The most dangerous thing you will encounter on most hikes in Japan is probably dehydration or perhaps one of the giant Japanese hornets if you're unlucky enough to catch one on bad day. However, the number one killer of hikers and people in the outdoors is not bears, snakes, ax-murderers, or even
Hiking Yarigatake (槍ヶ岳) in Japan
Yarigatake (槍ヶ岳) is perhaps one of the most recognizable peaks in Japan. Located in the center of the Kita Alps, it's a must for anyone serious about peak bagging in the Land of the Rising Sun. It can be accessed via numerous trailheads and is possible to conquer in a day (a very tough day). I
Hiking Mount Haku (白山) in Japan
Mount Haku (白山, Hakusan) is one of Japan's Three Holy Mountains (三霊山) along with Mount Tate and Mount Fuji (what that means, I have no idea). The mountain is on the border of Gifu (岐阜), Fukui (福井), and Ishikawa (石川) prefectures in Japan's Hokuriku Region (北陸地方). Ishikawa is home to the most
Hiking Okuhotakadake (奥穂高岳) in Japan
Name: Mount Okuhotaka Japanese name: 奥穂高岳 (Okuhotakadake) Location: Kita Alps (北アルプス) Summit elevation: 10,470 ft / 3,190 m Elevation change: 6,627 ft / 2,020 m Round-trip distance from trailhead: 12.8 mi / 20.6 km Round-trip time from trailhead*: 10 hours Difficulty: Strenuous Water on
Hiking Mount Tsurugi (剱岳) in Japan
Mount Tsurugi (剱岳, Tsurugidake) is one of the many prize peaks of the Kita Alps (北アルプス), and is also one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. The trailhead described here is a bit remote and if you don't have your own transportation, then you're out of luck unless you want to take an expensive taxi
Hiking Mount Kasa (笠ヶ岳) in Japan
Name: Mount Kasa Japanese name: 笠ヶ岳 (Kasagatake) Location: Gifu, Japan (岐阜県) Summit elevation: 9,505 ft / 2,897 m Elevation change: 6,233 ft / 1,900 m Round-trip distance from trailhead: 13.54 mi / 21.79 km Round-trip time from trailhead*: 11 hours 30 minutes Difficulty: Strenuous Water on