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    • Spring
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.

        Solace and Giant Salamanders in Akiota

        Just beyond Hiroshima City is a tranquil outdoor destination home to some of Japan's last remaining oosanshouo, the elusive giant salamander.
        Kyoto Oni Trail Outdoor Japanvideo

        The Oni Trail: Hiking Coastal Kyoto

        The mystical oni is prevalent in Japanese children’s stories, usually as a way to scare kids straight. Adventure Travel Kyoto is shedding a new light on this folklore and developing a new hiking route in the countryside of Kyoto.
    • Summer
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
        adventure travel world summit in hokkaido

        Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido

        The ATTA will host their first Adventure Travel World Summit in Asia in Hokkaido, Japan. We caught up with ATTA Director Shannon Stowell to find out more about the adventure travel industry and how it continues to grow and evolve.
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        The Sweet Secrets of Brewing Mead

        Wander into the world of mead brewing and find yourself immersed in a fascinating journey spanning centuries and continents.
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        The Knights in White Lycra

        Each year a group of cyclists head to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails to help transform the lives of neglected children.
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        Sea to Table in Yamagata

        An unforgettable way to intimately explore the Shonai Region in Yamagata is a culinary experience bringing bounty of the sea straight to your table.
    • Autumn
      • Pow Bar Founder Megumi Scott

        Beyond the Brand: Pow Bar

        An interview with Megumi Scott, the founder of Niseko brand Pow Bar.
        Churamura Okinawa Sea Turtle Marine Conservation

        Churamura: Footprints in the Sand

        Churamura, an NPO in Okinawa, work to conserve marine life and protect endangered sea turtles in Japan's southernmost prefecture.
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        Fall in Love with Kawazu

        Enjoy waterfall hikes and hot springs, beautiful beaches and delicious seafood in Kawazu on the western coast of Izu Peninsula.
    • Winter
    • Near Tokyo
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Near Kyoto
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.
    • All Regions
    • Article Map
    • Ocean and Beach
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • River and Lake
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Mountain and Land
    • Sky
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Snow and Ice
      • climbing mt. fuji off season

        Mt. Fuji: The Path Less Traveled

        Fuji-san is the most climbed mountain in the world. If you are in good shape, there is a way to avoid the traffic for a more peaceful Mt. Fuji experience during the off-season.
    • Travel
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        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
        adventure travel world summit in hokkaido

        Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido

        The ATTA will host their first Adventure Travel World Summit in Asia in Hokkaido, Japan. We caught up with ATTA Director Shannon Stowell to find out more about the adventure travel industry and how it continues to grow and evolve.
        getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
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        the knights in white lycra

        The Knights in White Lycra

        Each year a group of cyclists head to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails to help transform the lives of neglected children.
    • Food and Drinks
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
        adventure travel world summit in hokkaido

        Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido

        The ATTA will host their first Adventure Travel World Summit in Asia in Hokkaido, Japan. We caught up with ATTA Director Shannon Stowell to find out more about the adventure travel industry and how it continues to grow and evolve.
        getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
        maota sustainable fashion

        Weaving Stories with Maota

        Maota is a small-scale clothing line working with local craftsmen in the countryside of Aichi and Gifu prefectures. While their focus is on small, local and “slow” fashion, they are moving fast toward some big goals.
        the knights in white lycra

        The Knights in White Lycra

        Each year a group of cyclists head to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails to help transform the lives of neglected children.
    • Races and Events
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        2023 Summer Music Festivals

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        2023 Fireworks Festivals in Japan

        Enjoy these fireworks festivals held throughout Japan this summer and autumn.

Adam Faunce Interview

adam faunce surfing

One of the most established surfers on the Japanese Professional Surfing Association (JPSA) Tour is Australian Adam Faunce. Outdoor Japan caught up with Adam to hear his thoughts on the JPSA tour, surfing and life in Japan.

What brought you to Japan?

I came because my shaper got asked to come and bring a rider. (It was) a long time, before there were any bars or convenience stores in Kaifu (Shikoku) where I live.

Your first impressions on surfing in Japan?

I thought I was going to end up in a big city, in a place like Shonan. (Instead) I found Shikoku to be kind of like where I’m from in Australia; the locals rip and the waves are good. Basically, I was blown away!

How did you get on the pro circuit in Japan?

Bribed all the judges! No. I did the world tour, but it wasn’t my thing. (The World Championship Tour wasn’t held in the world’s best waves back then.) My sponsors at the time asked me if I’d like to do the Japanese tour. It sounded cool, but I had to stay a whole year. It was really hard. Winter has no waves (in Shikoku).

Did you intend on staying as long as you have?

Definitely not, but I’m so glad I did. I’ve got a great wife and two beautiful daughters, and my house is very close to one of the best waves in Japan. The typhoon season in summer is pretty close to a surfer’s heaven. I love it.

What are your best results on the circuit?

I nearly won the whole thing (in 1999) but the JPSA and my sponsor at the time made me go to Hawaii to compete. It’s cool, though; I got a ninth at Sunset Beach.

Where are your favorite locations on the JPSA tour?

Anywhere it’s not onshore and barely knee-high. The contests are getting way better for waves.

adam faunce surfing

Who are your favorite surfers on the JPSA circuit?

Anyone who’s into punk rock, beer and surfs with a no-holds-barred attitude.

Are there other foreign surfers?

Yeah, heaps now and I hear there’re more coming. (It’s) better for the Japanese.

Do you think a Japanese surfer can get on the World Championship Tour? (There are currently none.)

Hell, yeah. I know of two, but I’m not going to name names. Basically they need to surf big waves a lot better. Go, kids! Start now!

What do you like about surfing in Japan?

Mainly the typhoons. Also the river mouths, the heat, the vibe and the beers after a good session with the boys.

Is there anything you dislike about surfing in Japan?

I used to loathe packed Sundays. I used to get in hassles and fights. Now I just leave it to them. Hell, (for many) it’s their one day-off.

What advice do you have for foreigners surfing in Japan?

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself at a spot with good waves, chances are it has some nasty locals. Be cool. Don’t hassle and (definitely) don’t drop in!

What are you riding these days?

I’m now riding Channel Islands “Tufflite” flyer model boards. They are the best I’ve ever ridden, super strong and light. If I had to buy a board, this is the board I’d get. That advice is worth a beer!

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’ve lived here for ages, been through stuff with the mafia and pissed off some locals. I’m sure there are rumors. Some may be true, but I really love this place.

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