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
Category: Hike
(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) 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
(Japan) Izu Islands – Kouzushima
(Sept. 21-23, 2024) This Sept. we had 2 Mondays off because of public holidays, so we decided to spend all the 3-day holidays going camping at the Izu Islands. Getting on the large passenger ship (Tokai Kisen) on Friday night, arriving on Saturday morning, camp for 2 days, return on Monday. It was perfect! Kouzushima… Continue reading (Japan) Izu Islands – Kouzushima
(Japan) Izu Islands – Niijima
(Sept. 14-16, 2024) There are total 9 Islands in Tokyo Prefecture. Most of them are just several hours away from Tokyo by large passenger ship (Tokai Kisen), or a few hours away from Tokyo by high-speed jet ferry. Then, you’ll come to totally different world, beautiful sea and nature all around. I am particularly fond… Continue reading (Japan) Izu Islands – Niijima
(Vietnam) Christmas Trip @ Da Nang, Hanoi, Da Nang and Sapa
(Dec. 21-31, 2023) This is the 2nd time I visited Vietnam. I have visited Southern Vietnam (only Ho Chi Ming & Nha Trang) once over 10 years ago. This time I wanted to visit Central and Northern Vietnam instead. It was a Christmas trip to celebrate myself and my best friend’s 45th birthday. DA NANG… Continue reading (Vietnam) Christmas Trip @ Da Nang, Hanoi, Da Nang and Sapa
(Japan) Walk around Goshikinuma Pond
Nov. 3, 2023 Goshikinuma Pond means five colorerd ponds. It is located near the Jododaira area in Fukushima Prefecture. The whole area is full of nature and varieties of trees. At this time of the year, we could see Autumn leaves everywhere. Also, the local stores were selling many local products such as wild mushrooms… Continue reading (Japan) Walk around Goshikinuma Pond
(Japan) Hike around the crater of Mt. Azuma-Kofuji
Nov. 3, 2023 When people heard about Fukushima Prefecture, they often only think about the Great Earthquake, Tsunami and failure of Nuclear Power Plant in 2011. However, Fukushima consists of not only the coastline area, but also the mountainous area, which consists of volcanos, wetlands, peaks, ponds and hotsprings. This time we drove to Mt.… Continue reading (Japan) Hike around the crater of Mt. Azuma-Kofuji