Japan’s Most Prominent Peaks For better or worse, Kyuya Fukada’s 1964 best seller “100 Famous Japanese Mountains” (日本百名山 Nihon Hyaku-meizan) has had a profound influence on modern alpinism in Japan. It has led to a decades long hiking boom...
Okinomimi オキノ耳 – Mt. Mantaro 万太郎山 – Mt. Tairappyou 平標山 . . Crossing the “Mountain of Death” Let’s get this out the way first. I can’t stress it enough: if you decide to do this hike, plan carefully. The trail for the most part...
Mt. Takao 高尾山 – Mt. Shiroyama 城山 – Mt. Kagenobu 景信山 . . Close-up View of Mt. Fuji from Tokyo Located on the outskirts of Tokyo and within one hours travel of Shinjuku makes Takaosan 高尾山 (Mt. Takao) a favourite year-round retreat for Tokyoites. The...
The Weird and Wonderful World of Yamabushi # 1. What is a Yamabushi? Yamabushi also known Shugenja are the mountain-wandering priests of Japan. Their name literally means “those who lie in the mountains” from kanji 山 (yama) mountain and 伏 (bushi) in...
Mt. Kaiun 開運山 – Mt. Tenjo 天上山 . . Chasing Epic Views on Mitsutoge If you’re looking for a hike near Tokyo with stunning views of Mt. Fuji than Mt. Mitsutoge 三ッ峠山 is a great starting point. Mitsutoge is the generic name for a group of mountains...
Lake Oze 尾瀬沼 – Mt. Hiuchigatake 燧ヶ岳 – Mt. Shibutsu 至仏山 . . Some of the Best Hiking out of Tokyo Oze is without question one of best places to hike near Tokyo. It caters to both casual day hikers as well as more experienced adventure...
Tsukuba Shrine 筑波神社 – Mt. Nantai 男体山 – Mt. Nyotai 女体山 . . The Mount Fuji of the West When I first learned that Mt. Tsukuba was included in the list of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains I was baffled as it seemed nothing out of the ordinary...
Shobugahama Campground 菖蒲ヶ浜キャンプ場 – Senjugahama 千手ヶ浜 . . Short Hike with Dazzling Views of Mt. Nantai This family friendly hike hugs the banks of Lake Chuzenji in Nikko. If you arrive early at the Shobugahama campground it makes a nice warm up hike...
Futarasan Shrine 二荒山神社 – Mt. Nantai 男体山 . . Gruelling Hike but Worth the Reward Mt. Nantai 男体山 is a sacred mountain which rises abruptly from Lake Chuzenji in Nikko. The mountain’s prominent cone shape is reminiscent of Mt. Fuji and on clear...
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...