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.

Okutama Mukashi Michi Hike

Hiked on Nov 20, 2018    May 9, 2022 . Sogaku Ravine 惣岳渓谷 – Lake Okutama 奥多摩湖   Duration: 4 hours   Distance: 9.7 km   Elevation change: 190 metres   Highest point: 540 metres   Start: Okutama Station (Ome Line)...

100, 200 and 300 Famous Japanese Mountains

Japan’s Most Prominent Peaks For better or worse, Kyuya Fukada’s 1964 best seller “100 Famous Japanese Mountains” (日本百名山 Nihon Hyaku-meizan) has had a profound influence on modern alpinism in Japan. It has led to a decades long hiking boom...

Mt. Tanigawa 谷川岳

Hiked on Oct 28, 2018 . Okinomimi オキノ耳 – Mt. Mantaro 万太郎山 – Mt. Tairappyou 平標山   Duration: 3 days   Distance: 25.7 km   Elevation change: 1363 metres   Highest point: 2026 metres   Start: Doai Station (Joetsu...

Classic Tokyo Hike: Mt. Takao to Mt. Jinba

Hiked on Oct 21, 2018    Apr 19, 2022 . Mt. Takao 高尾山 – Mt. Shiroyama 城山 – Mt. Kagenobu 景信山   Duration: 6 hours   Distance: 17.2 km   Elevation change: 665 metres   Highest point: 857 metres   Start: Takaosanguchi...

Yamabushi: The Mountain Priests of Japan

The Weird and Wonderful World of Yamabushi # 1. What is a Yamabushi? Yamabushi also known Shugenja are the mountain-wandering priests of Japan. Their name literally means “those who lie in the mountains” from kanji 山 (yama) mountain and 伏 (bushi) in...

Mt. Mitsutoge 三ッ峠山

Hiked on Oct 9, 2018    Feb 4, 2021 . Mt. Kaiun 開運山 – Mt. Tenjo 天上山   Duration: 6.5 hours   Distance: 17 km   Elevation change: 1171 metres   Highest point: 1785 metres   Start: Mitsutoge Station (Fujikyuko Line)...

Mt. Tsukuba 筑波山

Hiked on Sep 28, 2018 . Tsukuba Shrine 筑波神社 – Mt. Nantai 男体山 – Mt. Nyotai 女体山   Duration: 3.5 hours   Distance: 5.9 km   Elevation change: 600 metres   Highest point: 877 metres   Start: Tsukuba Shrine bus stop  ...

Lake Chuzenji: Senjugahama Beach

Hiked on Sep 22, 2018 . Shobugahama Campground 菖蒲ヶ浜キャンプ場 – Senjugahama 千手ヶ浜   Duration: 2.5 hours   Distance: 11.3 km   Elevation change: 80 metres   Highest point: 1295 metres   Start: Shobugahama Campground   Finish:...

Mt. Nantai 男体山

Hiked on Sep 23, 2018    Jul 15, 2022 . Futarasan Shrine 二荒山神社 – Mt. Nantai 男体山   Duration: 7 hours   Distance: 13.4 km   Elevation change: 1204 metres   Highest point: 2484 metres   Start: Shobugahama Campground...

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