Wakakusayama, Nara

Nara Park is a huge park and the one highlight that tourists always flock to is the deer of the park. However, one highlight that is always missed by many tourists is Wakakusayama. A towering mountain that is just right behind the open space where the deers roams.

Although, there may also so many more places a tourist can explore in Nara; but, in this case, I'm speaking about the highlight that Nara is mostly known about.

Facing the mountain and starting from very foot of it, you will see a gradually ascending field that is very green and looks as if it's deliberately landscaped by professionals - or maybe it really is.

Just from the foot of the mountain, you can already enjoy the beauty of the place. But, the real beauty sits at the top of this mountain.

While the very top of the mountain is still quite far from its famous look out, it's worth noting that there is not a need to go to the very peak of the mountain just to see the beautiful view of the city.

If you ever plan to go to the lookout of the mountain, there are two trains leading up to it. Facing the mountain itself, coming from the deer park, there is a trail both at the right and left sides of the mountain.

Taking the left side trail ascending to the lookout, one can say that taking this trail is almost saying they love torture. This side of the trail is a difficult is one tries to make an ascent from here.

Yes, the path is paved; but, the steps you need to take are huge. You will have to give it your all to survive. I'd personally say this path is better and easier taken when you make a descent.

It's a different story when one takes the path at the right side of the mountain. It's a gradual ascent. However, mind you, while it's a gradual ascent, you can still feel the burning sensation in your legs. But, this may just be true to me as I haven't hiked for a very long time when we did this.

Local tourists take this path, too and I'm always left behind by them or those behind me just easily overtake me and these folks are already late with age while I'm wheezing, gasping for air. Despite these folks' age, they still walk quite fast.

As they pass by me and noticing my labored breathing, they'd tell me "Gambaremasu!". You can do it. Keep on fighting! Go! That's what they said.

As I think back and reflect about the joy I felt, joy despite being out of breath, as I was trekking up Wakakusayama, other people can notice the difficult another person can be in and they cheer you up.

They might not be able to do something about your situation, but hearing a cheer from someone else, even if it's someone whom you do not know, can make a difference no matter how small it may be.

Little by little, one can move a tiny, single inch and it may take some time for another movement of an inch to be made; but, despite how little the progress may be, it will make a difference.

And the one reason why a movement was made because other people saw the struggle and encouraged and said that you can do it.

The hike to Wakakusayama's view deck was achieved after laborious hike; but, the view, truly was worth it.

This may be the same thing with life, we all hike our own Wakakusayamas and without knowing, we may be taking the difficult or the easier route and each route presents pains and struggles.

But, brave through it, keep on moving, even just a little. You will know that you are making progress because as you inch your way forward, little by little, you will start seeing a difference in the view. What once was covered by something is now replaced by an overlooking expanse so wide and unobstructed that you can sense a feeling of ease.

Moving again until such time you will see the wholeness of the view.

However, you need to know that your inching forward will not and will never happen by your own strength. Pray for the strength to endure.

By God's grace alone will you move forward. Thus, pray and never cease praying and ask God for the strength and the grace to move forward.

Your Wakakusayama will be conquered by God's grace and the strength He will grant you.