Unazawa Otaki Falls 海沢大滝 – Onara Pass 大楢峠 . . An Early Spring Hike This hike pays a second visit the picturesque Unazawa Valley in Okutama. A few years back I made it as far as the Mitsugama Falls before succumbing to a migraine which put a stop to...
Mt. Aso 麻生山 – Mt. Hinodeyama 日の出山 – Tsurutsuru onsen つるつる温泉 . . Tarukubo Stream and Shiraiwa Falls Trail For those looking to gain some hiking experience, tackling the main ridgeline which runs between Musashi-Itsukaichi Station and Okutama...
Fun, One-of-a-Kind Experience A waterfall that doubles as a natural hot spring is the best way to describe the Kamuiwakka Falls which are located up the road from the Shiretoko Five Lakes. These falls are one of Japan’s more amazing natural...
Small Town with an Aquamarine Pond Smack-bang in the middle of Hokkaido finds the Biei Blue Pond (Aoiike) an artificial pond flanking the Biei River and down the road from the Shirogane Onsen. The pond itself is little more than an oversized puddle...
Refreshing Waterfalls to Beat the Heat There is something about waterfalls that captivates and beckons us to take a closer look. Perhaps it’s the sight and sound of falling water that refreshes and energises especially in Japan’s humid summer...
Hidden Waterfall on the Outskirts of Tokyo One needn’t look far to discover pockets of nature in Tokyo with Hachioji City being a good example. Located only 40 km west of the city centre it contains the hugely popular hiking destinations of Mt...
Irikawa Gorge 入川渓谷 – Arakawa River Starting Point 荒川起点石標 . . The Irikawa Valley: Chichibu’s Best Kept Secret For nature starved Tokyoites the main go to spots to enjoy large expanses of greenery are Okutama in Tokyo and Chichibu in the westernmost...
The Tranquil Tenguno Falls Hinohara Village in the backblocks of Tokyo has nature in abundance and is home to several stunning waterfalls including the Odake and Hossawa Falls. Located a stone’s throw away from the latter is the no less...
The Perfect Place to Relax and Get Back to Nature Hinohara Village in western Tokyo is home to several scenic spots including the Hossawa and Odake waterfalls, Hinohara Tokyo Citizens’ Forest and Mount Mito to name a few. Adding to this list...
Exploring the Backwoods of Okutama One of the places I love frequenting in Okutama, Tokyo is the rather obscure Kurasawa Valley a lazy 20-minute bus ride from Okutama Station. Flanked on either side by precipitous cliff faces it was once home to the...