RetireJapan

gnakarmi wrote: ↑Tue Aug 30, 2022 3:56 am

mikele3 wrote: ↑Tue Aug 30, 2022 3:51 am

gnakarmi wrote: ↑Mon Aug 29, 2022 11:49 pm 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!

gnakarmi wrote: ↑Fri Aug 26, 2022 6:36 am

Gulliver wrote: ↑Fri Aug 26, 2022 4:56 am 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?

Gulliver wrote: ↑Wed Aug 31, 2022 1:54 pm
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 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 07, 2022 6:05 am 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).

gnakarmi wrote: ↑Wed Sep 07, 2022 6:48 am We are going to Murodo and camping for two nights at Raichosawa. ...

captainspoke wrote: ↑Wed Sep 07, 2022 8:16 am

gnakarmi wrote: ↑Wed Sep 07, 2022 6:48 am 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.