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.

Kamuiwakka Falls

Fun, One-of-a-Kind Experience A waterfall that doubles as a natural hot spring is the best way to describe the Kamuiwakka Falls which are located up the road from the Shiretoko Five Lakes. These falls are one of Japan’s more amazing natural...

Brilliant Blue Pond of Biei

Small Town with an Aquamarine Pond Smack-bang in the middle of Hokkaido finds the Biei Blue Pond (Aoiike) an artificial pond flanking the Biei River and down the road from the Shirogane Onsen. The pond itself is little more than an oversized puddle...

Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel

Where Art and Nature Meet The Kiyotsu Gorge (Kiyotsukyo) in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture is considered one of the three great gorges and is designated a natural monument of Japan. The gorge is 12.5 km in length and was carved out by the...

Mt. Yamizo 八溝山

Hiked on Aug 4, 2018 . Mt. Yamizo 八溝山 – Nichirin Temple 日輪寺   Duration: 4 hours   Distance: 9.8 km   Elevation change: 667 metres   Highest point: 1022 metres   Start: Jakechi bus stop   Finish: Jakechi bus stop  ...

Tsunan Sunflower Field

Vast Sea of Yellow Sunflowers In winter Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture has some of the heaviest snow falls in Japan. Come summer a small corner of the town (3 hectares to be precise) is transformed into a brilliant display of yellow sunflowers. The...

Mt. Ainodake 間ノ岳

Hiked on Jul 20, 2018    Aug 15, 2021 . Mt. Mibudake 三峰岳 – Mt. Ainodake 間ノ岳 – Mt. Notoridake 農鳥岳   Duration: 4 days   Distance: 27.5 km   Elevation change: 1399 metres   Highest point: 3189 metres  ...

Kongo Falls in Hachioji City

Hidden Waterfall on the Outskirts of Tokyo One needn’t look far to discover pockets of nature in Tokyo with Hachioji City being a good example. Located only 40 km west of the city centre it contains the hugely popular hiking destinations of Mt...

Secret Point: Niijima’s Best Surf Spot

How Not to Keep a Secret Spot Secret Habushiura Beach on Niijima is said to be the most beautiful in the Izu Islands and has long lured surfers looking to ride the best waves around. There’s a section of beach oddly named “Secret Point” in that just...

Niijima’s Unclimbable Peak: Mt. Miyatsuka

Hiked on Mar 17, 2018 . Fujimitoge Lookout 富士見峠展望台 – Mt. Miyatsuka 宮塚山   Duration: 4 hours   Distance: 13.3 km   Elevation change: 376 metres   Highest point: 376 metres   Start: Habushiura Campground   Finish:...

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