We didn’t talk much at first. Just the sound of chopsticks and miso soup filled the room.
“Rough weather today, huh?”
“Sure was. But I kind of like days like this—fewer people.”
That simple exchange turned into an easy, warm conversation.
It’s funny how you can talk freely to strangers in the mountains.
Dinner tasted even better with that atmosphere.
🎥 Inside Miyama Sanso (The Room View)
🍱 Dinner — The Taste of Miyama Sansou
Menu: Grilled meat, nameko mushrooms with kelp, greens, miso soup, and dessert.
Each dish was simple but full of care.
The savory sauce soaked into my tired body.
The other guest said, “Sometimes they serve hot pot or yakiniku here.”
“Man, I wish I’d hit hot pot day,” I laughed.
Three beers later, I went to bed full and happy, falling asleep instantly.
🌄 Morning — The Blue Hour Above the Clouds
Before dawn, I stepped outside.
The world was blue and white, silent and still.
“This… this is why I climb.”
The morning air was crisp and pure.
Breakfast was about to begin.
👉 Experience the calm before dawn in this short video.
🎥 YouTube Video C (Before Dawn’s Blue — Miyama Sanso)
🍚 Breakfast — The Legendary Takikomi Gohan
Menu: Takikomi gohan (seasoned rice), tamagoyaki, hijiki, spinach, and pickles.
The aroma of soy and dashi rose as the steam drifted up.
I had three bowls. Couldn’t stop.
Mountain food somehow tastes better than anywhere else.
The other man planned to descend via Nabewari-yama.
We said a short goodbye — a warm, quiet farewell.
🏔️ Day 2 — Sunshine, Clear Views, and an Unexpected Reunion
The air was so clear I could see Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, even Enoshima.
I felt pure gratitude. “I’m glad I didn’t give up yesterday.”
On the way down, I ran into the same man again at a trail junction.
We laughed, waved, and went our separate ways.
That small encounter reminded me —
the best part of hiking isn’t the summit, it’s the people you meet along the way.
👉 Experience the 360° clear skies after rain and wind.
🎥 YouTube Video D (At the End of the Wind and Rain — 360° Clear Skies over Mt. Tonodake)
🚶♂️ Back at Okura — Legs Shaking, Heart Full
I reached my car, changed clothes, and ate the rice balls I’d packed yesterday.
They were still fine — and delicious.
My legs were dead, but my heart was full.
It had been a perfect mountain trip.
🏕️ Epilogue — Overnight Makes It a Story
“I can still climb. I’ve still got it.”
Staying overnight turns a simple climb into a story.
Rain on the way up, a hot meal at the hut, silence at dawn, clear skies on descent.
In my 50s, I’ve learned that hiking isn’t just about reaching the top —
it’s about savoring the experience.
To the staff of Miyama Sansou and the kind stranger I met that night —
thank you for the warmth in the rain.
📝 Note: Meal contents and prices at Miyama Sansou may vary by season.
Always prioritize safety and check weather conditions before climbing.
🏔 Related Articles
- Tanzawa’s Hidden Stream Trail — From Yataro Forest Road to Fudo Falls
In the same Tanzawa area — a peaceful contrast to the “training climb” of this article. A gentle, healing hike along quiet streams.- Is Workman a Good Fit for Men in Their 50s? – A Deep Dive Without Buying a Thing
A practical yet affordable look at outdoor gear — perfect for those curious about the XShelter rain jacket featured in this story.- 5 Must-Have Apps for Typhoon Days — A 50s Man’s Digital Preparedness Guide
Before heading into the mountains, stay safe and informed — weather, disaster alerts, and route-planning tools all in one list.
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