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...