—What inspired you to start trekking?
My husband, who loves mountains, invited me to climb Mt. Daibosatsu. I needed a backpack for the hike, so I bought a Karrimor (the one I'm using now). From there, I started collecting trekking gear, and I found so much joy in taking my new purchases to the mountains that I began hiking frequently.

—Do you have any favorite mountains or courses?
Mt. Rishiri. As it's called Rishiri Fuji, its shape is incredibly beautiful. Rishiri Island is small enough to drive around in about 4 hours, so on a clear day, you can see the entire island surrounded by the sea from a 360-degree vantage point.

—Are there any mountains or courses you'd like to visit in the future?
Kumo-no-daira

—What are your priorities when choosing your trekking wear?
In terms of function, I look for quick-drying materials and ensure they don't make me feel cold. For design, I tend to choose bright and beautiful colors.

—What does "trekking" mean to you?
What I enjoy most right now.

—What inspired you to start trekking?
My husband, who loves mountains, influenced me.

—Do you have any favorite mountains or courses?
Mt. Fuji.

—Are there any mountains or courses you'd like to visit in the future?
My ultimate goal is Mt. Yari in the Northern Alps.

—What are the benefits of starting trekking, and how has it changed you?
When I feel stressed in the city, I want to go to the mountains! It's healing.

—What are your priorities when choosing your trekking wear?
Appearance is important, of course, but that's not enough!
Functionality is key.

—What does "trekking" mean to you?
Happy, Fun, Love! (laughs)

—What inspired you to start trekking?
Three years ago, my parents retired, and I moved from Yokohama to Hakuba (Nagano). I went to Happo Pond on a whim, thinking it would be a light stroll, and was overwhelmed by the majestic Hakuba Sanzan mountains, still capped with snow in mid-summer, looking like Patagonia or Switzerland. Since then, I've become hooked on the Northern Alps rather than just trekking, and gradually came to enjoy walking itself, venturing into other mountain ranges.

—Do you have any favorite mountains or courses?
My favorite courses include Kotetsu-ga-take and Dai-kiretto, which offer thrills, a sense of height, and spectacular views; Happo-kiretto, where Mt. Tsurugi looks most impressive; and Shimo-no-rōka, with its hot springs, autumn colors, and beautiful gorges. As for mountains, I like Mt. Tsubakuro, with its granite formations resembling objets d'art and adorned with flowers, and Miyanoura-dake.

—Are there any mountains or courses you'd like to visit in the future?
This summer, I plan to traverse the mountains of the Kurobe headwaters, from Tateyama and Mt. Tsurugi to Goshiga-hara, Mt. Yakushi, Mt. Kurobe-goro, Takatenbara, and Kumo-no-daira, over a week. I'm also planning to challenge the route from Mt. Nishi-hotaka to Jandarumu and Mt. Oku-hotaka. After the Northern Alps, I'd like to hike longer in the Daisetsuzan range and the gentle mountains of Tohoku, staying in mountain huts and tents. Ultimately, my goal is to hike the 340km John Muir Trail in North America and the 900km Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route between France and Spain.

—What are your priorities when choosing your trekking wear?
For my tops, I divide functions among three layers to maintain comfort. For the outer layer, I seek waterproof, breathable, and lightweight GORE-TEX paclite. The base layer should be highly moisture-wicking and comfortable against the skin. For temperature regulation, I use a mid-layer like Polartec or a down vest.
For bottoms, instead of wearing rain pants, I choose quick-drying materials, except for gaiters. I also like capri pants with stretch and a three-dimensional cut for ease of movement on steep, rocky terrain.

—What does "trekking" mean to you?
Walking in harmony with nature awakens our innate abilities and the dormant wildness within us. It enhances both physical strength and sensitivity, allowing us to find happiness in small things, heal our own sorrows, and control our frustrations. Like yoga, it brings peace to the mind. Furthermore, while it's easy for anyone to travel to the ends of the earth by plane or ship, places that can only be reached by one's own effort offer an unparalleled sense of accomplishment, with a unique, ever-changing, ephemeral beauty.

—What inspired you to start trekking?
To walk my dog and to combat my lack of exercise.

—Do you have any favorite mountains or courses?
Austria abroad, and Nagano domestically.

—Are there any mountains or courses you'd like to visit in the future?
Shiga Kogen in Nagano.

—What are the benefits of starting trekking, and how has it changed you?
Since I ski in the winter, I can now use my gear for both activities, making skiing more comfortable. During a trek in Yakushima last May, I stayed in a remote, unmanned hut for two nights and experienced heavy rain, which I felt truly strengthened me mentally.

—What are your priorities when choosing your trekking wear?
Functionality comes first. I listen carefully to the advice of store staff and mountain experts. Then I choose the design and color.

—What does "trekking" mean to you?
It gives me an opportunity to re-evaluate the fundamentals of my life. Everything tastes delicious, I'm grateful for access to drinking water, hot springs revitalize me, and I'm reminded of the power of nature. It's a great chance to truly appreciate these things.

—What inspired you to start trekking?
I was invited by a friend to climb Mt. Fuji, which is how I started.

—Do you have any favorite mountains or courses?
Mt. Takao. Because it's easy to access.

—Are there any mountains or courses you'd like to visit in the future?
I'd like to go to the gorges in the Tochigi area.

—What are the benefits of starting trekking, and how has it changed you?
I exercise daily now, and it has given me a rhythm to my life.

—What are your priorities when choosing your trekking wear?
Design, material.

—What does "trekking" mean to you?
A luxurious change of pace.

—What inspired you to start trekking?
A friend's invitation and the moving photos of trekking taken by my uncle, who is an experienced trekker.

—Do you have any favorite mountains or courses?
As I'm still a beginner with limited experience, my main courses are currently in the Hachioji area, like Mt. Takao, which is easily accessible from Tokyo for day trips.

—Are there any mountains or courses you'd like to visit in the future?
The most stunning photo from my uncle was of Tateyama. In the near future, I want to see that scenery with my own eyes, capture it in photos, and slowly get to know the mountains of Japan.

—What are the benefits of starting trekking, and how has it changed you?
Experiencing the grandeur, beauty, and at the same time, the danger of nature.

—What are your priorities when choosing your trekking wear?
I incorporate vivid colors into my outfits, and I collect stylish, high-performance socks and leggings in bright hues.

—What does "trekking" mean to you?
A reset for my five senses. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city, I listen to the sounds of nature, smell the scents of greenery and earth, feast my eyes on beautiful scenery, and breathe in fresh air to sharpen my senses.

—What inspired you to start trekking?
I was in the mountaineering club in high school, and I restarted last year after watching Ms. Tabei's program.

—Do you have any favorite mountains or courses?
Mt. Asahi (Toyama Prefecture), Mt. Chichibu.

—Are there any mountains or courses you'd like to visit in the future?
Mt. Oku-hotaka.

—What are the benefits of starting trekking, and how has it changed you?
I learned new sides to my friends and grew closer to them.

—What are your priorities when choosing your trekking wear?
For design, I choose bright and energetic colors. It's also important to check functionality with store staff and always try things on.

—What does "trekking" mean to you?
Enjoying time with friends, and time for self-reflection.

—What inspired you to start trekking?
I was invited by an acquaintance and joined a beginner's group for a traverse from Mt. Takao to Mt. Kagenobu to Mt. Jinba in the summer. Walking through the greenery was enjoyable, and the beer after descending and sweating in the hot springs was the best. I've been hooked ever since.

—Do you have any favorite mountains or courses?
Honzawa Onsen to Mt. Tengu (Northern Yatsugatake)
Honzawa Onsen is the highest open-air mixed-bathing hot spring in Japan. It was a friendly and open mountain hut. From here, it's a rather steep climb, but the view from the summit of Mt. Tengu is superb!
Okukinu Onsenkyo Hot Springs - Kinunuma Marsh
The area around Kinunuma is the largest high-altitude marsh in Japan (descending on the other side leads to Oze-ga-hara). The autumn colors of the grasses in late September were stunning. The Tashirosawa Onsen Hutte, where I stayed on the way back, is a bit off the beaten path from Okukinu Onsenkyo, but it was a wonderfully refined mountain lodge (boutique hotel) offering open-air baths with natural hot spring water, creative French cuisine, and wine. If I go again, I'd like to visit during the snowshoeing season.
Mt. Tateshina
The rocky terrain just before the summit was a bit scary, but the 360-degree panoramic view from the top made all the fatigue disappear.
Mt. Nabewari (Tanzawa)
The nabeyaki udon at Nabewari Hut is simply the best. It's within day-trip distance, and I recommend it for the clear air and great views in winter.

—Are there any mountains or courses you'd like to visit in the future?
I love marshes, so I'd like to visit Mt. Naeba and Mt. Hiuchi (Oze). Also, Senjojiki Cirque on Mt. Kisokoma.

—What are the benefits of starting trekking, and how has it changed you?
I've made new mountain friends! I participate in the "Sazanami Mountaineering Club" organized by Ms. Kamachi, with whom I'm being interviewed. Going with a large group every time feels like being part of a club, which is fun.

—What are your priorities when choosing your trekking wear?
Even in winter, I sweat while hiking, so I prioritize quick-drying functions. I prefer loose-fitting clothes that don't restrict movement or feel tight. I choose colorful clothes that stand out against the greenery.

—What does "trekking" mean to you?
Perhaps, "an act of self-reflection while walking." In the clear mountain air, I can be my true self. It allows me to let go.

—What inspired you to start trekking?
My hobby is traveling in Hokkaido, where I enjoyed nature walks during my trips. One day, a host invited me for a mountain walk, which felt so good that I wanted to enjoy it more, so I started hiking in nearby low mountains. Now, I enjoy all aspects of mountains, from low mountains around Kanto to traverses in the Japanese Alps, and occasionally rock climbing and winter mountain climbing.

—Do you have any favorite mountains or courses?
I basically grow to love every mountain I walk. The mountains of Okumusashi are easily accessible and pleasant to hike, so I often go there. I'm also a bit of a fan (laughs), so I love the Northern Alps, especially Mt. Yari and the Hotaka Range.

—Are there any mountains or courses you'd like to visit in the future?
Since I mostly hike in the Kanto region, I want to visit mountains in Tohoku and Hokkaido.
Specifically, I want to climb Mt. Rishiri, the northernmost of the Hyakumeizan (100 Famous Japanese Mountains). I've seen it many times from Rebun Island, but I've never climbed it. It's a mountain with a very beautiful form.

—What are the benefits of starting trekking, and how has it changed you?
My life already revolves around mountains, so I can't think of any specific benefits or changes... However, I've been able to stay healthy, and I can quickly move past any work-related frustrations, which I owe to the mountains.

—What are your priorities when choosing your trekking wear?
Functionality, especially quick-drying properties. I'm prone to rain (laughs), so I need things that dry quickly. Recently, I've started choosing brightly colored items. I feel that colorful clothes boost my motivation to hike.

—What does "trekking" mean to you?
It's a time to find myself again. When I start hiking, I might be carrying various worries and burdens, but while walking, I can only think about the scenery unfolding before me. It feels like clean water flowing through my body, and when I finish, I feel completely refreshed.