Nishizawa Gorge, Yamanashi, Japan

We hiked through Nishizawa Gorge in the pouring rain, armed with nothing but our umbrellas and non-hiking clothes. We definitely weren’t prepared for the intensity of the trail, and it took us twice as long as we had planned. The vibrant colors of autumn were just starting to peak through, painting the landscape in shades of red and gold. Despite the challenge, the gorge’s raw, untamed beauty made every step worth it. However, the delay caused us to miss our bus into the Alps, leaving us to sleep in our tiny matchbox of a car in bear country, enduring the freezing 1-degree weather. It was an adventure we won’t soon forget!