Travel Guides
Beginner Guide Series
A step-by-step series from zero experience to intermediate mountains. We recommend reading in order.
Hiking Gear for Every Level — A 3-Stage Guide to Getting Started
You don't need to buy everything at once. From minimal essentials to full gear setups, find the right equipment for your hiking level and budget.
First Hike Guide — Everything Beginners Need to Know
Curious about hiking but not sure where to start? From choosing your first mountain to understanding weather and trail etiquette, this guide covers it all.
Step-Up Guide — Level Up Your Hiking Skills
Ready to go beyond easy trails? Learn weather judgment, layering, time management, and when to turn back — essential skills for tackling bigger mountains.
Intermediate Mountain Guide — Preparing for 1,000m+ Peaks
Temperature changes with altitude, hypothermia and heat stroke prevention, wildlife encounters, mountain hut basics — everything you need for intermediate mountains.
Other Guides
10 Best Day Hikes Near Tokyo — A Local's Guide for Every Level
The 10 best day hikes from Tokyo, sorted by difficulty. From beginner-friendly Mt. Takao (1 hour from Shinjuku) to challenging Mt. Tanzawa — with train access, time, and post-hike onsen for each.
Hiking Packing List for Japan — Essential Gear for Day Hikes Near Tokyo
The essential packing list for day hiking in Japan — from beginner-friendly trails near Tokyo to alpine routes in the Japan Alps. Covers 10 must-have items, seasonal gear adjustments (summer heat, winter cold), Japan-specific tips like downloading YAMAP offline maps and carrying cash for mountain huts, and where to buy quality gear affordably at Workman, 100-yen shops, or outdoor chains like Mont-bell and Alpen.
Essential Gear & Tips for Hiking in Japan — What Every Visitor Should Know
A comprehensive guide to hiking gear, trail etiquette, and cultural differences that international visitors should know before hitting Japanese trails.