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Safe Summer Hiking in Japan

2019.10.18
  • Chris Pond
  • Hobbies_LeisureActivities
  • 2019
Last year over 3,000 people got into difficulties in the mountains of Japan. Of these, 342 died or are still missing. A large percentage of these accidents and fatalities occurred during the summer months, when large numbers of walkers venture into the Japanese mountains to enjoy hiking amongst the breathtaking scenery. However, due to the sudden increase in popularity of this pastime, many hikers lack experience and are often unprepared.

If you are thinking of hiking in the Japanese mountainside, here are some tips to make your trip safer and more pleasurable.

Take a map and compass. Don’t rely only on guidebooks or your smartphone. The most popular maps in Japan are Shobunsha’s Yama-to-Kogen 1:50,000 maps. These are easily available from most bookshops and give adequate coverage for most hikes. They include predicted timings for different sections of routes which are surprisingly accurate. 1:25,000 scale maps offer much more detail but are not so easily available. If you feel you can’t live without an app then YAMAP provides a good one. However, remember signals are notoriously poor in remote areas.

Carry enough water. Summer in Japan is hot even at altitude. Many Japanese mountains do have natural springs, and mountain huts usually have a supply of water where you can refresh your water bottle. However, you should still carry at least 3 liters of water during the summer months. You will be surprised how quickly you go through it in the heat.

Get insurance. Usually the last thing on your mind is being rescued. However, if you are lost, sick or injured on a mountain it may be your only option. Helicopter rescues can cost around 400,000 yen so you are advised to buy insurance, particularly for longer treks. YAMAP offers some reasonable and flexible insurance options from 280 yen per day, or 480 yen for a whole 30 days' cover. Link below:
https://yamap.com/insurance

Take the right gear. Weather can change rapidly and rain can quickly turn a warm summer hike into freezing cold misery. Always carry some rain gear with you. Also, even in summer carry a warm layer such as a fleece or down jacket. This will be especially welcome if you find yourself having to spend an unplanned night out in the open because you are lost or injured. On this note always carry a torch or headlamp, just in case you find yourself out after dark.

A large percent of reported injuries are from walkers slipping or falling. The mountain paths above 1000m are often very rugged with lots of loose, jagged rocks. Good footwear is essential. Use purpose made hiking shoes or boots. Lightweight Gore-Tex hiking shoes and boots are fine in the summer and autumn months, but avoid training shoes. These have poor grip in the wet and little protection for your feet on the craggy mountain paths. Additionally, get some hiking poles. A pair of hiking poles will offer a welcome relief for your knees on the way down. Additionally you get some extra stability; many accidents occur on the descent when tired climbers slip and fall.

Finally be flexible. Be prepared to change your itinerary if you feel exhausted or the weather changes. In 2009 a group of 21 hikers were caught in a rainstorm while summer hiking in Hokkaido. Instead of remaining in the mountain lodge where they were staying, they decided to keep to their itinerary and pushed on through the storm. 10 climbers died from exposure. This was a senseless and avoidable waste of life. Remember it's OK to change your plans, just quit and call it a day if things are not going your way.

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