Kawakami Village

Hiked on May 1, 2014    Aug 23, 2023 . Kawahake 川端下 – Kinpo sansou 金峰山荘   Duration: 3 days   Distance: 17.5 km   Elevation change: 509 metres   Highest point: 2048 metres   Start: Kawahake Bus Stop   Finish:...

Mt. Sengenrei 浅間嶺

Hiked on Apr 26, 2014    Aug 23, 2023 . Hossawa Falls 払沢の滝 – Mt. Sengenrei 浅間嶺   Duration: 4 hours   Distance: 7.8 km   Elevation change: 623 metres   Highest point: 903 metres   Start: Hossawa no taki iriguchi Bus...

Hossawa Falls

Tokyo’s Famed Hossawa Falls One thing that never fails to amaze me about living in Tokyo is unearthing its hidden natural treasures. Many readers this would be probably surprised to learn that Tokyo contains one of the One Hundred Waterfalls...

The Best Day Hikes Around Tokyo

Hiking Trails on Tokyo’s Doorstep Given Japan’s mountainous terrain it should come as no surprise that Tokyo’s fringes boast many great hikes. So with that said, it’s time to dust off the hiking gear, grab some friends and hit the trails. The...

Mt. Odake 大岳山

Hiked on May 4, 2013    Aug 23, 2023 . Mt. Odake 大岳山 – Nokogiriyama 鋸山   Duration: 5.5 hours   Distance: 14.5 km   Elevation change: 916 metres   Highest point: 1266 metres   Start: Mitake Cable lower station...

Mt. Jinba 陣馬山

Hiked on Apr 5, 2014    Aug 23, 2023 . Mt. Jinba 陣馬山 – Meio-toge 明王峠 – Mt. Magoyama 孫山   Duration: 4 hours   Distance: 9.4 km   Elevation change: 434 metres   Highest point: 857 metres   Start: Jinba Kougen...

Darn Tough Socks Review

A virtually indestructible sock with a lifetime guarantee Let’s talk socks for a minute. If there is one single item in your hiking arsenal apart from your shoes perhaps, that is likely to make you miserable out on the trail it’s probably your socks...

Mt. Oyama 大山

Hiked on Mar 31, 2014    Aug 23, 2023 . Oyama Afuri Jinja 大山阿夫利神社 – Mt. Oyama 大山   Duration: 4 hours   Distance: 6.3 km   Elevation change: 942 metres   Highest point: 1252 metres   Start: Oyama Cable Car Bus Stop...

The North Face Ultra Guide GTX Review

A Performance Trail Running Shoe from The North Face Trail running shoes provide a nice contrast to the rugged and heavy leather boots which accompany me on multi-day hikes. For day hikes and of course trail running I prefer the simplicity of a...

Montbell Warm Up Sheet Review

A lightweight mesh sleeping bag liner After purchasing my lovely new Nanga sleeping bag last year I decided the best way to keep it in pristine condition was to pair it with an inner sheet. Sleeping bag liners are an ideal way to add a little extra...

What are the Best Outdoor Survival Blankets?

Heat reflective emergency blankets, mylar blankets or space blankets have been around for the seemingly decades and were originally developed by NASA in 1964 for the US space program. As a young fella I distinctly remember carrying one around in my...

How to Choose the Best Outdoor Compass

A Guide to Selecting a Compass Without question becoming lost would have to be one of the most unsettling and frightening things that can happen on the trail. Bad weather may present unexpectedly or you may do all the right things but somehow still...

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