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.
The Ultimate Air Mattress that Continues to Evolve Sleeping pads are the unsung heroes that determine the quality of your outdoor sleep. They level uneven ground for a comfortable night’s rest, insulate against cold air, and provide comfort whether...
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...
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...
Stemming the Endless Tide on Fuji-san Even when shrouded in rain, Mount Fuji retains its magnetic charm, as evidenced by the throngs who dared to climb it in 2017, a year when Tokyo recorded a staggering 21 consecutive days of rain in August. This...
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...
Hiked on May 23, 2024 . Hakushukanko Ojiro Campground 白州観光 尾白キャンプ場 – Ojiragawa Gorge 尾白川渓谷 Duration: 2 days Distance: 16.8 km Elevation change: 1046 metres Highest point: 1660 metres Start: Michi-no-Eki...
Hiked on May 22, 2024 . Chikukomagatake Shrine 竹宇駒ヶ岳神社 – Ojiragawa Gorge 尾白川渓谷 Although the Ojiragawa Gorge loop includes fixed chains, there are sections with significant exposure, so proceed with caution. Duration: 3 hours...
Otsuki 20: Best Fuji-san Viewpoints Being a little over an hour away by train from my local station in west Tokyo has meant I have been able to visit Otsuki City frequently over the past decade. This proximity has allowed me to climb many of its...
Hiked on May 4, 2024 . Kosuge-no-Yu 小菅の湯 – Mt. Omatei 大マテイ山 – Mt. Muko 向山 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...
Hiked on Apr 19, 2024 . Mt. Konosu 神ノ主山 – Gappo 合峰 – Doppyo 独標 Duration: 4.5 hours Distance: 10.6 km Elevation change: 561 metres Highest point: 1104 metres Start: Tobu-Nikko Station (Tobu Nikko Line) ...