Outdoor Japan

18/08/2025

At a small distillery in the Amami Islands, speakers thump with reggae basslines, hip-hop beats and other music. It isn't for the workers, but for the barrels of "kokuto" shochu absorbing the vibrations.

At a small distillery in the Amami Islands, speakers thump with reggae basslines, hip-hop beats and other music. It isn't for the workers, but for the barrels of "kokuto" shochu absorbing the vibrations. The team behind this "sonically aged" spirit says the music genres coax out different flavors fr...

15/07/2025

One from the Vault: Field of Dreams: Inakadate Tanbo Art
By Gardner Robinson

The story unfolds among the rice fields in Aomori Prefecture where villagers have created their own dramatic scenes attracting scores of visitors each summer.

15/07/2025

Shohei Otani and the "Field of Dreams" in Japan's rice field art.

Shohei Ohtani swings for fences in hometown rice paddy art
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15907082

04/07/2025

Japan's greatest music festival is back at Naeba Ski Resort on July 25, 25 and 27, 2025. Three days of music and outdoor fun whether camp, stay or just come for the day the music never stops. There are still some tickets available to all three days as well as special Friday night tickets and discounts to make it affordable for students and music lovers under 22 years old and 17 years old. Info below but check full details and lineups on the Fuji Rock website

(★1) Friday Night Ticket
Valid for entry to festival from 6:00pm Friday July 25th to 5:00am Saturday July 26th.
Limited number available.
Purchase of Parking Ticket with this ticket is not permitted.
(★2) Under 22: 1 Day Ticket
Available for those aged 16 or older and under 22 years of age as of July 27th, 2025. (Photo ID required.)
Those unable to provide photo ID and proof of age upon entrance to the festival will be required to pay the difference in price of a general sales ticket price.
Limited number of tickets for each day available.
There is no 3 Day Ticket discount available for “Under 22”.
Parking Ticket not available for purchase with this ticket type.
(★3) Under 17: 1 Day Ticket
Available for those aged 16 or older and under 17 years of age as of July 27th, 2025. (Photo ID required.)
Those unable to provide photo ID and proof of age upon entrance to the festival will be required to pay the difference in price of a general sales ticket price.
Limited number of tickets for each day available.
There is no 3 Day Ticket discount available for “Under 18”.
Parking Ticket not available for purchase with this ticket type.

https://en.fujirockfestival.com/

12/06/2025

A nice piece on Tatsuno-san, Montbell's founder and the Japan's homegrown outdoor brand hitting the half-century mark.. And we are proud to have Montbell as a supporter of Outdoor Japan for a quarter century now! Congrats to the Montbell team.

Drawing on his experience as a climber, Isamu Tatsuno planned ahead for the survival of his outdoor gear and clothing company. It paid off.

10/06/2025

One from the Vault: 10 for 10 with Isamu Tatsuno

A look back at an interview with Montbell's founder Isamu Tatsuno as Montbell celebrates it's 50-year anniversary.

https://www.outdoorjapan.com/activities/travel/people/10-for-10-with-isamu-tatsuno/

17/01/2025

Outdoor Japan has been a Free for All since 2000!
If you haven't been able to get your hands on the hard copy, not to worry you can read every issue on the go, no matter where you are. Check out the digital edition at

We’ve often said over the years that what makes Japan such an endlessly enjoyable adventure and cultural destination is that you can be skiing some of the world’s deepest powder one day, and the next, diving clear sub- tropical waters—and all while discovering a diverse natural and cultural hi...

05/01/2025

Killer avalanches can move as fast as a Shinkansen and involve thousands of tons of snow transforming from big slabs into a fast-flowing, almost liquid torrent with a snow-laden air blast leading the way. These can destroy forests. You don’t have a chance. The sad thing is, dying in an avalanche is almost entirely avoidable.

See full story at:

I have to admit, I’m not entirely crazy about the, “He died doing what he loved,” narrative. If I was out in my kayak and a whale decided to breach on top

02/01/2025

Finding Fresh in Fukushima
“Please don’t put up English signs!” the young American couple pleaded with me. We were enjoying some drinks after a backcountry trip together in Myoko. It was fifteen years ago and they had just been to Niseko and Hakuba and said they preferred the more Japanese experience here.

See full story at:

“Please don’t put up English signs!” the young American couple pleaded with me. We were enjoying some drinks after a backcountry trip together in Myoko.

29/12/2024

“On Amami Oshima, there is a kimono woven with the natural environment itself.”—Thida Moon The family that runs the Thida Moon hotel believes Amami Oshima

26/12/2024

Delving into the Seafaring Heritage of Okinawa

Our latest article explores the fascinating world of the Uminchu, the "people of the sea," in Itoman, Okinawa. Discover the rich maritime history of this region through the lens of the traditional sabani, a small wooden boat.

Learn about the unique cultural practices and deep connection to the ocean that have shaped the lives of the Uminchu for centuries.

https://www.outdoorjapan.com/activities/travel/adventure-travel/adventure-at-sea-in-itoman/

Travelers come to Okinawa to unplug and refresh, to dip their toes in the sand or their fins in the water. Yet the most memorable holidays are those

22/12/2024

Discover Amami Oshima: A Paradise Where Tradition Meets Nature

Amami Oshima, a captivating island paradise, boasts a rich history and a vibrant culture. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Amami Islands National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the island's unique traditions, from the exquisite Oshima Tsumugi textiles dyed with natural mud to the local favorite black sugar shochu.

The OutdoorJapan team had an unforgettable experience connecting with the locals, including a fisherman, and indulging in the island's culinary delights, like botan bouhuu.

https://www.outdoorjapan.com/activities/travel/adventure-travel/pride-and-preservation-in-amami-oshima/

The Amami Islands have long existed in the crosswinds. Locals have endured powerful typhoons and shifting geopolitical winds, yet retained a resiliency