When we think of Japan, our imaginations conjure up a host of images: Mount Fuji, a majestic peak with an aesthetic that’s instantly recognisable, mysterious geishas, soothing prints, cherry blossom trees, iconic temples, etc. But beyond this dreamlike image, there’s also a lesser-known Japan, offering wonderful paths and new travel opportunities!
Japan, a mountainous land
Geographically, Japan is a country of mountains. Perhaps you’ve already heard of the ‘Japanese Alps’? Located in the centre of the island of Honshū, in the Chūbu region, they are made up of three transverse mountain ranges: Mount Hida, Mount Kiso and Mount Akaishi, also known as the Northern Alps, the Central Alps and the Southern Alps respectively.
The nickname “Japanese Alps” was coined, not without irony, by an English archaeologist and engineer who was struck by the resemblance between the mountains of Japan and the European Alps. The country boasts numerous peaks, 23 of which exceed 3,000 metres in altitude!
A certain walking philosophy
We share many common values with Japanese culture, not least the philosophy of walking. Less chrono, more contemplation… An invitation to take the time to savour each step.
A Japanese proverb illustrates this approach well: 「柳に風」(Yanagi ni kaze) – “A willow facing the wind”. This saying suggests that it is better to adapt and bend than to resist and break, a thought that is in keeping with Japanese culture, where honour and discipline are essential, but where compromise is often preferred to head-on opposition.
This philosophy invites us to rethink the idea that we should always be pushing ourselves, putting ourselves “out there”. What if happiness simply lay in the pleasure of walking and discovering new paths? A vast subject, which we explore in detail in another article on the philosophy of walking.
The sacred paths of Japan: Kumano Kodo
This philosophy takes on its full meaning when you discover the many sacred paths that criss-cross the country. These include the Kumano Kodo, an ancestral network of pilgrimage paths linking sacred sites nestling in the heart of the mountains. Like the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela, the Kumano Kodo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The five main Kumano Kodo routes are Nakaheji, Kobeji, Iseji, Oheji and Kiji. These paths have been travelled for over a thousand years by pilgrims in search of spirituality and a connection with nature.
The Shikoku pilgrimage
Another major challenge in the world of hiking is the Shikoku pilgrimage. This 1,200 km circuit takes walkers through 88 temples and represents an exceptional spiritual journey. Those who complete it entirely on foot walk for between 30 and 60 days!
The sacred mountains of Yamagata
Known as a major place of pilgrimage, the path that runs along the three Dewa Mountains in the Yamagata region was historically walked by the Yamabushi, ascetics whose mission was to act as intermediaries between the people and the deities. Representing birth (Haguro-san), death (Gas-san) and rebirth (Yudono-san), these three mountains are generally visited in a precise order corresponding to the stages of life. Each step leads the walker along the path of spirituality.
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji occupies a central place in the collective imagination and in the work of the artist Hokusai, who immortalised its forms in his legendary 36 views of Mount Fuji.
At 3,776 metres, it is not only the highest peak in Japan, but also the 7th highest island peak in the world.
A Japanese legend says “Anyone who climbs Mount Fuji once is wise, anyone who climbs it twice is a fool”. Hasegawa Kokugyo, a 16th-century religious ascetic, is said to have climbed the peak more than 100 times… Something to think about!
Strong links with the Japanese market
Beyond the similarity of the landscapes, we wanted to highlight Japan because we’ve had strong links with this market for decades.
Back in the 80s, the first Galibier boots were exported to the land of the rising sun, proving a real hit with Japanese hikers, who love excellent products. So it goes without saying that our new Galibier Super Rando Mid and Low are available in Japan!
For all these reasons, we invite you to take a new route… why not to Japan?
良い旅を! Enjoy your trip!
