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 Erinji Temple Pays Homage to a Pre-eminent Daimyo Nestled in the mountain foothills surrounding Koshu City, a wine and grape growing area, finds the Erinji Temple 恵林寺 which is well-known throughout Japan. The temple was founded in 1330 and later...
Hiked on Aug 12, 2014 Aug 23, 2023 . Nishizawa Keikoku Bus Stop 西沢渓谷入口 – Nanatsugama Godan Falls 七ツ釜五段の滝 The Nishizawa Gorge hiking trail closes during winter (December 1st-April 28th subject to change depending on snowfall) for the...
First Aid Kit Essentials to Keep you Healthy and Safe out on the Trail When it comes to choosing a first aid kit for backcountry outings you have basically one of two options; make up your own kit or buy one ready-made off the shelf. While there are...
Updating my Outdoor Allies blogroll recently made me think about which blogs not only have the most engaging content but also genuinely seek to inspire our outdoor adventures. Whilst the following list is not meant to be all-encompassing and...
A Climb up the Dainichi Boulder Aside from scaling the majestic peak of Mt. Mizugaki, another equally stunning viewpoint was delivered from the Dainichi Boulder 大日岩 on the first day. I previously passed by this rather massive rock conglomeration...
Hiked on Jul 31, 2014 Aug 23, 2023 . Mizugaki-sansou 瑞牆山荘 – Mt. Mizugaki 瑞牆山 Duration: 5.5 hours Distance: 5.9 km Elevation change: 720 metres Highest point: 2230 metres Start: Mizugaki-sansou ...
Say Farewell to Blisters with Tegaderm Foot blisters out on the trail are more than just a nuisance and have in a worse case scenario the potential to ruin a hike. I have previously written about the importance of looking after your feet through the...
Legend of the Sesshoseki Murder Stone On March 5, 2022, it was reported that the stone had split into two parts most likely a result of natural weathering. Our second day in Nasushiobara was spent around the Nasu Onsen hot spring resort situated...
Longest Suspension Bridge in Nasushiobara Located a 70 minute shinkansen ride from Tokyo the popular tourist spot of Nasushiobara is a picturesque region in Tochigi Prefecture. The city has two main hot spring towns namely Nasu Onsen and Shiobara...
Hiked on Aug 4, 2013 Aug 23, 2023 . Mt. Kobutaka コブタカ山 – Mt. Honita 本仁田山 Duration: 4.5 hours Distance: 7.7 km Elevation change: 914 metres Highest point: 1224 metres Start: Hatonosu station (JR Ome...
Petzl Tikkina 2 headlamp Designed for Everyday Lighting Needs With dusk quickly approaching you set up camp and start preparing dinner only to find that your trusty headlamp has been blissfully illuminating the inners of your pack all day. With your...
Mammut Trion Pro a Technical Alpine Backpack from Mammut The previous backpack I used for day hikes was Australian made and provided many years of loyal service. However as with all good things it was a broken zipper which finally sent it into...