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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
      • 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.
        Kawazu

        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
      • 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.
    • 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
      • fuji rock japan

        2023 Summer Music Festivals

        Get into the groove this green season while enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends.
        Summer Events Fireworks Festivals in Japan

        2023 Fireworks Festivals in Japan

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

The X Factor

Spring is around the bend, but this year’s huge snowfall beckons for more runs. As the Haitian saying goes, “If work is such a good thing, why haven’t the wealthy grabbed it all for themselves?” Racer X says taking a day off to breathe in some fresh mountain air, can only increase employee productivity and, if you need a note for the boss, just let me know.

Manastash Mammoth Jacket
It is global warming the correct way

Their company philosophy is to “create a healthy planet with clean water, air, food and shelter.” Manastash is the leader in developing hemp fibers into quality and fashionable outdoor clothing. The 2010 Mammoth Jacket is a winter parka with a lightweight and water resistant outer shell made using their trademark Pertex rip stop hemp material and a Primaloft eco lining which combines 50% recycled materials with virgin fibers, creating a high loft (no pun intended) and thermally efficient insulation. Available at Oshman’s, Beavers and other assorted retails stores.

WEBLINK
twojupiters.com

Bern Helmets
Lightweight, low profile and keeps the brain intact

No matter how many hours you practice and how good you know you are, wearing a helmet for cycling, winter sports or skateboarding is much cooler than being treated in the ICU for brain damage. Bern helmets are at the leading edge of safety, style and function. My top picks for 2010 are the men’s “Brentwood” and women’s “Berkeley” models. The sizes tend to run a bit small, although the liquid foam, zip mold fit is designed to be snug and cover the forehead just right to eliminate any goofy looking gap between goggles and helmet. Kids’ models are available, and for winter use an optional insulated liner that snaps right into place. Available at Murasaki Sports.
WEBLINK
bernhelmets.com

North Face Rucky Chucky Shoes
Named after a river crossing, ready to go the distance

Tough enough for the Gobi Desert, warm enough for alpine terrain. The Rucky Chucky is winning over endurance athletes such as ultra marathoner Dean Karnazes with its revolutionary design and comfort and the Gore-tex option for cooler climes. I like the highly breathable mesh upper and the ergonomic foot bed with “Poron” forefoot and heel inserts, giving my wobbly ankles the stability needed when descending trails or running over loose gravel. The mid foot shank is stiff and provides protection from pointy rocks while the “Tenacious Grip” outsole works equally well in wet or dry conditions. Larger sizes are now available in Japan as well as a female model that runs a bit narrow. I wear my special order Jamaican colors for skateboarding around town and dodging white bikes—haven’t been caught yet Available online and at retail stores in Japan.
WEBLINK
goldwin.co.jp/tnf/

Niseko Atlas
The Ultimate riders guide to Niseko

From the folks of Niseko design company ideapark comes The Niseko Atlas. This pocket-sized book is packed with relevant information, 3-D model topographic maps, interviews with the local authorities and is completely bilingual. Creator and long time resident (and avid snowboarder) Ryan Mentzos saw the need “to graphically share information and produce a guide to help promote safety, awareness and understanding throughout the various communities around Hokkaido’s powder playground.” Get a first edition copy before they sell out. Available online at Kinokuniya and Maruzen.

WEBLINK
nisekoatlas.com

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