Selective Hikes in Japan
-
Sadogashima Island Traverse Hike: Forests, Ridges and Strange Things
16 Sep 2023Sagodashima Island traverse hike was full of surprises. Some purely pleasant and some pleasantly strange surprises.
-
Hiking Mt. Miyanoura in Yakushima
06 Apr 2022Mt. Miyanoura peak hike in Yakushima is one of the most rewarding hikes and traverses in Japan. The hike leads you to the highest peak in Kyushu through forests, rock formations and magnificent interior mountain views.
-
Karasawa Cirque Hike: Gentler Option in the Northern Japanese Alps
12 Sep 2023Japanese Alps scare me a little. Well, maybe more than a little. Despite being an avid hiker, the sheer size and - I have to admit - the intimidating beauty of the region, which is home to some of the highest peaks in Japan - has made me keep my distance from one of the most rewarding hiking destinations in Japan.
-
Daisetsuzan Hikes: Asahidake to Naka Dake Loop Hike
07 Aug 2022Daisetsuzan National Park is the largest national park in Japan and home to Hokkaidos`s highest mountain - Asahidake. I spent five days in the park exploring the various trails each with a unique but equally splendid scenery.
Walks and Rides
-
Walking Kumano Kodo: UNESCO World Heritage
22 Mar 2021It is 5 am in the morning. I will shortly start hearing the footsteps of the monks and their students. The preparations for the morning pray start at 5.30 am. The prayer room, which is decorated with hundreds of lanterns, needs to be heated up.
-
Iseji Route: The Eastern Route of Kumano Kodo
03 Apr 2022Mt. Fuji is fully visible on this overcast winter day in Honshu. It feels strange that I still get excited every single time that I get a look at the perfectly picturesque peak of Mt. Fuji.
-
Walking Shikoku: Discover the Temples, Small Towns and Surf Beaches
17 Mar 2021Back from Shikoku. What a wonderful two weeks it was and how I need these rural Japan breaks to better connect with this beautiful country that I now call home. It all started with mountains, two of the most atmospheric temples that I have been to in Japan, heavy rain and wind (a blessing and visual feast when you hike through forests).
-
Shimanami Kaido: One of the Best Cycling Routes in Japan
05 Dec 2021Shimanami Kaido is a rewarding cycling trail in Japan connecting busy Honshu to one of the countries most secluded islands.
Kepler Track
The 60-kilometer long trail – commonly finished in two nights, three days – is famous for its second day where hikers spend nearly the entire day walking on a ridge exposed on both sides with views of Lake Te Anau, Lake Manapouri, and the surrounding peaks. Read more.
Routeburn Track
The track, located on South Island, goes through two national parks, Mount Aspiring and Fiordland. Usually finished in 2 nights/3 days, the 32-kilometre-long track is famous for the Harris Saddle section that offers magnificient views of Harris Lake guarded by rocky mountains. Read more.
Milford Track
When a hike is as popular as Milford Track and promoted as “the finest walk in the world”, there is always the inevitable question: “Is it overrated?”. My answer: no, not even a little bit. The four days long trail is worthy of all praise. Read more.