Amongst the numerous climbing routes in the Hakuba Valley, one in particular has achieved almost legendary status - the 'Daisekkei.'

Spring is an amazing time to explore the mountains in Japan, with fresh greenery, lingering snowfields, good weather and far less crowds.

In a village blessed with nature, history and culture, there is no better way to experience them all than on a hike along the Salt Road.

I believe it was 2013 when I first heard of the insane idea... to climb from the ocean to the top of Japan's iconic Mt. Fuji.

Hike and Bike Japan's base of operation, the small rural village of Otari, is a culturally-rich and naturally-blessed area that we take pride in having the a...

U.L. SLEEPING SETUP I dozed off shortly after dinner, sometime past 8 p.m. In general I'm a cold sleeper, so I went into the evening expecting it to be a lon...

PLAN A More than a month ago I was contacted by two-time Trans Japan Alps Race (TJAR) finisher Otokozawa-san, who I first became acquainted with last Septemb...

This week I had the privilege of guiding a fellow American I met on the slopes of Tsugaike last month, up to the summit of 2,696m Mt. Karamatsu in neighborin...

Trail running has really taken off in Japan in the last few years, and the number and variety of races on offer across the country, as well as the average nu...

We recently came back from a day-hike up to the summit of one of central Japan's most active volcanoes, whose name literally and appropriately translates to ...

We initially set out on an ambitious 3-day blitz of the Southern Alps, but midway through a tough day 1 doubts about the viability of our plan began to worm ...

I recently came back from a brutally tough, but rewarding fastpacking trip with friends through some of the less-traveled trails at the northern end of Japa...

OVERNIGHT I had a hard time getting to bed initially, due mostly to the cacophonous chorus of snores emanating in full surround sound from the densely packed...

This past weekend I had the exciting opportunity to join the official training camp held by the organizing committee of the Trans Japan Alps Race (TJAR). The...

Continued from Part 2 HOW TO PACK FOR AN 8-DAY MOUNTAIN RACE REQUIRED GEAR Because TJAR is completely self-supported and covers a vast distance, including fu...

Continued from Part 1 THE RACE ITSELF: HISTORY, CONCEPT, STATS & ENTRY HISTORY The idea for the Trans Japan Alps Race (TJAR) was first conceived by Mikio Iwa...

THE BACKSTORY: ADVENTURES IN HIKING, TREKKING & MARATHONING My love for the mountains began early in life, first indirectly through reading tales of adventur...

Continued from Part 3 After thoroughly enjoying my full course meal for dinner, I continued my winning streak by hitting the sack early, sinking into my top ...

Continued from Part 2 My first night practicing an emergency bivy was an eventful one with heavy rains pounding my non-waterproof shelter for the entire even...

Continued from Part 1 In an instant the skies opened up, and heavy rain and small hail began to rain down on me hard. I knew the weather was turning, I could...