Hiking Japan's 100 Famous Mountains: A Tour in the Mt Fuji Area.

I’ve been hiking in Japan for many years and would like to share the experience, and this will be another memorable one with amazing food, views, and amenities that blend tourism, adventure, and camaraderie. If you are available June 10-17^th and have an interest in a safe international destination for hiking, feel free to sign up for the info session by joining this trip. 

Trails in Japan are well established and maintained, comparable to BC’s best front country trails, but with key differences like the 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 $80-120, which includes dinner and breakfast, a clean mattress, bed, and sheet set. Flushing toilets are typical, as are lighting and plugs 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 $500/person. I’ll be renting a van to ferry us from Tokyo to some of the trailheads, and that cost will be shared. Other times, we may use the robust transit network. You’ll still need to cover accommodations, travel, food costs, and airfare (see my recommendation below).

You should have ample hiking experience, good clothing for various weather (ranging from hot and humid to cool and rainy), and reliable footwear. I recommend being able to do the Grind (or a 10 km run) in under 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 May with confirmed adventurers. 

There will be an opportunity to buy hiking gear prior to the trip start  - the Mont Bell store in Tokyo (Kyobashi  station). If this is your first hiking trip abroad, I can advise you on that as well.

 Most locations are accessible within 2-3 hours from Tokyo, and hiking durations range from 5 to 10 hours, depending on the mountain and trail.

The proposed itinerary is: 

1.       Tuesday June 10 – meet for dinner in Tokyo and visit the Mont Bell store

2.       Wednesday June 11 - Mt. Tanzawa (丹沢山)

3.       Thursday June 12 – Mt. Daibosatsu (大菩薩山) 

4.       Friday June 13 - Mt. Kumotori (雲取山) first leg; stay at Kumotori Hut  (overnight)

5.       Saturday June 14 – Mt. Kumotori  (day 2) and enjoy Onsen at end of thru-hike. 

6.       Sunday June 15 -  relocate to Izu  & Mt. Amagi (天城山)  

7.       Monday June 16 – Mt. Amagi (天城山)   then return to Tokyo

8.       Tuesday June 17 –  possible 5^th  trip ‘Mystery Mountain’ (day trip or overnight) or flex day: cultural excursion or weather contingency

9.       Wednesday June 18  – latest possible return to Tokyo

Note: Mt Fuji officially opens July 1^st, however with summers becoming warmer, hiking it in late June is feasible. *If* conditions permit and judged safe, we could cap off the trip with a day trip up Fuji. This will be determined only around mid-June and once we’ve assessed current trail conditions.

Flights:

An inexpensive way to fly to Japan is on Zipair. Including meals on each leg, a return ticket will be just over CAD $1,000. 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 June 8^th

Please bring your questions (and suggestions) to the information session planned for the evening of Monday, Feb 10th. A zoom link will be provided to trip participants closer to that date.

Here’s a link to last year’s trip video for inspiration: BCMC-Japan 2024 Highlights