One Man’s Quest for the 100 Best Mountains in Japan It comes with much excitement and anticipation when a book about hiking in Japan is released, whether it’s a guidebook or a memoir. Such books are rare finds. As soon as I heard that William...
July 21st to July 27th, 2024 . Murodo 室堂 to Shin-Hotaka Ropeway 新穂高ロープウェイ This is a long and demanding multi-day hike suitable for experienced hikers. Do not attempt this hike unless you have experience in route-finding. Carry the relevant...
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...