Here is a great itinerary for passionate rock climbers! You will experience climbing, mostly crags, among Japan’s simple but beautiful landscape. As you will discover most of the climbing that is found in Japan is tucked away in the wooded areas of the country side. Apart from that there are some climbing areas along the beach and coastline. Japan, mostly accessible with sport climbing areas, do have some top roping and a few trad climbing areas and many bouldering areas. Japan’s crags, although known to be somewhat short, will however get you extremely pumped, extremely fast due to its extreme steepness. The grading for these crags range from 5.9 and up. Remember though that these ratings have been known to sandbag climbers. Some of the sites are near Onsens or hot springs which are most inviting after a hard day’s climb while others have camping sites that are accessible to the climbing area.

THE SUGGESTED ITINERARY

DAY Arrive in Tokyo. Transfer to Yamagata via JR Bullet train, approximately 2 and ½ hours. Take Senzan Line to Yamadera. YAMADERA

DAY Full day of climbing at Yamadera in Yamagata. Andesite rock face that offers 30 meters of climbing. YAMADERA

DAY Transfer to Fukui via JR train. You will head to Sotomo. Sotomo, Obama is Wakasa’s Fisherman’s Wharf. If you are interested, there is a sightseeing boat (about an hour ride) from Obama Port. SOTOMO

DAY Full day of climbing at Sotomo. This area possesses a beautiful rock gate that was formed from wind and sea erosion. Nearby there are numerous uniquely formed rocks and caves of various sizes that can be found in and around the water’s edge, which form part of the 6 km long coastal scenery. Trad climbing is available and top roping from off the beach. SOTOMO

DAY Transfer to Tokushima via JR train for Tokushima-shi, located near Ohama Kaihan Beach. TOKUSHIMA

DAY Full day of climbing at Hiwasa Sea Cliffs in Tokushima. From Ohama Kaigan Beach, drive around the Port to the end of the port road. Park your car here. Walk up over the sea wall and find the path to the lighthouse. Halfway up the Lighthouse trail, there is a bench and a view point. Follow the trail down and out to the end of the cape, the climbs are located here. About 200 meter high vertical cliffs and runs about 2 km along the coastline. TOKUSHIMA

DAY Transfer to Takamatsu via JR train for Shodoshima Island. SHODOSHIMA

DAY Full day of Climbing at Yoshida Dam, Shodoshima Island. Take ferry from Takamatsu to Shodoshima. This is a medium sized Granite area with currently over 100 routes. There are some rack climbs but most of the routes are bolted slab climbs. Relax in an Onsen in the after a hard day climb! SHODOSHIMA

DAY Transfer back to Takamatsu via ferry. Transfer to Osaka by JR Bullet train. Enjoy your last day in Japan, strolling the glitzy city of Osaka. OSAKA

DAY Depart from Osaka Airport to return to U.S. USA