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.

Yatsugatake 八ヶ岳

Hiked on Aug 19, 2014    Aug 24, 2023 . Mt. Akadake 赤岳 – Mt. Yokodake 横岳 – Mt. Ioudake 硫黄岳   Duration: 3 days   Distance: 26.1 km   Elevation change: 1409 metres   Highest point: 2899 metres   Start: Minoto Kogen...

Suunto A-30L Compass Review

Enjoy Precision Navigation with the Suunto A-30L Compass Along with a detailed topographic map an accurate compass is a must have for any backcountry adventure. In a previous post I offered a summary of what to look for when choosing an outdoor...

Erinji Temple

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...

Nishizawa Gorge 西沢渓谷

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...

Hiking First Aid Kit Essentials

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...

10 Best Outdoor and Adventure Blogs

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...

Dainichi Boulder Yamanashi Prefecture

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...

Mt. Mizugaki 瑞牆山

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  ...

Sesshoseki Murder Stone

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...

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