Hiked on Aug 23, 2025 . Kitazawa-toge 北沢峠 – Choei-goya 長衛小屋 – Ko-senjogatake 小仙丈ヶ岳 Duration: 7 hours Distance: 11 km Elevation change: 1003 metres Highest point: 3033 metres Start: Kitazawa-toge ...
Hiked on Jul 24, 2025 . Shinhotaka Ropeway 新穂高ロープウェイ – Yarigatake 槍ヶ岳 – Kamikochi 上高地 Duration: 3 days Distance: 35.2 km Elevation change: 2090 metres Highest point: 3180 metres Start: Shinhotaka...
Hiked on May 20, 2025 . Karasawa Junction 涸沢分岐 – Hanadate 石楠立 – Mt. Banjiro-dake 万二郎岳 Duration: 5 hours Distance: 9 km Elevation change: 366 metres Highest point: 1,406 metres Start: Amagi juso...
The Rising Tide of Hikers in Japan A few weeks ago, I shared why I’ve decided not to complete the Hyakumeizan, Japan’s celebrated list of 100 mountains. While that choice came from a mix of personal and deeper reflections, one word keeps coming back...
Why I’m Not Chasing Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains Anyone who’s hiked a bit in Japan has probably come across the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains, or (Hyakumeizan). My first was Fuji-san, which I climbed 25 years ago during my first stint in Japan...
Enter Naka-Shirane-san et al. TL;DR Not all 3,000-metre mountains in Japan are officially recognised. Peaks like Naka-Shirane-san and Gendarme lack prominence and are classified as secondary. Cultural factors and quirks, such as Fuji’s lesser-known...
The Trail Less Rushed: 150 Hikes Quietly, last month I marked a major milestone: my 150th hiking trail guide on RIDGELINEIMAGES.com! Over the past 12 years, creating these trail guides has been a labour of love. While they make up less than half of...
Hiked on September 24, 2024 . Ojiragawa Gorge 尾白川渓谷 – Shichijo-koya 七丈小屋 – Komagatake Shrine 駒ヶ岳神社 This is a long and demanding hike, suitable for experienced hikers. Do not attempt the Kuroto Ridge course unless you are...
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...
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 17, 2023 . Mt. Mae-Shirane 前白根山 – Midaga Pond 弥陀ヶ池 – Mt. Goshiki 五色山 Duration: 8 hours Distance: 13.3 km Elevation change: 1098 metres Highest point: 2578 metres Start: Nikko Yumoto Campground...
Celebrating 10 Years Blogging in Japan This month, RIDGELINEIMAGES.com celebrates its 10th anniversary. For a decade now, I’ve been snapping pictures, sharing my hikes, adventures, gear selections, and how-tos. It’s hard to believe I’ve been...