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.
Stemming the Endless Tide on Fuji-san Even when shrouded in rain, Mount Fuji retains its magnetic charm, as evidenced by the throngs who dared to climb it in 2017, a year when Tokyo recorded a staggering 21 consecutive days of rain in August. This...
Hiked on Jun 14, 2024 . Nishi Tanzawa Visitor Center 西丹沢ビジターセンター – Gorasawa-deai ゴーラ沢出合 – Aogatake Sanso 青ヶ岳山荘 Duration: 5.5 hours Distance: 11 km Elevation change: 1061 metres Highest point: 1601 metres Start: Nishi Tanzawa...
Hiked on May 23, 2024 . Hakushukanko Ojiro Campground 白州観光 尾白キャンプ場 – Ojiragawa Gorge 尾白川渓谷 Duration: 2 days Distance: 16.8 km Elevation change: 1046 metres Highest point: 1660 metres Start: Michi-no-Eki...
Hiked on May 22, 2024 . Chikukomagatake Shrine 竹宇駒ヶ岳神社 – Ojiragawa Gorge 尾白川渓谷 Although the Ojiragawa Gorge loop includes fixed chains, there are sections with significant exposure, so proceed with caution. Duration: 3 hours...
Otsuki 20: Best Fuji-san Viewpoints Being a little over an hour away by train from my local station in west Tokyo has meant I have been able to visit Otsuki City frequently over the past decade. This proximity has allowed me to climb many of its...
Hiked on May 4, 2024 . Kosuge-no-Yu 小菅の湯 – Mt. Omatei 大マテイ山 – Mt. Muko 向山 Do not attempt this hike unless you have experience in route-finding and make sure you carry a topographic map and handheld GPS device. Duration: 2...
Hiked on Apr 19, 2024 . Mt. Konosu 神ノ主山 – Gappo 合峰 – Doppyo 独標 Duration: 4.5 hours Distance: 10.6 km Elevation change: 561 metres Highest point: 1104 metres Start: Tobu-Nikko Station (Tobu Nikko Line) ...
Hiked on Apr 13, 2024 . Kamimagi Shrine 上真木大神社 – Mt. Oiwa 大岩山 – Mt. Hanasaki 花咲山 Duration: 3.5 hours Distance: 6.7 km Elevation change: 247 metres Highest point: 750 metres Start: Kamimagi bus stop...
The Sacred Power of Haha-no-Shirataki Waterfall In addition to our recent visit to the Tenku-no Torii (Torii Gate in the Sky), we also made a stop at the Haha-no-Shirataki Waterfall (Mother’s White Waterfall) located nearby. It’s definitely worth a...
Mount Fuji’s Majesty from the Tenku-no Tori Last week, Akiko and I were lucky enough to spend a couple of nights auto camping at the rather lovely Retreat Camp Mahoroba which is sheltered above the waters of Lake Kawaguchiko in Yamanashi. While...
Hiked on Apr 2, 2024 . Mt. Ariyama 蟻山 – Mt. Fuji viewpoint 富士山展望台 – Mt. Tenshin 天神山 Duration: 5 hours Distance: 10.5 km Elevation change: 246 metres Highest point: 713 metres Start: Tsurushi Station...
Hiked on Mar 27, 2024 . Fudo-yu 不動湯 – Ozasu-toge 大榷首峠 – Mt. Takazasu 高座山 Duration: 5.5 hours Distance: 14.4 km Elevation change: 848 metres Highest point: 1598 metres Start: Shimoyoshida Station...
Hiked on Mar 14, 2024 . Tengu-iwa 天狗岩 – Mt. Tsutaiwa 蔦岩山 – Mt. Futago 二子山 Duration: 5.5 hours Distance: 11.4 km Elevation change: 722 metres Highest point: 1052 metres Start: Nago Bus Stop ...
Hiked on Mar 7, 2024 . Takao Plum Tree Road 高尾梅郷遊歩道 – Kogesawa Plum Grove 木下沢梅林 Duration: 3 hours Distance: 8.5 km Elevation change: 275 metres Highest point: 108 metres Start: Takao Station (Chuo Main Line) ...
Tips for Conquering the Trail Alone Last year, I shared some general safety tips for hiking in Japan. This time, we’ll delve deeper into solo hiking and the extra precautions you can take to stay safe when exploring the trails on your own. Solo...
The Okuchichibu Grand Traverse Stickers If you’re a supporter on Patreon, keep an eye on your mailbox. Not a supporter yet? Consider joining to receive awesome perks like cool stickers! These durable and weather-resistant PVC vinyl stickers (100 x...