Word of the Month: December
December: ハイキング Haikingu “Haikingu” ハイキング is the Japanese word for “hiking.” In Japan, hiking is so popular because the volcanic archipelago is 70% mountainous. But, there’s no need to worry, as many of these volcanoes are not that active. Japan-guide.com says that these mountains have, “important religious and cultural significance, providing nothing short of a haven for outdoor sports enthusiasts.” Many high-ranked hot springs also happen to be nearby mountains, which naturally contribute to hiking being a very popular activity. This month, we will share three hiking trails of various difficulties with you, should you visit Japan and like to hike! The first trail is Mount Mitake, a popular hiking spot that is close to Tokyo; located in the mountains of Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, it only takes two hours to reach Mount Mitake from the city. Mount Mitake is a fairly easy trail, and can be enjoyed by hikers of all levels. Nex...
