Volunteer needed for this weekend (14th) or next weekend (21st) to lead a group to wild hot spring in Okukinu. Meet people , guide along the route, collect the club event donation and send via PayPal. This weekend good weather and colours good above the hot spring. Will be cold at night but free hot...

Unfortunately due to my mum's ill health and other house construction maintenance problems I will have to delay my trip to Japan. Some time in November or December still possible if the situation improves.

I hope to be there as planned but departure delays are more likely now as my mum was in hospital 3 times the last month. Actually due for discharge in the next 2-3 days but I am not sure how long recovery will take or to what level she will reach. Chest infection complicated by COPD. She was doing f...

Are there any free wild hot springs a day from Tokyo? ChatGPT Andy Not bad... found Okukinu. Yes, there are several free wild hot springs (also known as "onsen") within a day's travel from Tokyo. Here are a few options you might consider: Nikko Yumoto Onsen: Nikko is a popular tourist des...

What are the dangers of sawanobori (waterfall or stream climbing)? ChatGPT Sawanobori, also known as waterfall or stream climbing, is a popular outdoor activity that involves ascending waterfalls and streams by climbing, hiking, and sometimes swimming. While it can be an exhilarating and adventurou...

Can you give me a complete hiking event plan for Mount Kumotori? Andy The answer is not bad... if you were making a plan it would be quicker to use this and modify it to suit your plan details.A better answer maybe if the names of each point on the route are given. ChatGPT Of course, I'd be happy t...

Are there free places to stay on the route hiking up Mount Kumotori? ChatGPT As of my last update in September 2021, Mount Kumotori is the highest peak in the Okutama Mountains, located in Tokyo, Japan. Hiking up Mount Kumotori is a popular activity, and there are several free places to stay along ...

Route time climbing Mount Kumotori from Okutama dam ChatGPT The time it takes to climb Mount Kumotori from the Okutama Dam can vary based on factors such as your hiking pace, trail conditions, and rest breaks. The Okutama Dam is a common starting point for climbing Mount Kumotori. One popular route...

Question: I want to climb mount kumotori in August - what do I need? ChatGPT: Mount Kumotori is the highest peak in the Okutama region of Tokyo, Japan. Here's a general list of what you might need for your climb: Appropriate Clothing: Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing to keep you dry and comfo...

The language program / so called 'AI' can help get basic hiking plans and gear list ready as a base to start from. Can be quicker than typing it all out from memory! We have a lot of previous event details (on the website) which can be copied but the online free program can make a list quickly. You ...

Typical Japanese summer .... planning events will need to be a few days before the weekend to get the best forecast for sun/rain, and to dodge the typhoons.

Not looking good at the moment. Hope you are all looking forward to some great autumn weekend trips that are planned.

Date is to be decided... with only 1 person it is not enough to spend hours planning and making map details. Hopefully more will reply. You could volunteer to lead the trip and follow supplied map details - it is an easy one. Also collect and send the club donation to pay website cost (via PayPal). ...

Anyone for a fantastic location for a break from Tokyo heat? Elevation is around 900 to 1000m so cooler there. Easy walk in on forest track so beginners ok. Further up the trail is above beginner but easy for most people. Wild camp is no problem and fire at night ok if desired. Good pools to swim in...

I will be planning weekly events from October to December 2023. Fri 13th October - OCJ Social Night - Bar or rental room in Tokyo If in a room we can do a navigation learning session to prepare for outdoor ones later. Oct 14,15th or 21,22nd... Okukinu Wild hot spring in the forest with peak autumn c...

If a few people are interested I can plan a weekend hike (2 days) Staying overnight at a free lodge. It is a nice route with bus access to 1,000m elevation reducing hiking up in warm weather. Kumotori San is at 2,017m and a top 100 mountain of Japan. Cool weather at the top. There would be a club Or...

Last chance for more people... if not 5 more or so then not worth the work planning and time is now near a deadline to prepare.

Small rocky mountain near Shin-kanuma station is Iwayama. The main ridge is easy with good views. There is a hard section at the north end that is not recommended with a long chain section. Best way is from the south and return the same way or down one of the side paths. Most of the ridge is suitabl...

UPDATE: So far John.... we need more replies. End of June: Okutama Or Tochigi - Fireflies (ホタル), Easy Hike, Hydrangea Flowers (あじさい) This was a popular event a few years ago. I can plan an event if someone or the group meet up and follow the route themselves... and collect and send the club costs o...

Here is a scan of one of these maps - the map was probably 20 years old so they last a long time. They make it easy by giving the route times. Useful things like the free lodges (hinangoya -避難小屋) locations and spring water points near Alpine ridges. Route descriptions are good with path conditions -...