As in prior summers, I’m putting together another memorable Japanese Alps expedition with amazing food, views, and amenities that blend tourism, adventure, and camaraderie. Planning the last week of August and first week of September. If you have an interest in an exotic yet safe international destination for scrambling and hiking, feel free to sign up for the info session by joining this trip.
 
Trails in Japan are well established and maintained, often with full service huts called Sansos. They’re common on the major routes, allowing light daypacks for overnight trips. One night in a sanso ranges from CAD $90-120, which includes dinner and breakfast, a clean mattress, bed, and sheet set. Flushing toilets are common, as are lighting and outlets to charge devices. More will be shared in the planning sessions, however here’s a link to last year’s trip video (which is higher in altitude and more scrambly than planned for this trip): https://tinyurl.com/BCMC2025

I’ll help arrange your lodging, transport, meals, translation, and guide our small group on the mountain itself, for $600/person. You’ll still need to cover the costs of your own accommodations, travel, food costs, and airfare (I’ll have recommendations).
 
You should have ample hiking and scrambling experience, good clothing for various weather (ranging from hot and humid to cool and rainy), and reliable footwear. If you have done Sky Pilot, The Lions, or similar scrambles, you’ll be able to do this trip. I recommend being able to do the Grind (or a 10 km run) in sub-80 minutes; a moderate pace will be the default, however it’s good to have an extra gear if the situation demands it. We'll also do a 'rehearsal' hike in BC sometime in August with confirmed adventurers. 
 

A typical sanso is: 1 night with 2 meals for 13,000 yen/per person. Bento to go is another 1,300 yen (~$12)
 

Routes (may be adjusted):
 

An inexpensive way to fly to Japan is on Zipair. Including meals on each leg, a return ticket will be just over CAD $1,100. It is owned by JAL, which along with ANA, will provide the best flying experience but at a higher price. Recommendation: arrive in Tokyo by Aug 23rd. 

Please bring your questions (and suggestions) to the information session planned for the evening of Monday, May 25th.

First Planning Meeting: Monday, May 25th at 8:30 pm
Zoom link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76943505217?pwd=s3PLKpaZ8bwLqEr7dgurqYaqMUIoIM.1

Please bring your questions and suggestions. Talk to you soon!

Here’s a link to the 2024 trip video for inspiration: BCMC-Japan 2024 Highlights  (I have yet to edit the2025 one! I’ve been a bit busy, lol). Hope you can join!