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.

Yatsugatake Grand Traverse 八ヶ岳主脈縦走

Hiked from Oct 11 to Oct 14, 2024 . Kannon-daira 観音平 to Puru-daira プール平   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...

Mt. Kurokawa-Keikan 黒川鶏冠山

Hiked on Nov 9, 2024 . Keikan Shrine 鶏冠神社 – Roppongi-toge 六本木峠 – Marukawa-toge 丸川峠   Duration: 6 hours   Distance: 15.3 km   Elevation change: 826 metres   Highest point: 1716 metres   Start: Ochiai bus stop   Finish: Daibosatsu-toge...

Mt. Hamaibamaru ハマイバ丸

Hiked on Nov 3, 2024 . Yunosawa-toge 湯ノ沢峠 – Mt. Okuratakamaru 大蔵高丸 – Mt. Takigoyama 滝子山   Do not attempt this hike unless you have experience in route-finding and make sure you carry a topographic map and handheld GPS device.   Duration: 2...

Kanto’s Weather Woes

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...

Mt. Kaikoma 甲斐駒ヶ岳

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...

Review: Tozan – A Japanese Mountain Odyssey

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...

Northern Alps Traverse 北アルプス縦走

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...

Mt. Hinokiboramaru 檜洞丸

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...

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