Kanto’s Autumn Blues I write this with utter exasperation over the current state of the weather. Ordinarily, I would be setting off on a multi-day autumn adventure, but now it seems I’ll have to wait until later in the week for the autumn rain...
Hiked on September 24, 2024 . Ojiragawa Gorge 尾白川渓谷 – Shichijo-koya 七丈小屋 – Komagatake Shrine 駒ヶ岳神社 This is a long and demanding hike, suitable for experienced hikers. Do not attempt the Kuroto Ridge course unless you are...
The Ultimate Air Mattress that Continues to Evolve Sleeping pads are the unsung heroes that determine the quality of your outdoor sleep. They level uneven ground for a comfortable night’s rest, insulate against cold air, and provide comfort whether...
One Man’s Quest for the 100 Best Mountains in Japan It comes with much excitement and anticipation when a book about hiking in Japan is released, whether it’s a guidebook or a memoir. Such books are rare finds. As soon as I heard that William...
July 21st to July 27th, 2024 . Murodo 室堂 to Shin-Hotaka Ropeway 新穂高ロープウェイ This is a long and demanding multi-day hike suitable for experienced hikers. Do not attempt this hike unless you have experience in route-finding. Carry the relevant...
Stemming the Endless Tide on Fuji-san Even when shrouded in rain, Mount Fuji retains its magnetic charm, as evidenced by the throngs who dared to climb it in 2017, a year when Tokyo recorded a staggering 21 consecutive days of rain in August. This...
Hiked on Jun 14, 2024 . Nishi Tanzawa Visitor Center 西丹沢ビジターセンター – Gorasawa-deai ゴーラ沢出合 – Aogatake Sanso 青ヶ岳山荘 Duration: 5.5 hours Distance: 11 km Elevation change: 1061 metres Highest point: 1601 metres Start: Nishi Tanzawa...
Hiked on May 23, 2024 . Hakushukanko Ojiro Campground 白州観光 尾白キャンプ場 – Ojiragawa Gorge 尾白川渓谷 Duration: 2 days Distance: 16.8 km Elevation change: 1046 metres Highest point: 1660 metres Start: Michi-no-Eki...
Hiked on May 22, 2024 . Chikukomagatake Shrine 竹宇駒ヶ岳神社 – Ojiragawa Gorge 尾白川渓谷 Although the Ojiragawa Gorge loop includes fixed chains, there are sections with significant exposure, so proceed with caution. Duration: 3 hours...
Otsuki 20: Best Fuji-san Viewpoints Being a little over an hour away by train from my local station in west Tokyo has meant I have been able to visit Otsuki City frequently over the past decade. This proximity has allowed me to climb many of its...
