How to enjoy and preserve the mountains

Last fall, after many years, I went hiking on Mount Tanigawadake, a 1,977-m mountain that spans Niigata and Gunma prefectures. I was amazed to see long lines of hikers snaking up the well-defined routes.

When I got to the summit, it, too, was packed with climbers, many of whom were middle-aged or older.

The ground around the peak was completely barren of grass or bushes. The entire surface was in a sad state. Here and there were bald patches of rock with no soil left at all.