Oct. 2026 A SACRED MOUNTAIN NEAR TOKYO Just west of Tokyo, MT. MITAKE (御岳山) is a popular hiking destination in the Okutama region. Rising to 929 meters, it is known for its forest trails, historic shrine, and small traditional mountain village. Despite being relatively easy to reach from the city, it offers a welcome break… Continue reading (JAPAN) MT. MITAKE VIA MT. HINODE — A QUIET ESCAPE INTO THE FOREST
Author: Astra
(JAPAN) GASSAN — A SACRED MOUNTAIN ABOVE THE CLOUDS
Oct. 2026 A MOUNTAIN OF SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE Rising to 1,984 meters above sea level, GASSAN (月山) is one of the most famous mountains in Yamagata Prefecture, in Japan’s Tohoku region. Its name means “Moon Mountain,” and its broad, graceful ridgeline stretches across the sky. But Gassan is more than just a beautiful mountain—it is also… Continue reading (JAPAN) GASSAN — A SACRED MOUNTAIN ABOVE THE CLOUDS
(JAPAN) ADATARA-YAMA — AUTUMN COLORS AND A VOLCANIC WILDERNESS
Oct. 2026 A MOUNTAIN OF FIRE AND COLOR Autumn in Japan is all about colorful leaves, crisp mountain air, and spectacular scenery. But ADATARA-YAMA (安達太良山) in Fukushima Prefecture offers something a little different from the usual autumn hiking experience. Here, fiery red and golden slopes meet a rugged volcanic landscape, creating a fascinating contrast between… Continue reading (JAPAN) ADATARA-YAMA — AUTUMN COLORS AND A VOLCANIC WILDERNESS
(Japan) Maekakesan— Into The Volcanic Heart Of Mt. Asama
October 2026 INTO THE VOLCANIC HEART OF MT. ASAMA After days of rain, gray skies, and weather that made hiking feel like a distant dream, Saturday finally arrived with clear blue skies and cool mountain air. It was too good to waste. So, before sunrise, we got in the car and headed toward MT. ASAMA,… Continue reading (Japan) Maekakesan— Into The Volcanic Heart Of Mt. Asama
(Japan) Kusatsu Onsen — Where The Hot Springs Flow
September 2026 A TOWN BUILT AROUND HOT SPRINGS I had heard of Kusatsu Onsen for a long time, but somehow, I had never visited. Having explored several Japanese onsen towns before, I assumed Kusatsu would be another pleasant place to soak in hot springs. I was wrong—or at least, pleasantly surprised. Nestled in the mountains… Continue reading (Japan) Kusatsu Onsen — Where The Hot Springs Flow
(Japan) Akaiwa ー A Glimpse of Old Rural Japan
September 2026 A HIDDEN MOUNTAIN VILLAGE Tucked away in the mountains of northwestern Gunma, Akaiwa is a small traditional mountain village that feels wonderfully removed from modern Japan. Located on a terrace above the Shirasuna River, the village is surrounded by steep green mountains, farmland, and forest. Its quiet streets are lined with traditional houses,… Continue reading (Japan) Akaiwa ー A Glimpse of Old Rural Japan
(Japan) Kyu-Taishi Station — A Journey Into The Past
September 2026 AN UNEXPECTED DISCOVERY Tucked away in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, Kyū-Taishi Station is a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s industrial past. We actually discovered it by accident. While driving through the mountains, we spotted a roadside sign for the old station and decided to stop and take a look. Sometimes, the best places… Continue reading (Japan) Kyu-Taishi Station — A Journey Into The Past
(Japan) Autumn at Kurofuyama
September 2026 A QUIET ESCAPE INTO THE MOUNTAINS Kurofu-yama is a 2,404-meter-high mountain in Nagano Prefecture, forming part of the outer rim of Mount Asama, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. What makes Kurofu-yama special is not only the hike itself, but the scenery waiting along the ridgeline. On a clear day, you can enjoy… Continue reading (Japan) Autumn at Kurofuyama
(Peru) What I did in Salkantay
August 2026 SALKANTAY TREK — From the Andes to MACHU PICCHU I wanted more than just to visit MACHU PICCHU. I wanted to hike through the Andes and actually make the journey part of the adventure. That was how I ended up choosing the SALKANTAY TREK, one of the popular multi-day trekking routes to MACHU… Continue reading (Peru) What I did in Salkantay
(Bolivia) What I did in Rurrenbarque
August 2026 RURRENBARQUE — From the Amazon Jungle to the Snowy Andes Finally, the Amazon! Seeing the Amazon Rainforest had been a dream of mine for a long time. I had always imagined dense jungle, mysterious rivers, wild animals, and perhaps the occasional creature that would make me question why I had come there in… Continue reading (Bolivia) What I did in Rurrenbarque