SEASONAL

Paul

Spring Snow / Edible Plant Hike

Spring is an amazing time to explore the mountains in Japan, with fresh greenery, lingering snowfields, good weather and far less crowds.

Paul

Otari Green Season PR Video

Hike and Bike Japan's base of operation, the small rural village of Otari, is a culturally-rich and naturally-blessed area that we take...

Paul

Attempt on Mt. Yakushi (Pt. 2)

U.L. SLEEPING SETUP I dozed off shortly after dinner, sometime past 8 p.m. In general I'm a cold sleeper, so I went into the evening...

Paul

Attempt on Mt. Yakushi (Part 1)

PLAN A More than a month ago I was contacted by two-time Trans Japan Alps Race (TJAR) finisher Otokozawa-san, who I first became...

Paul

Mt. Karamatsu in Winter [Photo Album]

This week I had the privilege of guiding a fellow American I met on the slopes of Tsugaike last month, up to the summit of 2,696m Mt....

Paul

Otari Backcountry Snowboarding

The village of Otari is not only a 豪雪地帯, or "heavily snowed area" as mentioned in our last blog post, but its land area is more than 80%...

Paul

Oami Fire Ceremony

The Oami Fire Ceremony (大網火祭り) is one of the most fascinating annual events held here in the village of Otari. Taking place each year on...

Hike + BIKE JAPAN