Thanks so much for the great video. It's my personal belief that rainy weather is good weather, but I understand that it's not for everyone. It's definitely a bummer to not have those sweet summit views for sure. That lodge looks amazing. A true luxury in the middle of a national park!
Yeah, I think I need better rain pants. I had these Montbell rain paints over my normal hiking pants, but they weren't the expensive ones so they soaked right through fairly quickly, which meant the water then ran down to my socks and inside my waterproof boots... so it was squish squish squish with each step. With a bit of higher quality gear I would have been better off. Now I know! And yeah- that lodge is really nice!! Nothing like having a hot bath and a cold beer in the middle of a national park after a long day hiking!
Yeah! Thanks for sticking around despite the gaps. I've got another video coming out soon as well, and going to do my best to upload more regularly again!
I always love your knowledge of the local areas and plants. Its something i love to try and learn about areas and it makes me excited to one day hike in Japan!
Maybe I'm a bit weird but I wouldn't mind hiking on a rainy and foggy day. There's something about that weather that I really like. I think it's the sights, sounds and smells of a rainy day in the forest.
So cool that you stayed at Ozegoya. I had a summer job there for a month in 1992 and had a great time. It had different owners back then, Hikaru san and his wife, who were both so kind and willing to give a young foreigner from Canada a chance to work at their "mountain resort".
Its oddly mystical with the rainy/autumn weather during that hike. Sunny weather can be nice but sometimes rainy weather can be nice too. Thanks for this video! It was really peaceful to watch
I agree on the mystical feeling of it! Being surrounded by the sound of the rain and wind was nice after I got used to the wet and slightly cold part...
The first of your videos that I've watched! Very easy viewing, very informative, very relaxed and natural narration. I have seen videos of Oze before, but this one really gave me the best feel for the place. Why people would put themselves through the mass tourist experience of Fuji san when they could be here is beyond me :P
Thanks for turning us on to Oze, Quinlan! I am surprised that the area doesn't have many western folk visiting as it is only 3 hours from Tōkyō. I'll bet Roy and Aimee and Hannah would love it.
Yeah, I think it's weird that it gets ignored by westerners as well. it's a really great national park, and there are a fair number of Asian tourists from Korea and Taiwan that visit. Yeah, I'm sure Roy and Aimee would love it!!
Thanks! And so happy to hear that your mother also likes my videos! I've been well, just busy. But good to be busy with guiding work, especially after the work gap during the pandemic.
That weather looks very much like what we've been having for weeks on end here in the UK recently ;-) I've been looking forward to a new video from you and this one did not disappoint! I just love the beautiful variety of landscapes in Japan and those alpine ponds looked gorgeous and so atmospheric in the rain and the view from the summit with the clouds draped over the mountains was stunning. I would absoutely love to stay in one of those lodges, a perfect escape from civilisation but with all the comforts. As you were hiking I was thinking you must have been totally soaked through - so it was good to hear they had a nice bath at the lodge, that must have felt wonderful after all that hiking through the rain.
So glad that you liked this video! Yes, completely agreed on the escape from civilization (but with civilized comforts).. ideal! And necessary for me given that I was indeed soaked.
The scenery looked like something out of a movie! And you're right, the mist really added to the beauty. Having a delicious meal, a cold beer, and a hot bath sounds like the perfect end to a day of hiking, too!
Thanks Quinlan, useful reference. I'd like to do some hiking on some the classic Japanese elevated marshlands in the future (...and check out all the beautiful flora. I did get the chance to have a walk around Senjogahara in Nikko and loved it), and Ozegahara looks pretty good tbh. On a related note, can I ask what rainjacket do you use and if you're happy with it? (I'm considering upgrading to a Torrent Flyer at the moment) Thanks 🙇♂
Ooooh, that sounds dreamy in Nikko! I got a Patagonia rain coat (an old model) at an outlet for 60% off.. and it is great. Usually I can't afford Patagonia, but with a 60% discount, it was doable!
What a treat to see you somewhere beautiful and new! With those wonderful bogs and the tanuki and the plush lodge! I'd love to go there too. I'm not sure if I missed it or if you didn't specify: how long did you hike on the first day, and how did you manage that after driving for six hours?
Oh right! I didn't say that in the video. I drove 6 hours the day before, spent the night at this place called Miike Lodge right at the trailhead, then started hiking early in the morning. Started hiking at 7am and got to the lodge at 2:30pm, so 7.5 hours the first day including lunch, breaks, etc. You can see the route I took here: yamap.com/activities/26906672
Hi Quinlan great to see a new video from you and what a beautiful park Oze is! The start of the autumn colours was stunning and I think the mist and clouds gives it an almost mystical feel to it. It’s great that you’re showing these other amazing areas of Japan, it’s certainly somewhere I’d love to visit especially having found the hiking bug again myself. Thank you for sharing this incredible video. Safe travels and best wishes to you
Thanks for watching! Yeah- it is nice to look at in the rain, though I slipped and almost fell about 10 times on those slick wooden boards.. can't wait to try again next year on a day with better weather! The park is pretty well-known domestically, but the owner of the lodge wondered why no European or American tourists seem to go there. Definitely worth exploring!
Yeah, definitely better on a dry day. I slipped and almost fell like 10 times. I'm the master of near misses. (I guess it's good core training to catch yourself when you slip, lol)
Yeah, was lucky to get even the views we had from the top. Some days it's just all white up there! But hopefully next time I go there will be blue skies!
ooh look at you discovering a new trail :D It seems like you got your peace with the rain in some way I imagine it is not the coolest way to hike but frankly the footage that came out of it is sooo beautiful :O the shiny roads and the mist in the forest :D the swampy area does remind me of hachimantai that I still want to see...very cool :) thank you for taking us along
I think they don't use pack animals because it's a national park and they'd probably damage the trails, or at least change them, significantly. So humans work as a pack animal!
Although it's a pity that you didn't get clear sunny weather, the windswept wood and mist-bound mountain trails are so atmospheric and beautiful. Plus, I can't imagine how rewarding a hot meal and nice warm shower must feel after all that hiking in cool weather! Thanks for taking us on another wonderful hike with you!
Thanks for coming along! Yeah- it was really atmospheric even if I was soaking wet. And having the lodge to stay at was heaven. They even have a heated "drying room" where you can put your socks and boots to dry them out overnight so you have nice warm dry footwear the next morning.
While I don't much enjoy walking in the rain, it does tend to make the colours so much richer and lusher! And I do love the smell, as well. Thank you for introducing us to a new area!
Yes, agreed about the smell!! It was nice for me to explore a new trail as well! I've pretty much hiked all the trails within daytripping distance of Morioka multiple times - still love them - but nice to explore a new place!
That's a beautiful looking area. The mist and the rain reminds me of the UK lake District or North Wales. As is obvious from your videos, you always embrace the weather, which is the way to enjoy the outdoors.
I've waited so many videos to see a Tanuki, awesome! Thanks!
Yeah, I don't see them out in the wild much. Generally I see tanuki in the city or crossing the road or something.
It looks stunning even on a rainy day!
Yes, but definitely more fun to go on a clear day! Next time!
Excellent video! Wonderful to see places that I'd never know about without someone like you.
So glad you enjoyed it!! Thanks!
Yay, another video. The rain makes everything more green & lush. So nice.
So glad you liked it, thanks!
Looking forward to the next video!
Thank you so much! New one next week hopefully!!
お久しぶりでしたね。尾瀬の山も好きな所です。あいにくの雨で大変そうでしたが雨の日の尾瀬も中々良かったです。😊👍
そうそう！ずっと忙しくて中々新しいビデオを作れなかったですが、これから定期的に作れるように頑張ります！みてくれてありがとう！
Thanks so much for the great video. It's my personal belief that rainy weather is good weather, but I understand that it's not for everyone. It's definitely a bummer to not have those sweet summit views for sure. That lodge looks amazing. A true luxury in the middle of a national park!
Yeah, I think I need better rain pants. I had these Montbell rain paints over my normal hiking pants, but they weren't the expensive ones so they soaked right through fairly quickly, which meant the water then ran down to my socks and inside my waterproof boots... so it was squish squish squish with each step. With a bit of higher quality gear I would have been better off. Now I know!
And yeah- that lodge is really nice!! Nothing like having a hot bath and a cold beer in the middle of a national park after a long day hiking!
@@GoNorthJapan I'm with ya, wet socks are the worst. Glad you had a nice time otherwise!
Long time no see!!!! 🎉
Yeah! Thanks for sticking around despite the gaps. I've got another video coming out soon as well, and going to do my best to upload more regularly again!
I always love your knowledge of the local areas and plants. Its something i love to try and learn about areas and it makes me excited to one day hike in Japan!
Thank you!! I hope you can come hike here sometime soon!
Maybe I'm a bit weird but I wouldn't mind hiking on a rainy and foggy day. There's something about that weather that I really like. I think it's the sights, sounds and smells of a rainy day in the forest.
I agree, as long as your not both cold and wet.
So cool that you stayed at Ozegoya. I had a summer job there for a month in 1992 and had a great time. It had different owners back then, Hikaru san and his wife, who were both so kind and willing to give a young foreigner from Canada a chance to work at their "mountain resort".
Wow that must have been amazing back in 1992!! It's such a great area!
this is wonderful ! keep up the awesome work
Your channel deserves waaay more attention
Thanks so much!
Its oddly mystical with the rainy/autumn weather during that hike. Sunny weather can be nice but sometimes rainy weather can be nice too. Thanks for this video! It was really peaceful to watch
I agree on the mystical feeling of it! Being surrounded by the sound of the rain and wind was nice after I got used to the wet and slightly cold part...
A beautiful hike. The lodge would definitely be a good place to spend a few nights while exploring trails or just relaxing.
You can relax and explore the trails! It really is a great lodge. Can't wait to go back next year and spend longer!
A very challenging walk! I would love to see this in clear weather. It is beautiful!!
I'll do my best to get back during good weather in 2024!
The first of your videos that I've watched! Very easy viewing, very informative, very relaxed and natural narration. I have seen videos of Oze before, but this one really gave me the best feel for the place. Why people would put themselves through the mass tourist experience of Fuji san when they could be here is beyond me :P
Thanks so much!! And welcome to the channel! Totally agree!
I’m sorry you had to endure hiking in the rain - but thank you for bringing us this visit to such a breathtaking national park. Greatly appreciated!
Yeah, I'm not a big fan of hiking in the rain, but since I do own all this rain gear, have to use it once in a while!
Thanks for another amazing video ;)
Thanks for watching!! So glad that you liked it!
Thanks for turning us on to Oze, Quinlan! I am surprised that the area doesn't have many western folk visiting as it is only 3 hours from Tōkyō. I'll bet Roy and Aimee and Hannah would love it.
Yeah, I think it's weird that it gets ignored by westerners as well. it's a really great national park, and there are a fair number of Asian tourists from Korea and Taiwan that visit. Yeah, I'm sure Roy and Aimee would love it!!
Thanks for showing this magical place.
Thanks for watching!
YAY QUINLAN!
Thank you for uploading again, my mother and I love to watch your vids together. :) Hope you have been well.
Thanks! And so happy to hear that your mother also likes my videos! I've been well, just busy. But good to be busy with guiding work, especially after the work gap during the pandemic.
That weather looks very much like what we've been having for weeks on end here in the UK recently ;-) I've been looking forward to a new video from you and this one did not disappoint! I just love the beautiful variety of landscapes in Japan and those alpine ponds looked gorgeous and so atmospheric in the rain and the view from the summit with the clouds draped over the mountains was stunning.
I would absoutely love to stay in one of those lodges, a perfect escape from civilisation but with all the comforts. As you were hiking I was thinking you must have been totally soaked through - so it was good to hear they had a nice bath at the lodge, that must have felt wonderful after all that hiking through the rain.
So glad that you liked this video!
Yes, completely agreed on the escape from civilization (but with civilized comforts).. ideal! And necessary for me given that I was indeed soaked.
Camped there years ago and Did Aizu Komagatake then Hiuchigadake the next day. Beaut spot, at least when the weather is nice.
Yeah- if the weather had been better I would have done Aizu Komagatake as well... but as it was, decided to put that off until next year!
I am so glad to see your post. Awesome, awesome.
Thanks for watching! I'll try to post more regularly!
Stunning ! Great video
Thanks for watching! Yeah- beautiful place!
Nice! New video is always a good start to the day
Beautiful spot on the planet
Thanks so much for watching! I'll hopefully be able to give you more good starts to your days in the coming weeks!
The scenery looked like something out of a movie! And you're right, the mist really added to the beauty. Having a delicious meal, a cold beer, and a hot bath sounds like the perfect end to a day of hiking, too!
It really was!
Thanks Quinlan, useful reference. I'd like to do some hiking on some the classic Japanese elevated marshlands in the future (...and check out all the beautiful flora. I did get the chance to have a walk around Senjogahara in Nikko and loved it), and Ozegahara looks pretty good tbh.
On a related note, can I ask what rainjacket do you use and if you're happy with it? (I'm considering upgrading to a Torrent Flyer at the moment) Thanks 🙇♂
Ooooh, that sounds dreamy in Nikko!
I got a Patagonia rain coat (an old model) at an outlet for 60% off.. and it is great. Usually I can't afford Patagonia, but with a 60% discount, it was doable!
Thanks!
Thank you so much!!
Missed your videos a lot!! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful place, even in a rainy day! and thank you for amazing video!
Thanks for sticking around! I'm trying to figure my schedule out in such a way that I can get back to regular videos, even while working a lot.
What a treat to see you somewhere beautiful and new! With those wonderful bogs and the tanuki and the plush lodge! I'd love to go there too. I'm not sure if I missed it or if you didn't specify: how long did you hike on the first day, and how did you manage that after driving for six hours?
Oh right! I didn't say that in the video. I drove 6 hours the day before, spent the night at this place called Miike Lodge right at the trailhead, then started hiking early in the morning. Started hiking at 7am and got to the lodge at 2:30pm, so 7.5 hours the first day including lunch, breaks, etc.
You can see the route I took here: yamap.com/activities/26906672
Hi Quinlan great to see a new video from you and what a beautiful park Oze is! The start of the autumn colours was stunning and I think the mist and clouds gives it an almost mystical feel to it. It’s great that you’re showing these other amazing areas of Japan, it’s certainly somewhere I’d love to visit especially having found the hiking bug again myself. Thank you for sharing this incredible video. Safe travels and best wishes to you
Thanks for watching! Yeah- it is nice to look at in the rain, though I slipped and almost fell about 10 times on those slick wooden boards.. can't wait to try again next year on a day with better weather!
The park is pretty well-known domestically, but the owner of the lodge wondered why no European or American tourists seem to go there. Definitely worth exploring!
the forest path looks beautiful! and wow what an interesting place with the ozegoya, thanks for sharing this!
It is a great trail! Can't wait to get back next year on a clear day. And yeah- can't wait to spend another time in that lodge!
Looks like a great hike, I would love to go if it's not raining. The wooden paths look incredibly slippery!
Yeah, definitely better on a dry day. I slipped and almost fell like 10 times. I'm the master of near misses. (I guess it's good core training to catch yourself when you slip, lol)
Welcome back, the hike was really pretty dispite the rain! At least you had a few views when you made it to the top! Thanks for sharing!
Yeah, was lucky to get even the views we had from the top. Some days it's just all white up there! But hopefully next time I go there will be blue skies!
ooh look at you discovering a new trail :D It seems like you got your peace with the rain in some way I imagine it is not the coolest way to hike but frankly the footage that came out of it is sooo beautiful :O the shiny roads and the mist in the forest :D the swampy area does remind me of hachimantai that I still want to see...very cool :) thank you for taking us along
Yeah, Oze is dreamy! (As is Hachimantai...) Thanks for coming!
❤
Love your vids, keep doing what you are doing :)
Thank you!! Will do!
September is already down season? I'm surprise that they don't use pack animals to bring in supplies.
I think they don't use pack animals because it's a national park and they'd probably damage the trails, or at least change them, significantly. So humans work as a pack animal!
Although it's a pity that you didn't get clear sunny weather, the windswept wood and mist-bound mountain trails are so atmospheric and beautiful. Plus, I can't imagine how rewarding a hot meal and nice warm shower must feel after all that hiking in cool weather! Thanks for taking us on another wonderful hike with you!
Thanks for coming along! Yeah- it was really atmospheric even if I was soaking wet. And having the lodge to stay at was heaven. They even have a heated "drying room" where you can put your socks and boots to dry them out overnight so you have nice warm dry footwear the next morning.
oh snap new video hype
Ahaha, thanks for watching!
While I don't much enjoy walking in the rain, it does tend to make the colours so much richer and lusher! And I do love the smell, as well. Thank you for introducing us to a new area!
Yes, agreed about the smell!! It was nice for me to explore a new trail as well! I've pretty much hiked all the trails within daytripping distance of Morioka multiple times - still love them - but nice to explore a new place!
Glad to see you uploading again. Every angle has a stunning view.
Thanks!! It is such a beautiful park!
Thank you for showing us another beautiful place!😍
Thanks for watching!!
That's a beautiful looking area. The mist and the rain reminds me of the UK lake District or North Wales. As is obvious from your videos, you always embrace the weather, which is the way to enjoy the outdoors.
I really want to visit the UK lake district, North Wales, and Scotland, etc!