A punishing but rewarding day in the Japanese Alps! Waking at 5:30 AM, we did an 8km hike to Taisho-ike Pond for sunrise views of Mt. Yakedake. The "easy" part done, we tackled the ascent to Dakesawa-goya Hut. The vertical climb was brutal on tired feet, but the views from the hut were stunning. After a hot lunch, a treacherous descent, we were rewarded with beers and an essential onsen soak.