With many mountains over 3000m above sea level, the alpine ranges of
Japan’s main island of Honshu are home to some of the most varied and beautiful
alpine climbing routes in the world. From soaring razor-sharp rock spires on Mt
Tsurugi (剣岳), to
spring cornices like whipped cream on Mt Shirouma (白馬岳), and into the icy deep freeze of
Mt Kaikoma (甲斐駒ケ岳) in
winter, Japan has big routes for all seasons.
And yet surprisingly little is known about the mountains or the routes in
the English language… until now. “10 Classic Alpine Climbs of Japan” is the first book by Tony Grant in the
‘Climb Japan’ series, his ongoing project to unlock the mountains of Japan to
foreign climbers. Following extensive alpine climbing experience in Japan,
these routes represent his selection for the ten finest, almost all ending on
major summits above or around 3000m.
In these pages you will find all you need to know to access and climb the
routes. Place names are written in Japanese kanji and English alphabet, and the
descriptions are illustrated with the author’s beautiful colour
photographs. The book also contains a host of extra information to
enrich your experience of Japan’s mountains, from some of the unique indigenous
wildlife, to Japan’s famed volcanic hot springs, and a glossary of Japanese
mountain words.
This book is the first of its kind in the English
language, and the author hopes it will provide both a framework for exploring
these important alpine climbs and a springboard to some unforgettable
experiences!
I live in Taiwan, but I just got back from ice-climbing in Hokkaido. I realized that Japan is really the winter paradise I've been looking for! I'm so excited to find your blog, and I just ordered a copy of the book. Thanks for taking the time to put up such a great resource for those of us who don't speak Japanese!
ReplyDeleteHi there. Thanks so much for the lovely comment, and for supporting by buying the book. Much appreciated :)
DeleteI'm so glad to hear that you had a good ice-climbing trip in Hokkaido, and I hope you do come back and enjoy some of the great climbs of Honshu island too!
One day in the not-too-distant future I hope to be able to come to Taiwan and experience some of the fantastic mountains and climbing you have there too...
Tony
I wonder if your guide book has an explanation on how the Japanese cllimbing grade compare to alpine grade and climbing grade in europe.
ReplyDeleteHi there. Thanks for your question. There is a grade comparison table in the latest book (10 Classic Alpine Climbs of Japan volume 2), also available on Amazon. Hope that helps! All the best. Tony
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