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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.
        mead brewing in japan

        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.
        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.
        sea to table yamagata

        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
    • Winter
      • video

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
        sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        ainu tour daniel moore outdoor japan hokkaido

        Heritage Hunting in Hokkaido

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
    • 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
    • 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
      • ainu tour daniel moore outdoor japan hokkaido

        Heritage Hunting in Hokka...

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        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
      • video

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
        sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
        togari onsen outdoor japan

        Northern Shinshu’s Secret Stash

        A weak yen, revenge travel, and excellent ski conditions have led to high demand, booking out popular resorts like Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen this year. Fortunately, lesser-known gems like Togari Onsen, near Nozawa Onsen and Madarao, offer charming alternatives for powder seekers.
    • Travel
      • video

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
        sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        ainu tour daniel moore outdoor japan hokkaido

        Heritage Hunting in Hokkaido

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
    • Food and Drinks
      • video

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
        sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        ainu tour daniel moore outdoor japan hokkaido

        Heritage Hunting in Hokkaido

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
    • Races and Events
      • sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.

        Winter News and Notes

        Check out the latest news and winter events held at ski resorts all over Japan in 2024!
        dd4d brewing

        DD4D Brewing

        In nearly e...

2023 Spring Events in Japan

Japan Cider Cup 2023

Come celebrate the most popular ciders in Japan (as voted by the public). The Japan Cider Cup is the country’s premier international cider tasting event and competition featuring vendors from across the country as well as special guest Right Bee Cider from Chicago, Illinois. Entry is free; food, craft cider, craft beer, wine, and souvenir purchases can be made on the day. Doors open at 11 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Follow along
@japancidercup or check website for event details.

When: April 22
Where: Tama Mirai Messe, Hachioji, Tokyo
Web: japancidercup.com

GoPro Water Games Minakami

Get up close to the world-renowned rapids of the Tone River at the GoPro Water Games Minakami, a white water competition where Japan’s top athletes show off their skills. New for 2023 is a flat water competition that will also be held on the nearby lake.

When: June 3-4
Where: Minakami, Gunma
Web: mofest.jp

Sea to Summit

Montbell—Japan’s largest homegrown outdoor brand—is behind the popular Sea to Summit race series. Their goal is to invigorate local areas, holding events to experience nature through two days of canoeing, cycling and trekking. This year they are hosting the series across twelve locations around Japan.

When and Where:
May 20-21: Lake Biwa, Shiga
May 27-28: Daisen, Tottori
June 10-11: Etajima, Hiroshima
June 17-18: Okhotsk, Hokkaido
July 15-16: Itoigawa/Joetsu/Myoko, Niigata
July 1-2: Bizen, Okayama
July 22-23: Gassan, Yamagata
Aug. 19-20: Asahidake, Hokkaido
Aug. 26-27: Mt. Chokai, Yamagata
Oct. 7-8: Kamimachi, Miyagi
Oct. 14-15: Chikuma River, Nagano
Web: seatosummit.jp

Rainbow Disco Club

Enjoying camping and dance music in the subtropical Izu Peninsula for a three-day party to kick off Golden Week.

When: April 29 – May 1
Where: Higashi-izu, Shizuoka
Web: rainbowdiscoclub.com

Japan Jam

If you’re staying in town for Golden Week, check out this almost-week-long festival in Chiba City.

When: Apr. 30 & May 3-6
Where: Chiba City, Chiba
Web: japanjam.jp

Fuji & Sun

Camp and enjoy live music at the foot of Mt Fuji in a relaxed, open-air space.

When: May 13-14
Where: Fuji, Shizuoka
Web: fjsn.jp

Aco Chill Camp

If you missed Fuji & Sun, check out this camping festival also held near Mt. Fuji. BBQ sets available.

When: May 20-21
Where: Gotemba, Shizuoka
Web: acochill.com

Hakuba Yoo-hoo! Festival

This mountaintop festival lets you enjoy the best of Hakuba’s green season. Enjoy a weeklong festival with music, camping, hot air balloon rides, a trail run, fitness workshops and yoga. Held at Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort, this festival works with Protect Our Winters Japan to raise awareness of environmental conservation.

When: May 20–28
Where: Hakuba, Nagano
Web: iwatake-mountain-resort.com

Greenroom Festival

This annual surf and beach lifestyle festival is back at the Yokohama seaside. Check the website artist updates.

When: May 27-29
Where: Yokohama, Kanagawa
Web: greenroom.jp

Go Out Camp Inawashiro

Enjoy the start of summer at this lakeside getaway with live music, camping, food booths and a market.

When: June 2-4
Where: Inawashiro, Fukushima
Web: gooutcamp.jp/inawashiro

The Camp Book 2023

Fujimi Kogen Ski Resort transforms into an outdoor stage for this camp and music festival. The event is set against the peaks of Yatsugatake and easily accessible by car from Tokyo.

When: June 10-11
Where: Fujimi, Nagano
Web: the-camp-book.com/2022

Fuji Rock

Some artists have been announced and early bird tickets are already available for Japan’s most iconic music festival. Stay at a nearby lodge or hotel or camp out for the three-day event.

When: July 29-31
Where: Naeba, Niigata
Web: fujirockfestival.com

Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji

This 100-mile course along mountain trails, local footpaths and forest roads around the foothills of Mt. Fuji while experiencing the natural beauty and culture around Japan’s most famous mountain.

When: Apr. 21-23
Where: Fuji, Shizuoka / Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi
Web: ultratrailmtfuji.com

Sendai International Half Marathon

This popular race starts at Sendai Station and passes through Nishi Koen Park and Jozenji Avenue.

When: May 8
Where: Sendai
Web: sendaihalf.com

Minakami Trail Race

The nature-abundant Minakami Biosphere Reserve is the setting for this race, which is divided into four divisions: the 100k, 80k, 40k and 20k.

When: May 13-14
Where: Minakami, Gunma
Web: gon-ff.com/?p=2694

Spartan Race Super 10K in Chiba

This 25-obstacle race blends speed, endurance and technical skill. A 5K sprint and a kids race are also available.

When: May 26
Where: Sodegaura, Chiba
Web: spartanrace.jp

16th Skyline Trail Sugadaira

This beginner-friendly trail run is a great way to enjoy the cooling Shinshu area and springtime in the alpine region.

When: May 28
Where: Sugadaira Kogen, Nagano
Web: sugadaira-trail.jp

Togakushi Mountain Trail

Navigate your way through this ancient forest in the mystical ninja town of Togakushi. There are four challenges: the long course (20 kilometers), short course (10 kilometers), a vertical run and kids run.

When: June 4
Where: Togakushi, Nagano
Web: nature-scene.net/tmt

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Latest posts

CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madara...

Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.

New Horizons in Shiretoko...

During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.

Silent Resilience

Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.

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