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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
    • 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
      • 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.
    • 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
      • dd4d brewing

        DD4D Brewing

        In nearly e...
        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

Late summer and early fall is my favorite time to travel the countryside in Japan. The trails are quiet and the weather still warm enough to sleep outside even at higher altitudes. But be careful of the occasional typhoon or sudden rain showers. They can make rivers swell quickly. So, check the forecast before you go and be sure to always camp on high ground away from the river.  

GoPro HD Hero Camera
Don’t miss the action. 

Watching a recent YouTube clip of surfing at Pipeline, I was amazed to find the board-mounted camera was a consumer brand GoPro Hero model. The Woodman Labs tech geeks have matched the frenetic pace of adventure sports. Their latest Hero model offers HD resolution at 30 or 60 frames per second, and the camera also has a cool feature that allows you to take 5MB still photos at various intervals while you are filming. The convenient mounting accessories keep the camera stable whether fitted on a helmet or handlebars.

WEBLINK
goprocamera.com

Nike + iPod Sport Kit
Innovative ways to keep you moving.

Personally, I like to support small, local brands but, when the big boys get it right, I take notice. The iPod Sport Kit from Apple and Nike is a glimpse into the future. The real time feedback and ability to plan your run or exercise with music is fun and motivating. The sync mode connects to the Nike Website, allowing runners and athletes around the world to share and compare workouts. You do have to buy the shoes and have an iPod but, If it gets more people off the couch out and outside, I’m all for it.

WEBLINK
apple.com/ipod/nike/

Montbell sleeping bag liner
Try this before you buy a warmer bag

My ultra-light sleeping bag packs down small and is comfortable, but it’s a bit chilly at higher altitudes. I was considering buying a new bag for winter but opted for a 180-gram silk sheet inner liner from Montbell. Living like a sultan on the mountain is great, and it will extend the life of your favorite bag by keeping the original fabric from touching your body. A 250-gram cotton warm-up sheet is also available. It’s more affordable and recommended if you don’t like the silky smooth material.

WEBLINK
montbell.com

Mammut Trion guide Packs
A quality fit with all the bells and whistles.

Tough construction and high tech features make the Trion pack worth the coin. I like the versatility of the fully adjustable and removable butterfly suspension system and how the compression straps can be adjusted at the side or front, helping keep the fit close to the body without sacrificing freedom of movement. Alpine climbers will like the bombproof 840D Nylon Ballistic with a reinforced front pocket for crampons and the daisy chain gear carrier for other sharp objects. The pack is compatible with hydration systems and made for all seasons. Take this pack to high elevations with confidence. 

WEBLINK
http://nisekoatlas.com/”mammut.ch

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