By Karryn Miller

Travel Oct. 07, 2008 - 06:40AM JST ( 3 )

TOKYO —

As the stifling days of summer give way to the cooler breezes of autumn, Japan rejoices in the welcome change of season. Budding photographers capture images of the rich earth tones in leafy pockets throughout Tokyo, while those in the know head out of the city to embrace the fall by immersing themselves in nature.

“My most popular tours would be the November and December hikes when the changing leaves are at their peak,” says Brad Bennett, 41, a guide for outdoor activity company Japan Adventures (JA). Bennett should know the best time to appreciate autumn — he has, after all, spent the bulk of his 15 years in Tokyo engaged in some form of outdoor pursuit. For four years he’s been working with JA, leading hikes in the Okutama region, on Tokyo’s periphery.

“I wanted to get out and see more of the incredible nature that the countryside has to offer in Japan,” Bennett says when asked how he came to join JA. “I also wanted to offer a bridge to those who might not get out of the city on their own.”

Fellow guide Leon Roode, 41, affectionately known as “The Hokkaido Bush Pig,” runs JA’s guided hikes around Japan’s northern island. He started the service for similar reasons to Bennett. “I noticed there was a need for a guided hike operation for non-Japanese — especially in Hokkaido,” explains Roode, who has over 11 years of experience hiking and guiding in Hokkaido and, judging by his nickname, feels right at home in the wild. JA’s Hokkaido hikes take place in Daisetsu-Zan National Park and are typically 2-3 days in length.

In Okutama, the hiking route changes with the season, but the length of 10-12 km (4-5 hours of walking) stays roughly the same. “Some hikes are more difficult than others, and I give fair warning on the website,” says Bennett. “I also offer two hikes every year that I encourage families or beginners to join. Those are in December and August, when kids are on holiday from school.”
Over the colder months, JA expands its lineup of trips. “I’m offering three special weekend tours for skiers and snowboarders this winter, on the weekends of the Reggae Snow Splash music festivals,” says Bennett. Destinations include resorts in Niigata, Gunma and Nagano.

Up north, just outside of Sapporo, 1-2 hour snowmobiling trips can be arranged from December to February. JA also hosts snowshoe treks in Hokkaido, where hikers stay overnight either in a hut or, if they like, out in the snow.

Corporate tours are also popular in the winter months. One global investment banking firm had staff fly in from Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan to join a JA trip. “We booked out an entire lodge and did a backcountry avalanche course with Mike Harris of Canyons Lodge in Minakami, Gunma,” says Bennett. “It was a great way to get people together, have a good time, and learn something valuable as well.”

Participants in JA’s trips vary in age and nationality, as well as in their reasons for joining. “I think people enjoy getting out of the busy city and into the quiet forest. Some people really like the workout, while others enjoy the group conversation and manage to hike to the end smiling,” says Bennett. The scenery is also breathtaking. “The Tama River winds its way through Okutama’s narrow and steep valleys, passing through small villages dotted with farms and camping areas.”

“I truly believe being outside and enjoying the natural surroundings can only have a positive effect on people, especially if they are enjoying activities that rely on human-powered motion,” Bennett concludes. Whether in the form of a daytrip out west or a longer getaway, a little human-powered motion could do everyone some good.

The next Okutama hike will be on Oct 18. See www.japan-adventures.com for more information on hiking trips and keep an eye on www.reggaesnowsplash.com for JA’s weekend trips to the Snow Splash Music Festival. Tours are set for the following weekends: Jan 31 at Snodeck in Naeba (Niigata), Feb 21 at Canyons in Minakami (Gunma), and March 21 at Tracks Bar in Hakuba (Nagano).

This story originally appeared in Metropolis magazine (www.metropolis.co.jp).