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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.

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        Just beyond Hiroshima City is a tranquil outdoor destination home to some of Japan's last remaining oosanshouo, the elusive giant salamander.
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        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
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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.
        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.
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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.
        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
    • Near Tokyo
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        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
      • 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
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        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
      • 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.
    • 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.
    • Races and Events
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        2023 Summer Music Festivals

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        Summer Events Fireworks Festivals in Japan

        2023 Fireworks Festivals in Japan

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

Happy Trails!

TRAIL RUNNING IN JAPAN

If you head up to the mountains in Japan, most of the people you’re likely to see are groups of hikers in their late 40s to 60s. Tozan (hiking) is a very popular activity among this generation and these fit folks, often referred to as chuukonen haikah (literally translates to “middle-aged hiker”), are recognizable by their checkered trekking shirts, large backpacks, sturdy hiking boots and trekking poles.

Lately however, there’s a new wave of younger folks hitting the trails. They carry light backpacks, wear low-cut running shoes and sip water from a tube sticking out of their packs. Instead of walking up and down mountains with heavy packs, they prefer to travel light and fast. In fact, they like to run.

Trail running (pronounced toreiru runningu and called toreh-run for short), is an outdoor sport that has recently gained huge popularity in Japan. Grass roots trail running races have grown into major running events attracting hundreds and, for some races, thousands of runners.

Outdoor shops prominently display hydration packs, trail running shoes and breathable (tsuukisei no aru), fast-drying (sokkansei ga takai), light weight (keiryou) clothing perfect for running on the trail. And, on any given weekend, you’ll be more than likely to bump into one of these swift-footed runners blazing the trails.

While running solo is peaceful, trail running is also a lot of fun with a group of friends. You may want to remember a few useful trail phrases to keep the group coordinated. For example, many of Japan’s mountains are steep, and running up them may be challenging. You might suggest walking up by asking, Nobori wa aruki mashouka?

If you want to drop the pace a bit, you can say Sukoshi peh-su wo otosouka?” or, if you want to run faster,Mousukoshi hayaku hashirou!

If you can’t keep up, you can suggest to your friend to run ahead and wait for you at the next trail junction. Saki ni itte. Tsugi no bunki de mattete.

Need a break?Chotto kyuukei shimashouka? Or perhaps some lunch when you’ve reached the top.Choujou ni tsuitara ohiru gohan wo tabemashou”.

One last thing. Japan’s trails are shared with hikers, many who aren’t used to seeing trail runners whizzing by. Be sure to call out a friendly “konnichiwa” way beforehand so you don’t take them by surprise. And, as you pass, a polite thank you, “arigatou gozaimasu,” will keep everyone happy on the trails!

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