If you want to escape the crowded North American and European climbing havens, a rock-climbing trip to Japan is a satisfying alternative. The country’s best climbing is in Ogawayama—Japan’s answer to Yosemite, but with hardly a soul to share the rock with. Three hours east of Tokyo, it’s a breathtaking crag with sharp granite spires poking holes in the sky. Best known for its cracks, it also has slabs, faces and a few roofs, and is excellent for both sport climbing and bouldering.Traveling by train from Tokyo, it takes around three hours to get to the nearest station, Kawakami. From there you can either grab a taxi or an infrequent bus which drops you about 40 minutes by foot from the climb site (check out www.outdoorjapan.com/backroads-3a.html). Once you’re there, you can camp minutes from the cliffs, or check out one of the many country inns ten minutes away.
Ads
EVERGREEN OUTDOOR CENTER OF HAKUBA JAPAN
In Hakuba, or a close distance away, there are numerous climbing options for outdoor routes and indoor climbing walls. Ogawa-yama, on the Yamanashi-Nagano border, has hundreds of multi-pitch granite climbs, with routes ranging from 5 to 12.5. Evergreen Outdoor Center of Hakuba Japan offer certified professionals for training and tours in the Japan Alps. Ski & snowboard lessons, avalanche training, and backcountry tours can all be tailored to the needs of your party. Contact us, we are happy to give helpful advice on touring Japan.Evergreen has a climb waiting for every physical ability. They can teach lessons on indoor or outdoor walls in the area. All equipment and transportation is included in the price.
Evergreen Outdoor Center Happo Base (Summer & Winter)
Kokusai Lodge
4377 Hokujou, Hakuba
Kita Azumi, Nagano, Japan 399-9301
in Japan: 0261-72-5150
overseas: (81) 261-72-5150
fax: 0261-72-8056
Web: http://www.evergreen-hakuba.com/