The not quite noon day sun had already begun baking my skin into a terra cotta shell. Thanks to the terrifying amount of Western European genes afforded to my DNA, this baking would begin a painful week long molting process. Climaxing, when my normally skim milk hued skin, would begin flaking off in sheets. Leaving behind a shiny pink surface that radiates an almost constant sheen of agony. Thanks again genetics, thanks again.

This brings me to my first Do of tackling Fujisan in the summer, the only time of the year that it is safe for the amateur trekker to tackle the mountain, start your descent earlier then you think, even then bring sun block. Eleven a.m. sunshine, at ten thousand feet, in the middle of August, is nothing to be trifled with.
Before... Read More

Recently I led a group of military families on an expedition up Mt Fuji, Japan’s highest peak standing at 12,388 feet (3,776 meters) high. This grandiose mountain, located between Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures, is one of the country’s most famous symbols. Also known as Fuji-san, both travelers and residents of Japan climb this sacred mountain, also a dormant volcano which has not erupted since 1708.

Our group of 17 which consisted of children, marathoners and amateur climbers complete with camelbacks in tow, started the endeavor just before Kawaguchiko 5th Station at approximately 0445 in order to get an early start and view the picturesque sunrise. While another option is to climb at night and spend the evening at one of the rustic mountain huts, our plan entailed an... Read More

Japanese love to climb mountains because, for them, mountains are holy. My husband has climbed many mountains in Japan, and in other countries. In fact, he climbed one of our popular and risky mountains in the Philippines, a saw-tooth shaped mountain, which is called as Mt. Guiting-guiting with the elevation of 2,058m (6,380 ft).

In contrast, I don’t like climbing mountain, but because of my love to my husband, I couldn't refuse to go with him to climb Mt. Ohyama, a 1,252m-high mountain situated on the border of Isehara, Hadano and Atsugi, a popular sightseeing spot in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

On that morning, we got up early, wore our mountaineering gear, brought my sketching pad and pencil, and went to Isehara Station, Odakyu line. We bought some foods fr... Read More

Mt. Ishizuchi is the tallest mountain on Shikoku and western Japan. It is 1982m, which makes its very popular with foreigners born in 1982 like me.

You can reach Mt Ishizuchi from Saijo city or Matsuyama city in Ehime prefecture. It takes about 2 hours to drive from Matsuyama city to reach the hiking trail. The 4km hike begins at around 1400m.

According to Japanese Shinto beliefs, significant natural areas are holy. My students would loosely translate this as “the playground of the gods”. For instance, Mt. Fuji is sacred, as well as a Miyajima island itself. Mt. Ishizuchi is one of seven sacred mountains of Japan. In Japanese folklore, mountains have supernatural spirit called “Tengu”. They are often described as having a very lon... Read More

There are few symbols that represent Japan as clearly as does Mt. Fuji, or Fuji-san in Japanese. Its near perfect conical shape makes it a much sought after photo opportunity for foreign tourists and Japanese nationals alike. The only thing better than snapping that wonderful photo of the mountain, is climbing it. Making the trek to the top of Fuji always seems like a great idea when on the ground, far away from the mountain with friends over a few beers, and while extremely rewarding, it is a long and tiring journey.

You don't actually climb from the bottom to the top of Fuji. The highway approaches Fuji and winds up the base to an area with some shops, restaurants and a hotel designated as station five. From here is where the hike begins. Its best to br... Read More