Higashisenba 東仙波 – Mt. Karamatsuo 唐松尾山 – Mt. Kasatori 笠取山 . . The Secret Peak of Okuchichibu Wanakurayama is the highest independent peak in Saitama Prefecture and a mountain that’s long been on my radar. Oddly for a Kanto Nihyakumeizan...
As I Live and Breathe A prime example of how askew and erratic things have been of late is the arrival today of my Olympic tickets for the Tokyo 2020 men’s mountain bike race. What the dickens? Yes, you read that correctly and more than two months...
Highlights From the Men’s Cross Country Race As you probably guessed from the title, last Monday I went to see the men’s mountain bike race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. I know it’s not a popular thing to say due to the current state of...
Tsubame Onsen 燕温泉線 – Mt. Myoko 妙高山 – Mt. Hiuchi 火打山 . . From Rocky Ridges to Wetlands and Ponds This overnight hike takes in two of Niigata’s finest mountains namely Myoko-san and Hiuchi-yama. While similar in height they are very...
Takaosan Propping Up the Olympic Rings Like the cloak of mist which shrouded Mt. Takao for the unveiling of the Olympic rings back in April to mark 100 days before the opening of the Tokyo Olympics, the weather last Sunday was much the same. An omen...
Tenguiwa 天狗岩 – Mt. Matateyama 馬立山 – Mt. Gozenyama 御前山 . . Beginner-Friendly Trail With Panoramic Views Sandwiched between the Katsura and Akiyama rivers in southern Otsuki City, finds Mt. Kukiyama. Despite falling under the 1,000-metre...
Tama Lake – Sayama Lake – Noyamakita-Rokudoyama Park . . Nature and Mountain Biking at Tokyo’s Doorstep If you search Google Maps and look for parks with abundant nature within 30 km of central Tokyo there is one spot bound to catch your eye –...
Takahatayama 高畑山 – Amamezasu Toge 天目指峠 – Nenogongen 子の権現 . . Guide to Climbing Okumusashi’s Most Popular Mountain Okumusashi is a general term for the mountainous area in the southwestern part of Saitama Prefecture. Thanks to its...
Efforts Rewarded at this Seldom Visited Waterfall In November last year I failed in my attempt to reach the Meoto Falls due to a dodgy trail and fear of being picked off by some local hunters. Hence a revenge mission was high on the agenda. Of the...
Chinseiga-ike 鎮西ヶ池 – Hinoki-daira 桧平 . . Take a Refreshing Hike at the Sumi River Now and again, you come across a mountain with a special awe that you kick yourself for not having visited earlier – Mt. Takigo is one of them. Located at the...
