Ojiragawa Gorge 尾白川渓谷

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’s 12 Beautiful Views of Mt. Fuji

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...

Mt. Narakura 奈良倉山

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...

Mt. Nakimushi 鳴虫山

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)  ...

Mt. Oiseyama お伊勢山

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...

Haha-no-Shirataki Waterfall

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...

Tenku-no Torii (Torii Gate in the Sky)

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...

Tsuru Alps 都留アルプス

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...

Mt. Shakushi 杓子山

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...

Mt. Takegawa 武川岳

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  ...

Takao Baigo Plum Blossoms 高尾梅郷

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)  ...

6 Tips for Solo Hiking in Japan

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...

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