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)   Finish: Tobu-Nikko Station (Tobu Nikko Line)   Difficulty:   ▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅  ❸   Map: Yama to Kogen Chizu 山と高原地図 ［No.13 日光 NIKKO］ . GPX TrackKML TrackGSI MAPPDF Topo Map . A Scenic Hiking Adventure from Nikko Station Situated right next to Nikko Station, Mt. Nakimushi is a popular hiking destination due to its accessibility and views of s ..read more

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   Finish: Otsuki Station (JR Chuo Main Line)   Difficulty:   ▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅  ❸   Map: Yama to Kogen Chizu 山と高原地図 ［No.29 高尾・陣馬 TAKAO·JINBA］ . GPX TrackKML TrackGSI MAPPDF Topo Map . A Cherry Blossom Hike up Oiseyama Oiseyama, situated in Magi Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, is renowned for its cherry blossom viewing, boasting around 3,000 cherry ..read more

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 visit, offering an restful escape and a touch of history. For centuries, the waterfall has been revered as a ‘power spot’, believed to invigorate mind and body. Since the Heian period (794-1185), worshippers preparing to climb Mt. Fuji purified themselves at this waterfall and prayed for safe journeys before descending to Kawaguchi Asama Shrine for ..read more

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 we’re more than happy to spend the lion’s share of our time milling about the campground it’s always nice to find some local areas to explore on foot. This particular occasion presented two, the Tenku-no Torii, or “Torii Gate in the Sky” along with the Haha-no-Shirataki Waterfall both 10 and 20 minutes’ walk away respectably. We kind of hit the jackpot ..read more

Hiked on Mar 27, 2024 . Fudo-yu 不動湯 – Ozasu-toge 大榷首峠 – Mt. Takazasu 高座山   Duration: 5.5 hours   Distance: 14.4 km   Elevation change: 848 metres   Highest point: 1598 metres   Start: Shimoyoshida Station (Fujikyuko Line)   Finish: Oshinomura Yakuba-Mae bus stop   Difficulty:   ▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅  ❸   Map: Yama to Kogen Chizu 山と高原地図 ［No.34 富士山 FUJI-SAN］ . GPX TrackKML TrackGSI MAPPDF Topo Map . Hiking Mt. Shakushi: 360 Degrees of Beauty Shakushiyama is one of Yamanashi’s top 100 mountains, situated north of Lake Yamanaka at the western end of the Dosh ..read more

Hiked on Mar 14, 2024 . Tengu-iwa 天狗岩 – Mt. Tsutaiwa 蔦岩山 – Mt. Futago 二子山   Duration: 5.5 hours   Distance: 11.4 km   Elevation change: 722 metres   Highest point: 1052 metres   Start: Nago Bus Stop   Finish: Ashigakubo Station (Seibu Chichibu Line)   Difficulty:   ▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅  ❸    Map: Yama to Kogen Chizu 山と高原地図 ［No.23 奥武蔵・秩父 OKUMUSASHI·CHICHIBU］ . GPX TrackKML TrackGSI MAPPDF Topo Map . Mt. Takegawa to Mt. Futago: Ridge Hike in Okumusashi Mt. Takegawa straddles Hanno and Yokoze cities, Saitama Prefecture. It is located deep in the heart ..read more

Hiked on Mar 7, 2024 . Takao Plum Tree Road 高尾梅郷遊歩道 – Kogesawa Plum Grove 木下沢梅林   Duration: 3 hours   Distance: 8.5 km   Elevation change: 275 metres   Highest point: 108 metres   Start: Takao Station (Chuo Main Line)   Finish: Kobotoke Bus Stop   Difficulty:   ▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅  ❶   Map: Yama to Kogen Chizu 山と高原地図 ［No.29 高尾・陣馬 TAKAO·JINBA］ . GPX TrackKML TrackGSI MAPPDF Topo Map . 8 Plum Groves Along the Old Koshu Kaido Takao Baigo (Takao Plum Blossom Area) is the general term for plum groves scattered along the old Koshu Kaido, about 1km from Takao ..read more

Tips for Conquering the Trail Alone Last year, I shared some general safety tips for hiking in Japan. This time, we’ll delve deeper into solo hiking and the extra precautions you can take to stay safe when exploring the trails on your own. Solo hiking can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also requires careful planning. Here are 6 more things to think about before you set out. For the record, I’m not necessarily advocating for others jump on the solo hiking bandwagon. Statistically speaking, being in a well-led group in the mountains is safer. Why Even Go Solo Hiking? Surely, hikin ..read more

The Okuchichibu Grand Traverse Stickers If you’re a supporter on Patreon, keep an eye on your mailbox. Not a supporter yet? Consider joining to receive awesome perks like cool stickers! These durable and weather-resistant PVC vinyl stickers (100 x 74 mm) are printed locally with UV-resistant inks and feature a matte finish. I’m giving away a couple to both current and new members who support me on Patreon at the 300 Mountains tier and above. This is in addition to the waterproof quick reference hiking kanji ‘cheat sheet’ and other benefits, depending on the membership level. Okuchichibu Grand ..read more

2024 Release of Maps of Mountains and Plateaus The map images and contents of this article have been obtained with the permission of the publisher (株式会社昭文社 Shobunsha Publications, Inc.). The opinion expressed in this article is that of the author and does not reflect the opinions or views of Shobunsha. Following custom, Shobunsha Publications, Inc. (MAPPLE) released their annual Mountain and Plateau Maps (2024, 60th edition) in two halves: February 22nd (43 maps) and March 8th (20 maps). This year’s collection sees the addition of two new maps, boosting the comprehensive catalogue to 63 maps ..read more