Blog

Japanese gear, written from the field

Selected posts translated from Japanese — Montbell and other brands you can only buy here, plus trails within reach of Tokyo.

2026.07.17

A Whole Summer in 10 Montbell Pieces | An Honest Minimal Wardrobe

A hiking model spends the entire summer in just 10 pieces from Montbell, Japan's best-known outdoor brand. Why each piece earned its place — the KAMICO pullover, Cliff Easy Fit Pants, the WIC. dress — plus 6 ways to restyle them. Honest notes from someone who has worn a lot of clothes for a living.

2026.06.26

Five Houses at BESS Fujisawa LOGWAY | A Room Tour Asking "What If I Lived Here?"

A room tour of the five show homes at BESS Fujisawa LOGWAY in Kanagawa: Hodohodo no Ie, COUNTRY LOG, G-LOG Natsu, BESS DOME and WONDER DEVICE. No reservation needed and you wander at your own pace, so I spent the visit imagining the life I'd have in each one. An honest impression of all five, for anyone drawn to timber houses, log homes or splitting life between two places.

2026.06.19

8 Montbell Small Goods That Lighten Everyday Life | An Honest Review

A hiking model reviews the eight Montbell items she carries into town — Batik Sarong, titanium bottle, Aquapel Stuff Bag, O.D. Garbage Bag, Light Pouch, Flat Bag, Micro Towel and U.L. MONO Bag — with prices. All of them her own, all in constant use.

2026.06.05

DNSYS X1 Honest Review | What a Powered Exoskeleton Does to Your Legs on a Hike

A full day of field testing the DNSYS X1 powered hiking exoskeleton on the Jinbasan to Takaosan traverse. What 1.6 kg of hip assist actually feels like, how quickly it goes on, the difference between Economy and Sport modes, the battery question — and what happens after the battery dies. Honest notes from a hiking model.

2026.05.22

DJI Osmo Nano Hiking Review | 52 g, Chain Sections and Inside a Waterfall

An honest review of the DJI Osmo Nano, a 52 g action camera, after a full day on Mitakesan in Okutama. Magnetic mounts, 4K from a 1.3-inch sensor, working the buttons in gloves on a chain section, and going straight into a waterfall — plus the one real weakness, from a hiking model.

2026.05.12

COALAX RANGER In-Depth Review | A Hiking Pack with a Camera Arm That Films You Even on a Chain Section

An honest review of the COALAX RANGER, a hiking backpack with a built-in camera arm, put through a proper day on Mt. Iyogatake in Chiba and its chain sections. The 360° arm that extends to 1.5 m, 31 litres of capacity, and the caveats — 3 kg of weight and what IPX5 water resistance really means.

2026.04.17

Mt. Bonoreyama (Bonomine) Day Hike | The Shirayazawa Gorge Is the Whole Point — Plus an Honest Test of Heart-Rate Hiking with the Suunto Vertical 2

A day hike up Mt. Bonoreyama (also called Bonomine, 969 m) in Hanno, Saitama, via the Shirayazawa route: a stream walk through a gorge, waterfalls, then Iwatakeishi and Gonjiri Pass to the summit. Plus what happened when I used a Suunto Vertical 2 GPS watch to manage my heart rate and climb with less fatigue.

2026.04.10

Is a Dress Actually Viable for Hiking? A Model's Honest Take on Montbell's Sun-Protection Outfit

If you've written off wearing a dress on the trail, read this. A hiking model explains why a sun-protection outfit built around the Montbell WIC. Dress makes sense on gentle low mountains — where it works, where it doesn't, and how to deal with wind and stride.

2026.04.03

Montbell Spring Sun Protection, Part 2: The Active Setup | Shorts × Leg Covers for Movement and Coverage

Part two of a Montbell sun-protection series, built for rocky ground and routes with real elevation gain. A hiking model explains the WIC. UV Tect Long Sleeve T with Canyon Shorts and leg covers, and how to adjust coverage on the move.

2026.03.27

6 Montbell Pieces for Sun Protection | Covering Neck, Arms and Legs on the Trail, Honestly Reviewed

A hiking model reviews six Montbell sun-protection pieces with prices — the Crushable Hat, UV Tect Neck Gaiter, Trail Leg Cover Light, Arm Fit Shirt and more — clothing that physically blocks UV on neck, arms and legs. Includes the three to buy first.

2026.03.13

Hypershell X Ultra Review | Does an Exoskeleton Really Help on a 2,600 m Snow Climb?

Testing the Hypershell X Ultra, a powered exoskeleton built for hiking, on a steep snow climb at 2,600 m. What 1,000 W and 1.8 kg actually deliver, how to fit it, Eco / Boost / low-speed stability modes and app tuning, and the difference in heart rate and next-day fatigue. An honest review from a hiking model.

2026.02.06

3 Standout Lightweight Montbell Pieces | A 28 g Wallet, a Camera Wrap and a Pouch, Honestly Reviewed

A hiking model reviews three quietly brilliant lightweight pieces from Montbell — the Flat Wallet, the CLIMABARRIER Camera Wrap and the U.L. MONO Pouch. A 28 g wallet, a cloth that wraps and doubles as a mat, and a pouch that stops a bag descending into chaos.

2026.01.31

A Complete Guide to the Koboyama Hike | Hadano Station to Tsurumaki-Onsen Station, Three Gentle Hours with Binoculars

A first-person guide to the 3-hour low-mountain hike from Hadano Station over Sengenyama, Gongenyama, Koboyama and Azumayama to Tsurumaki-Onsen Station. Views of Mount Fuji and Sagami Bay, birdwatching with binoculars, the cherry-lined Babamichi ridge, and the onsen and food waiting at the end — a beginner-friendly weekend route.

2026.01.16

Montbell's Four Fleeces Compared | Why CLIMAAIR Is the One I Move In

A hiking model compares Montbell's four main fleeces — Chameece, CLIMAPLUS, CLIMAAIR and windproof fleece — and explains how to choose between them. Includes a detailed review of the CLIMAAIR Jacket and how brushing the pile brings its warmth back.

2026.01.04

An Honest Review of Montbell's O.D. Pants Insulated | Warm Without Base Layers, and Machine Washable

A hiking model reviews Montbell's insulated O.D. Pants honestly — why Stretch Exceloft keeps you warm without thermal tights underneath, how they differ from down pants, and the two weaknesses worth knowing about: static and overheating indoors.

2025.12.26

The 5 Mountains That Stayed With Me This Year | Nokogiriyama, Bukosan, Akadake, Hirugatake and Mount Fuji

From Nokogiriyama in Chiba at just 329 m to Mount Fuji at 3,776 m, a hiking model looks back on the five mountains that left the deepest impression this year. What each one is like, how hard it actually felt, how to get there, and what each mountain taught me — including the days when the summit was nothing but white cloud.

2025.12.19

Mt. Bukkasan and Mt. Takatoriyama Day Hike | Lake Miyagase and the Tokyo Skyline from Two Observation Towers, and a Day Spent Thinking About Expiry Dates

A day traverse of Mt. Bukkasan (747 m) and Mt. Takatoriyama (705.7 m) in eastern Tanzawa, Kanagawa. Lake Miyagase from the observation towers on both summits, the towers of Tokyo in the distance, what to do when your knee starts hurting on the descent, and the book I couldn't stop thinking about while walking.

2025.11.29

Kinpusan Day Hike | A 2,599 m Hyakumeizan Peak Beginners Can Climb, from Odarumi Pass

A day hike up Kinpusan (2,599 m), one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, as an out-and-back from Odarumi Pass. The shortest route — only about 300 m of net climbing — the ridge past Asahidake, the giant summit rock Gojoiwa, access notes, timings, and honest advice on late-autumn cold and bear precautions, from a hiking model.

2025.10.30

How to Choose Hiking Boots | A Beginner's Guide to Type, Cut, Material, Sole and Fit

A complete beginner's guide to choosing hiking boots. Hiking, trekking and alpine categories, low/mid/high cut, materials, sole stiffness, and how to try boots on properly — organised by a hiking model. Written for anyone picking their first pair for low mountains and day hikes.

2025.10.13

Montbell Plasma 1000 vs UNIQLO Ultra Light Down | An Honest 8-Point Comparison

Montbell's Plasma 1000 Down Jacket against UNIQLO's Ultra Light Down, compared on price, weight, warmth, packability and value. The price gap is roughly threefold — is it justified? A hiking model reviews both without flattering either.

2025.09.26

4 Montbell Autumn and Winter Outfits | Outdoor Clothing That Doesn't Look Out of Place in Town

A hiking model builds four autumn and winter outfits entirely from Montbell, the Japanese outdoor brand — using the Merino Wool O.D. Shirt, the Plasma 1000 Down Jacket, the Climaair Jacket and more. Grown-up combinations that work in the city and outdoors, with prices.

2025.09.14

5 Low Mountains Near Tokyo With Big Views, All Reachable by Train

Five low mountains in the Kanto region you can reach from central Tokyo by train and bus, ranked by a hiking model. Kintokiyama, Oyama, Tsukubasan, Takaosan and Mitakesan — with access, a suggested route, and where to eat and bathe afterwards. Everything a beginner needs for a weekend hike.

2025.07.26

Mt. Akadake Two-Day Traverse, Part 2 | Sunrise, the Yokodake Ridge and the Blast Crater of Mt. Iodake

Part 2 of the Mt. Akadake traverse in the Yatsugatake range. A sea of cloud and sunrise from Akadake Tenbo-so, the chains and ladders of the Yokodake rock ridge, Okunoin (the true high point of Yokodake), and the huge blast crater of Mt. Iodake. An honest report on an intermediate-to-advanced ridge walk, with the gear and safety points that matter.

2025.07.16

Mt. Akadake Two-Day Traverse, Part 1 | Minotoguchi to Bunzaburo Ridge and the Summit of the Yatsugatake

Part 1 of a two-day traverse to Mt. Akadake (2,899 m), the highest peak of the Yatsugatake range and one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. From the Minotoguchi trailhead through the moss forest of the Minamisawa route to Gyoja Hut, up the steep "Mammut staircase" on the Bunzaburo Ridge, and on to the summit. An honest report of a day of rain and cloud, plus notes on the route, the difficulty and the gear you need.

2025.07.02

4 Hidden Montbell Gems Under ¥3,000 | An Honest Review from a Hiking Model

Four quietly brilliant Montbell items you can buy for under ¥3,000 — the Stainless Mirror, the WIC. Cool Headband, the Tatami Pad Mini and the Squeeze Bottle — reviewed honestly by a hiking YouTuber who has actually used them in the mountains, with a clear answer on which to buy first.

2025.06.06

A Beginner on the Chains of Kentokusan | The Famous 20 m Hogan Pitch and the Ohira-Kogen Route

My first proper chain sections, on Kentokusan (2,031 m) in Yamanashi. The famous 20 m chain pitch at Hogan, the Higesoriiwa squeeze, and how the exposure actually felt — reported honestly. Plus parking and access for the Ohira-Kogen route, timings, and the gear that makes rock feel safer, from a beginner's point of view.

2025.05.05

Mt. Bukozan Day Hike | The Omotesando Route in Chichibu, the Famous "Water Carry", and an Honest Look at a Mountain Being Quarried Away

A day loop up Mt. Bukozan (1,304 m) in Chichibu, Saitama, via the Omotesando route. Taxi access from Yokoze Station, the famous "water carry" that keeps the summit toilet running, the limestone quarrying that keeps changing the mountain's shape, and the view from Mitake Shrine. Whether a beginner can manage it, with times and things to watch for.

2025.04.11

Montbell EX Light Thermawrap Jacket Review | About 200 g, and Hard to Beat for the Money

A hiking model reviews Montbell's EX Light Thermawrap Jacket honestly — the 200 g weight, the warmth, how small it packs, and the things that gave her pause, including the fact that it isn't fully windproof. A good first mid layer if you're new to hiking.

2025.04.04

Hirugatake Day Hike | Kanagawa's Highest Peak from the Aone Trailhead in Late Snow

A day-hike report on Hirugatake (1,673 m), the highest peak in Kanagawa, from the Aone trailhead in mid-March with snow still on the ground. The shortest realistic route, timings, the section from Hatchozaka-no-Kashira to Himetsugi, my first time on chain spikes, a whiteout summit, and the excellent curry at Hirugatake Sanso.

2025.02.15

4 Montbell Pieces Worth Using Off the Mountain | An Honest Review

A hiking model reviews four Montbell items that earn their place in everyday life — the Big Bandana, the Travel Sun Block Umbrella 50, the Titanium Alpine Thermo Bottle and the Merino Wool Glove Touch — and why gear you can use for 15 years is worth paying for.

2025.02.08

Kintokiyama Day Hike | A Hakone Loop to Otome Pass, with Mount Fuji Views and the Famous Summit Teahouse

A winter hike up Kintokiyama (1,212 m) in Hakone: up from the Kintoki trailhead via Yagurasawa Pass to the summit, then down over Nagaoyama to Otome Pass. The Mount Fuji view from a peak tied to the Kintaro legend, the summit teahouse's nameko miso soup, oshiruko and giant purple beans, and the wall of boards recording how many times the regulars have climbed it — an honest report from a hiking model.

2024.12.30

8 Pieces of Gear I'm Glad I Bought in My First Year of Hiking | An Honest Best-Buy List

I spent about ¥270,000 on gear in my first year of hiking. These are the 8 pieces that earned their keep after being used hard in the mountains — boots, rain shell, headlamp and more — plus what I got wrong along the way and the three things a beginner should buy first.

2024.12.15

Mt. Daibosatsurei Day Hike | A Beginner-Friendly Loop from Kamihikawa Pass over the Karamatsu Ridge to Daibosatsu Pass, with the Best Mt. Fuji View I've Had

An early-winter day hike on Mt. Daibosatsurei (2,057 m), one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, as a loop from Kamihikawa Pass. Up the Karamatsu Ridge from Fukuchan-so to Kaminari-iwa, over the summit, then along the ridge to Daibosatsu Pass — where Mt. Fuji looked better than on any mountain I've climbed. The route, timings, what to wear in winter and what to look out for, from a beginner's point of view.

2024.11.30

Kumotoriyama via the Kamosawa Route | A Day-Hike Guide to Tokyo's Highest Peak, in Autumn Colour

Kumotoriyama (2,017 m) — the highest point in Tokyo and one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains — as a day hike from Kamosawa. Over Nanatsuishiyama and Bunazaka onto the open Ishione ridge in autumn colour, with honest notes on timings, difficulty, access and what a one-day round trip really asks of you.

2024.11.02

Mt. Akagi Day Hike Guide | An Autumn Loop over Kurobiyama and Komagatake, from a Beginner's Point of View (Gunma)

Mt. Akagi in Gunma is one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains and an easy day trip from Tokyo. A loop from its highest peak, Kurobiyama (1,828 m), across to Komagatake — the Nekoiwa viewpoint, autumn colour around Lake Onuma, the summit view, and Akagi Shrine on the lakeshore, all explained for first-timers.

2024.09.24

Hokendake and Kisokomagatake | A Two-Day Traverse of the Central Alps from Senjojiki Cirque

A two-day traverse in Japan's Central Alps including Hokendake (2,931 m). Up to the Senjojiki cirque by the Komagatake Ropeway, then Hatchozaka to Nokkoshi-Jodo and the chained rock ridge of Hokendake, with Kisokomagatake the following day. Drone views of the cirque, plus honest notes on access, difficulty and what to carry.

2024.09.19

Mitakesan to Otakesan Traverse Guide | The Rock Garden, Nabewariyama and Okunoin — an Honest Report from Okutama, Tokyo

A loop traverse in Okutama, Tokyo: cable car up Mitakesan, then Nanayo Falls, Tengu Rock and the mossy Rock Garden on the way to Otakesan (1,266 m), Nabewariyama and Okunoin-mine — four summits in a day. The faith surrounding Musashi-Mitake Shrine, the highlights, the difficulty, what to pack, and the hot spring at the end.

2024.07.02

Hinokiboramaru Day Hike | The Tsutsuji Shindo Trail from Nishi-Tanzawa in Early Summer

A day-hike report on Hinokiboramaru (1,601 m), the fourth-highest peak in the Tanzawa range in Kanagawa, out and back on the Tsutsuji Shindo trail from the Nishi-Tanzawa Visitor Center. The stream crossing at Gorasawa Deai, the long steep climb, times and access, and what to watch for in a Tanzawa summer — heat, land leeches and bears — plus why it makes such good training for Mt. Fuji.

2024.06.07

The Jinbasan to Takaosan Traverse | A Complete Guide to 18 km of Ridge Walking

A guide to the 18 km, 7-8 hour traverse from Jinbasan (855 m) over Kagenobuyama and Kobotoke-Shiroyama to Takaosan (599 m), in Hachioji, western Tokyo. Access from the Jinba-Kogen-Shita bus stop, times and elevations for each peak, the steep start, bypass trails, bears, and the 3 p.m. rule — written for beginners.

2024.05.26

A Mitosan Loop from Tomin no Mori | The 33 m Waterfall and Old Beech Forest, on a Beginner-Friendly Trail

A hiking model's guide to the beginner-friendly loop around Mitosan (1,531 m), starting from Tomin no Mori in Hinohara Village, Tokyo. The 33-metre Mito Otaki waterfall, the wood-chip Forest Therapy Road, old-growth beech forest up to Mushikari Pass and the summit — with honest notes on access and what to wear.

2024.04.18

Kintokiyama Day Hike | The Kintoki Shrine Route, Where the Kintaro Legend Meets a Mount Fuji View

A spring day hike up Kintokiyama (1,212 m) in Hakone, starting from Kintoki Shrine. The landmarks tied to the Kintaro legend — including the huge Kintoki Yadoriishi rock — plus the route, difficulty and access for the shrine trail, walked and honestly reported by a hiking model.