If you’ve read my other post about my trip , then you can probably guess what the adventure is. If you thought, “hiking Mount Misen on Miyajima Island in Japan”, you’d be right! And from my experience, it’s totally possible to do while plus size.
As far as mountains go, it’s a bit small at only 535 meters above sea level. But it still takes one to two hours (depending on ability and path taken) and the views are absolutely worth it. Plus, in my opinion, the path itself is full of new and exciting things to see.
Anyways. I’m writing this especially for women like me. I love adventure and really wanted to climb this mountain even though I had zero idea about proper nutrition, or fitness routines, or anything practical. And I was also about 220lbs. So I, uh, kinda did things a little dangerously.
So…..
DON’T BE LIKE ME. Keep it safe; keep it practical. Here’s a list of practical things that I would do if I was preparing to climb Mount Misen all over again.
Please see my disclosure here! This post is not medical advice. Always check with your appropriate teams before making changes.
Start Working Out One Month Before
Hear me out – I have a good reason for this. People don’t usually talk about this aspect of things, and I had to learn it the hard way. So I wanted to pass it on.
Basically, I’ve noticed that my muscles begin to lose their toning after about one month of low/no activity. And if I lost the conditioning entirely (translation: winded from carrying the groceries), it always took some effort to get back into a basic level of fitness. Almost as if my body was fighting against the changes.
But it was still possible. After about a month of consistent low to moderate activity (walking, body weight exercises, etc), I was able to do a lot more with my body. So by doing this, it would help make sure I could do the entire hike without exerting myself too much.
Back then I climbed three flights of stairs three times a day, 5 days a week, for work. I also did some walking here and there. This was enough regular activity to prepare me for this climb, although it still took me a few hours and a few breaks.
Focus on Nutrition Two Weeks Before
My tummy used to act like it was getting runners trots until I changed my diet. It still comes back if I’m silly and eat things I know I shouldn’t.
But back then, I had no idea about nutrition. All I knew is that my stomach acted up in the most random of times during activities. I even heavily researched Japanese bathroom locations, and how they worked, because bathroom time could be any time.
I got lucky that it didn’t manifest in the middle of my climb up Mount Misen. But…I don’t think I even ate breakfast that day, so that’s probably why.
So what I would do if I could go back: I would go on an anti-inflammatory diet for two weeks before. No liquids 30 minutes before or after food. And I would eat at the same times every day, spacing meals about 4 hours apart. These things usually help the stomach digest better, and keep blood sugar more stable.
In my experience, about two weeks of doing that consistently is enough to prevent the tummy issues during exercise. Don’t quote me on it – everyone’s body works differently. It’s just what I would do if I was preparing for this climb again (manifesting for 2024!).
Pick Comfy Gear
For warmer months, I’ve learned the hard way that natural is better. Specifically: cotton and linen are the best.
It’s definitely harder to find clothing made in these fabrics in plus sizes, but it’s so worth it. Japan can get really humid and hot so we need to do what we can to keep cool. People who hike all the time say this is an easy hike, however since I was not used to this…I got really hot and sweaty. My polyester clothes probably made it worse.
Another consideration is what to bring. I loved my crossbody bag…but it was torture on this climb. Every time I lifted my leg, it hit the bag. Every time I swung my arm, it brushed against the bag. IT WASN’T FUN. So if I could do it again, I’d probably take a small backpack or fanny pack.
As for shoes. I did this in 20$ generic department store shoes that were extremely worn. Looking back now, I think I got lucky that I didn’t have any problems. If I was to go again, I’d make sure my shoes had good treads, and that the padding wasn’t worn through in the heel.
Check the Weather for Miyajima Island
I didn’t really have a choice. My trip was short, and I only had a day and a half to visit Miyajima Island. Unfortunately, it was pretty smoggy/cloudy the whole time, which took away from the views. And although I didn’t know about such things back then, I’m sure this also meant that the air quality was bad.
I wish it had been nicer weather because this climb is probably so much more beautiful when it’s sunny and clear. So if I could plan this again, I would pay attention to weather forecasts and plan to do this on the best day. I like taking pictures, and I like seeing the sunlight shining on leaves, and I value my renewed lung health, so that kinda thing is important to me.
I edited some of my pictures to try and remove the haze. This is the before and after. See how much detail it was hiding?
Go Early + Have No Other Plans
I climbed Mount Misen on my last day in Japan. My flight wasn’t until midnight so I had a lot of time to fill. But it still didn’t feel like enough.
From what I can remember, I started around 9 or 10am, and by noon I was at the top. I was worried about the time because I still had to get my bags, do some souvenir shopping, take a ferry, and take a bullet train to make sure I was close to the airport. So I decided to do the cable car down the mountain…because I was worried about time.
I ended up having PLENTY of time. But I couldn’t stop the worry. So if I was to do this again, I would make sure that I have an entire day to devote to it, and I would start early. I would stop and take millions of pictures. I would take the detour to see the waterfall. I would take the other path down instead of the cable car.
Take Water + Snacks
Yep – you read that right. I did not even think to take a snack and water with me to climb Mount Misen, and I regretted it. There were so many times I stopped and wondered if I should go back down and find some water. I didn’t because I was worried about the time. And looking back, now, this was an EXTREMELY RISKY THING TO DO.
Moral of the story: Do not ever start a mountain hike without some sort of provisions. Especially if it’s a climb you haven’t done before.
Our sweat isn’t just water – it has a lot of minerals. So when we sweat a lot, we’re losing minerals that we need to replace to keep our bodies working well. Water on its own cannot replenish that, hence why we need to add some kind of electrolyte to it. Snacks often have different things we need, too, so this can also help.
Personally? My favourite electrolyte drink is coconut water. But I would probably bring some regular water and celtic sea salt just in case, too.
Coconut Oil on the Thighs
I’m not the only one with thunder thighs, right? It’s always been a big thing for me. Even when I lost 80lbs the first time, my thighs were still touching. But I learned a trick that can help with the chafing a little bit.
So if it’s warm or hot, I would make sure to generously apply some coconut oil on the inside of my thighs under my shorts/capris/trousers. It feels silly, but it usually helps prevent the skin from getting quickly irritated from any sweat and rubbing. It can be applied under the bra, too. I don’t apply it anywhere the sun will see because it’s an oil.
I only use pure coconut oil, virgin first cold pressed. These categories mean it should still have the good stuff that helps the skin.
Remember That Mount Misen is a Mountain
I think after a while, I got used to all the steps and it spoiled me. So when I came across a break in the path covered by a metal grate over a sheer drop, I was definitely shocked and scared. The grate was the only way forward. I almost turned back because I was worried that it wouldn’t hold my weight.
But I argued with myself that I had already come this far, and surely it was sturdier than it looked. After all, they had carved steps for most of the path. That had to mean they put a lot of care into it, right? So I stepped onto the grate as lightly as I could and promptly looked down. Oops. They mean it when they say you shouldn’t look down if heights scare you – the drop was pretty steep. But somehow I kept going, step by step, and made it across.
And then a few steps and a corner after that was another sheer drop, and some giant rocks for steps. Had I lost my balance and tipped backwards…I try not to think about that. But it definitely reminded me of the fact that this was a whole dang mountain and I was a tiny person. So don’t forget that while you’re up there.
Conclusions
I was young and didn’t know much about anything back when I first did this climb. I wasn’t prepared at all except for the activity level I had from work. Looking back now, I think I got very lucky.
And that’s what prompted me to write this article. I’m sure there are others out there like me who just haven’t heard of certain things, and no one around them is having those convos. So it’s my hope that this post will offer people a little bit of exposure to those ideas, so that everyone can safely go have the adventures of their dreams.
And climbing Mount Misen on Miyajima Island is definitely a worthwhile adventure, even while plus size. Just remember: you know your body best. Don’t push beyond your limits, and check with your health team first if you have concerns.