David Lowe

David grew up in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, with hiking and outdoor pursuits being a major part of his life for as long as he can remember. He has been writing, snapping photos, and sharing his adventures on RIDGELINEIMAGES.com since 2013.

At university, David majored in environmental management and holds a Graduate Diploma of Education. He has been living in Japan for over 15 years, first in Fukushima Prefecture and now in the Tokyo Metropolis. With a love of hiking and photography, he felt the best way to combine the two was a blog to provide some inspiration for others to enjoy the myriad of trails and outdoor offerings on Tokyo’s doorstep. You can follow David on Instagram @ridgelineimages.

Mt. Amagi 天城山

Hiked on May 20, 2025 . Karasawa Junction 涸沢分岐 – Hanadate 石楠立 – Mt. Banjiro-dake 万二郎岳   Duration: 5 hours   Distance: 9 km   Elevation change: 366 metres   Highest point: 1,406 metres   Start: Amagi juso...

Mt. Genjirodake 源次郎岳

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...

Why Everyone Says Konnichiwa: Trail Etiquette in Japan

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...

Why Overnight Hikes Are the Best Hikes

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...

Mt. Hirugatake 蛾ヶ岳

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...

Mt. Kanetsukido 鐘撞堂山

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...

Mt. Jinba 陣馬山 (Loop Course)

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 & COMAN Zero Y Travel Tripod Review

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...

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