The Familiar Jingle of the Trail On nearly every well-trodden mountain trail in Japan, from the gentle slopes of Mt. Takao to the exposed ridgelines of Yatsugatake, one sound is almost always present: the steady jingle of bear bells. Dangling from...
Hiked on May 3, 2025 . Kamihikawa-toge 上日川峠 – Mt. Tanayokote 棚横手山 – Mt. Koshutakao 甲州高尾山 Duration: 2 days Distance: 20.9 km Elevation change: 1207 metres Highest point: 1627 metres Start: Kamihikawa-toge Bus Stop...
Embracing Public Transport for Hiking in Japan Following my recent reflections on the Hyakumeizan, crowds, hiking etiquette, and the transformative power of overnight hikes, another topic that deserves more attention is how we actually get to the...
Unspoken Rules of the Japanese Trail The first time I climbed Mt. Fuji—my first real hike in Japan—I was struck by two things: the endless zigzags up a volcano of loose rock, and the chorus of greetings—“ganbatte!”, “konnichiwa!”, and the occasional...
How Overnight Hikes Shaped my Journey as a Hiker There’s a unique kind of satisfaction that comes from pitching your tent under a sky full of stars, miles from the nearest road or vending machine. After a long day of climbing ridgelines, crossing...
Hiked on Apr 18, 2025 . Beacon Tower ruins 烽火台 – Shibire-toge 四尾連峠 – Mt. Obata 大畠山 Duration: 2 days Distance: 21.5 km Elevation change: 1025 metres Highest point: 1279 metres Start: Ichikawa-Hommachi Station...
The Rising Tide of Hikers in Japan A few weeks ago, I shared why I’ve decided not to complete the Hyakumeizan, Japan’s celebrated list of 100 mountains. While that choice came from a mix of personal and deeper reflections, one word keeps coming back...
Hiked on Apr 8, 2025 . Taisho Pond 大正池 – Mt. Rakan 羅漢山 – Shorinji Temple 少林寺 Duration: 3.5 hours Distance: 10.8 km Elevation change: 230 metres Highest point: 330 metres Start: Yorii Station (Tobu Tojo...
Hiked on Mar 21, 2025 . Mt. Jinba 陣馬山 – Meio-toge 明王峠 – Sokozawa-toge 底沢峠 Rather than looping back to the Jinba Kogen Shita Bus Stop, this route can also be extended to finish at either Sagamiko Station or Takaosanguchi Station. ...
Ulanzi Zero Y Tripod: Field Tested As a solo content creator or photographer, there are some things you can forgo when making videos or snapping photos—and some things you can’t. You might opt for a smartphone over a dedicated camera or a shotgun...
Why I’m Not Chasing Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains Anyone who’s hiked a bit in Japan has probably come across the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains, or (Hyakumeizan). My first was Fuji-san, which I climbed 25 years ago during my first stint in Japan...
Hiked on Mar 6, 2025 . Kanhasshu-miharashidai 関八州見晴台 – Koburi-toge 顔振峠 Duration: 5 hours Distance: 12 km Elevation change: 601 metres Highest point: 771 metres Start: Nishi-Agano Station (Seibu Chichibu Line)...
