Category: Nagano
-
Mt. Kazekoshi
Fourteen kilograms of restless bouncy daughter was too much. I enjoy hiking with her but there comes a time when it’s wise to admit defeat. This hike was me throwing in the towel.
-
Hiking in the Minami Alps: Coffee at the Top
There’s a joke between a good friend and his brother regarding a hike they did in Colorado a few years ago. Early morning on a remote mountain, as they approached the summit they saw a trail runner come through the mist, he flies straight past them shouting “Coffee at the top!”
-
Film Nostalgia on the Kisoji
Every now and then I get pangs of nostalgia, pull out the Leica M6, and shoot a roll or two of film. Anyone that has shot film before knows that it slows you down, forces you to think before pressing the shutter
-
Nakasendō/Kisoji – Walking Nagiso to Nakatsugawa
It took me a year, but the Kiso-ji section of the Nakasendō from Shiojiri to Nakatsugawa is now complete. Pre-baby-toddler daughter and I would have finished it much sooner, but I quite enjoyed stretching it out over a year – it meant I got to see the Kiso Valley in all seasons.
-
Mt. Fuji Sunrise Hike – Eboshidake in the Minami Alps
This was the third time I’ve hiked this trail. In July 2019 Sampukutoge was the goal but then I was unaware that an additional 40 minutes southwest to Eboshidake would, on a clear day, present me with a clear view of Mt. Fuji.
-
Adventure: Common Sense and How to Not Buy New Camera Gear
With the backpack packed and batteries charged, chocolate and sugary snacks purchased, I headed to the Torikura trail entrance (鳥倉登山口) late on Saturday afternoon to start the 2 to 3 hour climb to the campsite.
-
Memories for a Journal: Agematsu Night Hike
Late last summer I went on a solo night hike up the Chuo Alps from Agematsu in Nagano. The A Course hike as it is known is infrequently used by other hikers as the east side from Komagane is far more popular. In fact, I’ve never seen anyone else use it. That night I nearly…
-
Hiking: Mt. Ontake & New Goals・御嶽山
I’ve been cycling ever since I was a kid. When I moved to Japan permanently way back in 2001 I brought my mountain bike with me. This was two weeks before 9/11 so I just turned up at Heathrow Airport with the bike, pedals off, tyres deflated and it went onto the airplane without any…