Update! a new site (after I left Japan anyway): https://ns-park.nanmokushoko.com/%e4%bd%bf%e7%94%a8%e6%96%99%e9%87%91/ Not so cheap though. I would still prefer other options. ================= Not many campsites in that area but at Myogi I think people camp unofficially at the old lodge that closed…login to view the rest of this post

A few additional points added! Oo-iwa and Midori-iwa (named on the map this way) are probably my favourite hike in the Shimonita valley... but , particularly Midori-iwa would be graded Technical grade 6 and additionally an unroped fall from the ridge WOULD BE fatal. Technical 6 SEVERE - Experienced…login to view the rest of this post

Idea for Xmas BBQ Camp or New Year Camp in Cottages Anyone can do this - easy to organise and choice of easy hiking or river walks. Previous trip details: http://outdoorclubjapan.com/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=3406 Previous event details from Dec 2015: http://outdoorclubjapan.com/photos/index.php/201...…login to view the rest of this post

Autumn Colours and Red Maple! End of November - December; Kanagawa, Chiba, Ibaragi (Tsukuba San - top 100 mountain of Japan and easy hike) are coming good. Lots of places in Chiba reaching peak colours. Nice hike near station in Tochigi - Iwa yama. ============= End of November and December Chiba ha…login to view the rest of this post

The gate on the road near Astraea hotel might be locked but not always, especially in autumn. https://www.google.com/maps/@36.8012005,139.4570042,3a,34.5y,354.25h,90.5t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sc0ieD0cDiUhiPq3DHqGhhw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192 Looks like you can get on the road to Nantai San from Sanbonmatsu and…login to view the rest of this post

The colours are beginning to peak around Nikko so this weekend most likely very busy. By 9am at Nikko city the traffic starts to build up, and by 9.30 already long traffic jams (3hrs+) to get up to the lake. A few times we went up on Friday night so there is no traffic to worry about. There are plac…login to view the rest of this post

We have climbed there many times, and after rain. I think it will be ok. It is gritstone so provides excellent grip, and the forecast is for sunshine later in the morning after typhoon passes. If you go at lunchtime I think it will be dried out anyway by then with sun and breeze. Update Forecast has…login to view the rest of this post

It will be a physically tough hike for some and slow because of the chains etc. If wet it wil be slower. Most websites recording details say around 9 hours total, or more (as you put on schedule) with ascent of 1250-1400m (actual depending on ridge). Trying to calculate from map it is 4 to 5 hours c…login to view the rest of this post

D is a nice spot - riverside area but near rocks and behind there is the maple (momiji) tree park with toilets and water. Sounds like a good hot spiced wine opportunity. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tsukinoishi+Momiji+Park/@36.0879138,139.1172834,204m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x601ec60609c7bb39:…login to view the rest of this post

Akayu onsen is at 1000m altitude. At that time of year (actually around the 15-20th) it is usually around 0C at 1000m in Nikko or Okukinu. Naeba is also a cold area. I would plan for the same temperature. First week of November on the last 2 trips I did to Shimonita-machi in Gunma it was freezing...…login to view the rest of this post

Personally I would share a harness and belay device. It would be simpler and quicker to belay others of lower ability rather than let them do it themselves. They then have one or both hands free if needed to use for balance. You could cover the harness with a cheap nylon (with holes in) or mesh bag …login to view the rest of this post

Please copy and paste the details for another weekend. Better while still warm for most people, and to swim, but autumn is nice there (cold).

Well, it is up to the remaining people to decide what to do. Map is supplied above (print or save to phone). It is a beginner trip so no experience necessary to walk along the route - that was the plan. Main point is turning left over the river about 1.5km from the bus stop - just after road barrier…login to view the rest of this post

You should leave early Saturday to make the most of trip and best weather. I would keep walking past the nature centre another 1- 1.5 hours until you see the wide river bed and rock scenery in the photos - best spot. It is impossible to get lost as you walk along by the side of the river. 50% is on …login to view the rest of this post

If weather forecast same just department store sheet is enough.... can buy anytime 500yen

Even car cover or motobike cover enough.

Resign up so people know who is still attending. You need to check the train details yourselves - I already posted some links. One person will have to collect the OCJ event fee and send to me via paypal (credit card needed or paypal linked bank account). If a reliable group (4-5) I think hire car is…login to view the rest of this post

UPDATE Reposted for this weekend - reply if you still want to go. Weather is very good Friday and Saturday so water colours should be great. Perfect camp weather (no rain 0% chance Saturday), night sky, camp fire, blue/green water. So far from last event date( but resign up to confirm): 1) Tom ? 3)…login to view the rest of this post

If 30 minutes early you can usualy get unreserved seat - 1 person waiting in queue. Also discount book of 6 tickets you can use to Matsumoto 回数券 if you get before getting on train. I think they can be used for reserved seat but check. They are a bit cheaper than unreserved maybe. I mentioned to Nozo…login to view the rest of this post

I think the route up to the Hotaka lodge is ok for most people of average hiking ability, and to Karasawadake. The views are very good from there. The other route up to Okuhotaka from the lodge has narrow places and very steep - probably not worth doing that with people you do not know well (if they…login to view the rest of this post

Does anybody have, or know someone, who has a simple GPS? Not one on a phone (unless it uses satellite signals). It would help finding some caves if used with hiking map and coordinates from that. The area around the black circle caves may not have phone signal. I think you can still find ok but GPS…login to view the rest of this post