Hiked from July 21 to July 29, 2023 . Hirogawara 広河原 to Akaishi Onsen Shirakabaso 赤石温泉白樺荘 This is a long and demanding multi-day hike suitable for experienced hikers. Note that it includes one short, dangerous section on day 5. 9 days...
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...
Hiked on Aug 1, 2020 . Nyukasa Marsh 入笠湿原 – Mt. Nyukasa 入笠山 Duration: 2 days Distance: 23.3 km Elevation change: 1095 metres Highest point: 1955 metres Start: Aoyagi Station (Chuo Main Line) Finish:...
Hiked on May 29, 2019 . Mt. Ogura 御座山 – Zeneimine 前衛峰 – Miharashidai 見晴台 Duration: 2 days Distance: 11 km Elevation change: 972 metres Highest point: 2112 metres Start: Kuryu bus stop Finish:...
Hiked on Oct 1, 2017 Aug 15, 2021 . Kamikochi 上高地 – Karasawa 涸沢 – Mt. Karasawa 涸沢岳 Duration: 4 days Distance: 36.7 km Elevation change: 1598 metres Highest point: 3103 metres Start:...
Kamikochi Showa Era Photochromes By any measure Kamikochi in the Hida Mountains of Nagano Prefecture is one of the best natural spots in Japan. But surprisingly this wasn’t always the case. Up until the mid-19th Century Kamikochi underwent extensive...
One of the Best Places to See the Fall Foliage in Japan The splendid autumn colours which envelop the glacial cirque at Karasawa in the Northern Alps are a sight to behold. The only downside is you’re likely to be witnessing the “koyo” with loads of...
Beer, Boots and a Thousand Tents The Karasawa Cirque is surrounded by the towering peaks of Mt. Oku-Hotakadake and Mt. Kita-Hotaka in the Northern Japanese Alps. The glacial-eroded cirque has diameter of 2 kilometres, sits at an altitude of 2,300...
Hiked on Aug 3, 2017 Jul 18, 2022 . Mt. Tateshina 蓼科山 – Ogawaratoge Pass 大河原峠 – Mugikusa Pass 麦草峠 Duration: 3 days Distance: 16.2 km Elevation change: 886 metres Highest point: 2530 metres ...
The Source of Japan’s Longest River All great rivers need to start from somewhere and Japan’s longest – the 367 km (228 mi) long Shinano River is no exception. The difficulty arises however when trying to pinpoint the actual source of a river...