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. Kuratake 倉岳山

Hiked on Sep 14, 2019    Aug 28, 2021 . Mt. Takahata 高畑山 – Mt. Kuratake 倉岳山   Duration: 5.5 hours   Distance: 11.4 km   Elevation change: 674 metres   Highest point: 990 metres   Start: Torisawa Station (Chuo Main...

Cycling in the Cape Soya Highlands

In Search of Japan’s Northernmost Cycling Road As far as bicycle rides go, they don’t get much further north than this ride in the highlands of Cape Soya – the northernmost point of Hokkaido. So much so that in clear weather a silhouette of...

15 Japanese Outdoor Brands Worth Knowing

Japanese Cottage and Mainstream Outdoor Brands With an annual mountaineering market in the ballpark of 186 billion yen, you would think large numbers of homegrown manufacturers are cashing in. The reality is that there are very few Japanese outdoor...

Mt. Fuji Climb: July 2000

Recollections from my First Hyakumeizan It’s been 19 years since I first climbed Japan’s highest landmark so this Mountain Day I thought it fitting to wind back the clock and revisit my first Nihon Hyakumeizan or 100 Famous Japanese Mountain. ...

Mt. Warusawa 悪沢岳

Hiked on Jul 25, 2019 . Mt. Senmai-dake 千枚岳 – Mt. Warusawa 悪沢岳 – Mt. Eboshi 烏帽子岳   Duration: 5 days   Distance: 29.1 km   Elevation change: 2021 metres   Highest point: 3141 metres   Start: Sawarajima Lodge...

Mt. Ogura 御座山

Hiked on May 29, 2019 . Mt. Ogura 御座山 – Zeneimine 前衛峰 – Miharashidai 見晴台   Duration: 2 days   Distance: 11 km   Elevation change: 972 metres   Highest point: 2112 metres   Start: Kuryu bus stop   Finish:...

Backpacking and Camping on the Izu Islands

Enjoy the Tokyo Islands on a Shoestring If you are looking for some great spots to camp around Tokyo, than the laid-back Izu Islands (Izu-shoto) are one place you should definitely pay a visit. This group of volcanic islands stretch south-east from...

Mt. Jinba 陣馬山 to Mt. Mito 三頭山

Hiked on Apr 28, 2019    May 5, 2022 . Mt. Jinba 陣馬山 – Maruyama 丸山 – Mt. Mito 三頭山   Duration: 2 days   Distance: 28.5 km   Elevation change: 1166 metres   Highest point: 1531 metres   Start: Wada bus...

Mt. Bukka (Bukkasan) 仏果山

Hiked on Apr 19, 2019    Jun 15, 2021 . Bukkasan 仏果山 – Mt. Takatori 高取山 – Miyagase Dam 宮ヶ瀬ダム   Duration: 4.5 hours   Distance: 9.3 km   Elevation change: 445 metres   Highest point: 747 metres   Start: Tsuchiyama...

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