Japan written by International Mountain Leader Steve White
Japan is an amazing mix of ancient and modern cultures. It’s a country where you can travel to the outskirts of Tokyo and immediately be in unspoilt mountain terrain. It’s a place to trek in amazing, and relatively quiet mountain scenery, for days while traversing ridges and mountains up to nearly 3200m whilst staying in lovely mountain huts. It is a place where modern 21st century life exists in harmony with the beauty and colour of ancient Shinto and Buddhist temples. It is certainly one of the most unique places I have ever visited.
How easy is it to get to?
It is very accessible with flights from all major European destinations to Tokyo. In country, train and coach travel is easy to use with accurate timetables and world-renowned efficiency, but it is certainly not cheap.
Can you tell us about the most memorable moment of a recent trip?
Summiting Mount Fuji (Fuji-san) 3776m at 4am for sunrise.
What are your top tips for anyone travelling to this area?
Politeness is key to life in Japan. Be aware of the cultural differences, people bow as part of an everyday greeting.
Always contact accommodation in advance, especially mountain huts. The Japanese don’t really like surprises, they will always find space for you BUT it makes them feel uncomfortable that you hadn’t notified them in advance
Be prepared to start very early in the mountains as breakfast is often served at 5am
Make sure you experience a Japanese onsen (very hot communal bath) especially at the end of a hard days trekking.
Remove your shoes when entering accommodation.
Be very sure of the correct etiquette when using an onsen.
What else is there to do, other than mountaineering, in this area?
A wealth of Buddhist and Shinto shrines are a must to visit. My recommendations would be the shrines and temples on Miyojima island near Hiroshima, world renowned for its famous Tori gate in the sea. Also, Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shinto shrine in Kyoto where you can pass through 10 000 Tori gates while you walk up the hill to the summit shrine and a great view over Kyoto.
A visit to Hiroshima is also a must, the Atomic Bomb Dome and the memorial park at ground zero are a salutary and extremely moving reminders of the horrors of war.
Tokyo is such a buzzing city! It is definitely worth spending a couple of days here. Definitely make a visit to the Tsukiji fish market to see the morning fish market and sample some of the best sushi in Japan. The modern marvel of the Tokyo Skytree and the view over the city and beyond to the mountains, even Fuji-san on a clear day. The Imperial palace, Senso-ji temple and the Rainbow bridge down on the waterfront to mention are a must as well!
There is so much more! I could easily write a book on things to see and do in Japan, but certainly it is one of the best trekking and travel destinations in the world.
Are there any dangers or annoyances here?
As a whole, the country feels very safe. The biggest danger is out in the mountains where bears are ever present and are regularly sighted. To counter this danger every trekker in Japan wears a bear bell, usually on your rucksack and available from all the outdoor stores. These bells jingle as you walk warning the bear of your presence, so these shy creatures steer clear.
What one piece of kit could you not manage without on a trip like this?
I know it’s a cliché, but a camera is a must! The vibrancy of the colours in the temples and shrines make for awesome pictures. But, I guess my bear bell would be one piece of kit I wouldn’t wander in the mountains without!
How do people contact you if they want to find out more?
If this has inspired you to visit, feel free to contact me at stevewhitemountaineering@outlook.com
Thank you Steve.
