Recommendation for hiking routes and affordable gears!

[mikele3]

in Katakana.

I already gave up

jokes aside, isn't reading katakana the most difficult thing ever?

first few years of living in Japan/studying Japanese: why does Kanji looks like ants moving around and so difficult!!
After few years in Japan: Kanji's are life savers and Katakana were created to make me suffer for my sins from previous life!

100% that.

[Gulliver]

I used to do a lot of hiking, but not anymore because of mobility issues. I do, however, still buy hiking boots for ankle stability and keeping my feet warm and dry. I also buy rain gear because I don’t like holding an umbrella when I’m going on a long walks or when the rain is coming in sideways.

I pretty much buy all of my gear from Amazon. The trick is to make sure you’re using the US .com website and not the Japanese . jp one. Any gear that you can find in Japan is usually 25 to 50% cheaper on amazon.com, even when you include shipping. This is especially true if you have access to US dollars.

Other benefits include being able to find sizes that would fit western bodies and liberal return policies (anyone who has bought things in Japan knows that returning items it’s like pulling teeth). Just make sure the item is shipped by Amazon and not an independent seller.

Thank you for the tips.
Any particular recommendation on brands or models for the rainwear?

Arc'teryx Gore-Tex gear will give you top-tier performance and quality. Unfortunately, it comes at a price.

If you’re not too picky, however, Columbia rain gear gives you a modicum of quality with a virtual disposable price point.

You can get both on US Amazon. Check out the price difference is between Japan and the US it will blow you away.

[TJKansai]

There are quite a few good/great sites for hiking. Just Google Hiking Japan.

Also some Facebook groups like "Free Camping and Hot Springs in Japan"

Japan Alps are my favorite, but of course Hokkaido is great too. Kyushu is also good.

Montbell equipment is excellent but a bit pricey. Colombia can be a good option if you get their higher-end stuff at an outlet.

Patagonia is also good, but carries a "Japan premium" (unless paying with dollars now).

[goran]

Arc'teryx Gore-Tex gear will give you top-tier performance and quality. Unfortunately, it comes at a price.

If you’re not too picky, however, Columbia rain gear gives you a modicum of quality with a virtual disposable price point.

You can get both on US Amazon. Check out the price difference is between Japan and the US it will blow you away.

I only saw this comment after having purchased the Montbell gear at the outlet store here.
Looking at the Columbia prices in US Amazon, I feel a slight pang of regret. But after considering the current JPY to USD rates, the Columbia gears would have costed similar to what I paid for the Montbell rain wear. So, its OK.

I will definitely check US Amazon prices for future purchase! Thanks!

[goran]

There are quite a few good/great sites for hiking. Just Google Hiking Japan.

Also some Facebook groups like "Free Camping and Hot Springs in Japan"

Japan Alps are my favorite, but of course Hokkaido is great too. Kyushu is also good.

Montbell equipment is excellent but a bit pricey. Colombia can be a good option if you get their higher-end stuff at an outlet.

Patagonia is also good, but carries a "Japan premium" (unless paying with dollars now).

We are going to Murodo and camping for two nights at Raichosawa. And planning to climb three peaks around that region next weekend.
Thanks for the tips about the Facebook groups!

For now, we have purchased the basic gear Puro Monte tent, one Nanga and one Montbell sleeping bag, Osprey backpack, Montbell rain jackets.
We will gradually gather other gears as we get used to camping and climbing hobby!

I am visiting my home later this year. So I might grab some cheap stuff back home too!

[captainspoke]

We are going to Murodo and camping for two nights at Raichosawa. ...

I've been up there several times, once with wife and kids. We stayed at one spot there, I think Raichoso, for a night.

It had a fantastic bath! (great view out the window) I'm not sure what their day rates would be (or if they have day rates?), but when done and headed down, or if you get wet, treat yourselves to a bath if you can.

[goran]

We are going to Murodo and camping for two nights at Raichosawa. ...

I've been up there several times, once with wife and kids. We stayed at one spot there, I think Raichoso, for a night.

It had a fantastic bath! (great view out the window) I'm not sure what their day rates would be (or if they have day rates?), but when done and headed down, or if you get wet, treat yourselves to a bath if you can.

sure thing. I heard there are other nice public baths in that area. We plan to visit them.
I will report here after my trip.

[mikele3]

excellent choice.
I went there and all the way to Tsurugidake in 2017
I am planning to go again at the end of this month