Sleep in these Mountain Huts and Save Some Coin While hiking purists might scoff at the idea of bedding down for the night in a mountain hut either due to cost considerations or the thought of suffering through an ensemble of snorers, huts do have...
Hiking and Adventure Sports Insurance One of the most common inquiries I get from my readers is about hiking insurance. Do I need it? Quite possibly. Is it necessary over travel insurance already purchased at home? Maybe as some travel insurance...
Old Style Campground Meets High Tech The diminutive Izu Island of Shikinejima is often overlooked for its larger neighbour Niijima. Arguably Niijima has better beaches at least surfing ones while Shikinejima is charming and chilled out with plenty...
Hirogawara 広河原 – Kita-dake 北岳 . . Climbing Japan’s 2nd Highest Mountain Along with claiming the title of Japan’s second highest peak, Kita-dake is blessed with superb panoramic views. Most hikers complete the hike in two days but if...
Mt. Tateshina 蓼科山 – Ogawaratoge Pass 大河原峠 – Mugikusa Pass 麦草峠 . . Climbing the Biggest Mountain Top in Japan Hopes of climbing Mt. Tateshina last year were hampered by rain and cloud so this time round I was yearning for clearer skies...
Discover one of Tokyo’s Hidden Gems Last year I had the good fortune of staying at the Sokodo campground on Hachijojima Island. For a free campground, the facilities were second to none and even provided hot water showers. This time I have travelled...
Japan Rescue Organization Hiking Accident Statistics One of the hazards of outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, mountain biking or skiing is that it entails an element of risk. For solo adventurers such as myself, the level of risk is even...
Would you Drink the Water from this Lake? I did and suffered no ill effects. Anyway, before we get into that let’s rewind a little. Recently, I received an email from someone asking whether it’s safe to drink water from the mountains around Tokyo...
Futagoike 双子池 – Mt. Kitayokodake 北横岳 . . Exploring the Top End of the Yatsugatake Mountains In the late summer the weather is at best changeable, strike it lucky and you’re blessed with superb panoramas, strike it otherwise and it can be...
Dainichi-goya 大日小屋 – Takamiiwa Rock 鷹見岩 . . One of the Finest Views in the Chichibu Tama Kai NP The main driver behind this hike was less about putting in a lot of kilometres but to retreat to familiar territory and explore a remote and little...