Tag - mountains

 
 

MOUNTAINS

The Mount Kazafuki Ooike Pond in the village of Otari, Nagano Prefecture
JAPAN
Mar 2, 2024
Two taken to hospital after Nagano avalanche rescue
The two who were rescued after the avalanche on the 1,888-meter Mount Kazafuki, near the village of Otari in Nagano Prefecture, were conscious.
Yamanashi Gov. Kotaro Nagasaki speaks at a news conference at the prefectural government office on Wednesday. The prefecture is set to begin charging people to climb Mount Fuji.
JAPAN
Dec 21, 2023
Yamanashi Prefecture to collect fees from Mount Fuji climbers
The prefecture will also control the number of climbers to ease congestion and prevent visitors from climbing through the night.
Bears doing yoga? If you’re in the city, why not?
PODCAST / deep dive
Nov 16, 2023
Bear goes the neighborhood? Japanese wildlife is on the move.
This week, Alex K.T. Martin joins us to discuss why people are encountering bears, boars and other wildlife in the most unlikely of places.
Former firefighter Yoshifumi Usui now guides tourists in search of active pursuits in and around the Aso caldera.
LIFE / Travel
Oct 21, 2023
In volcanic Aso, the land gives much more than it takes
Locals in Aso have a saying: “The land takes away, but it gives us something, too.”
In residential areas, bears are said to be attracted to compost waste, persimmons and chestnuts.
JAPAN / Society
Oct 20, 2023
Bear attacks on the rise in Akita and Iwate due to lack of food
According to Akita Prefecture, a record 39 people were attacked from April through Oct. 11.
A man carrying shovels walks along an area affected by a flood near the bank of the Teesta River in Singtam, Sikkim, India, on Thursday.
ASIA PACIFIC
Oct 7, 2023
A calamitous flood shows the dangers lurking in melting glaciers
At least 26 people were killed in the tiny state of Sikkim. But as much as the disaster was a shock, it was hardly a surprise.
Rei Banno, 12, recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with her mother, accompanied by guides. She described having seen a “view I had never seen before.”
LIFE
Oct 5, 2023
Japanese sixth grader conquers Mount Kilimanjaro
"I saw the huge sea of clouds that I had never seen before, and a feeling of happiness gradually spread within me," said Rei Banno.
JAPAN
Oct 4, 2023
Japanese officials warn mountain hikers of bear attacks this fall
Bear-caused deaths and injuries have been increasing, prompting the government to warn hikers to take precautionary measures.
Visitors climb the slopes of Mount Fuji on Aug. 31. The mountain has long been a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers.
JAPAN / Society
Sep 17, 2023
Tourists have returned to Mount Fuji. Is that sustainable?
A spike in visitors has created various challenges, including overcrowding, littering, strained infrastructure and a shortage of guides and rescue teams.
JAPAN
Aug 29, 2023
Yamanashi governor proposes light rail system for Mount Fuji
The rail system, intended to address over-tourism, would replace the Fuji Subaru highway, which leads to one of the Mount Fuji’s fifth stations.
PODCAST / deep dive
Jul 26, 2023
A tale of two Fujis: Bullet climbs, crowds and Lizzo
With the borders fully open, Mount Fuji is all booked up and Fuji Rock is back in full force. Drew Damron and Patrick St. Michel join us on the podcast to discuss Japan’s two favorite Fujis.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Jul 1, 2023
Five climbs around Tokyo to get your Mount Fuji fix
Crowds dimming your hopes of a Mount Fuji climb this summer? These five peaks around Tokyo may be better options — with or without throngs of tourists.
JAPAN / Science & Health
Jun 30, 2023
New research finds Mount Fuji may have erupted more often than previously thought
Scientists found that there were six eruptions between 5,050 and 3,900 years ago — a period of time that was previously thought to have seen little volcanic activity at Japan's highest peak.
Japan Times
WORLD / Science & Health
Jun 29, 2023
Climate change can turn snow into rain, raising risks in mountain zones
A new study has found that for every 1 degree Celsius the planet warms, higher elevations can expect 15% more extreme rainfall.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Jun 25, 2023
Colorful snow algae is blooming in Japan's alpine areas. What does this mean for climate change?
Scientists race to Mount Gassan to see how the algae might affect the natural balance in vulnerable ecosystems and potentially perpetuate warming.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 13, 2023
Japanese officials call for Mount Fuji crowd control
Authorities have warned that an 'unprecedented' number of people were expected to tackle its steep symmetrical slopes this year.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 28, 2023
70 years after first summit, Everest keeps giving
Local expedition groups — instead of playing second fiddle to foreign climbing agencies — now bring the bulk of paying clients into Nepal.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
May 27, 2023
100 miles around Mount Fuji on 'Asia's most important' race
The Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji ultramarathon isn't just Japan's most prestigious trail running competition — it might one day be the world's biggest.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Apr 8, 2023
A long and winding visit to 'secret' Ubayu Onsen
Secluded and remote hot springs are yet another example of Japan's deep bathing culture.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Mar 11, 2023
Subzero climbing: A frigid yet 'ephemeral' adrenaline rush
Mount Yatsugatake is one of Japan's most popular ice climbing destinations, but it might not be around for many more winters.

Longform

Mount Fuji is considered one of Japan's most iconic symbols and is a major draw for tourists. It's still a mountain, though, and potential hikers need to properly prepare for any climb.
What it takes to save lives on Mount Fuji