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Out of all places in Japan, Mizugaki and Ogawayama take the cake when it comes to rock climbing opportunities. Just 3-4 hours from Tokyo, these areas are brimming with a wide assortment of sport and trad routes mostly ranging from 5.7 to 5.12c. For the duration of this 3-day rock climbing trip, an expert, AMGA-certified rock climbing guide will be by your side the whole time—taking you to the best gems and helping you achieve your goals. Nights are spent at a nearby camp where countless climbers pitch their tents and discuss their climbing days—in the middle of forest and underneath the starry skies.
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You’ll meet your guide at 7:30 am in Mawarimedaira Camping Ground. As the camp is 3-4 hours away from Tokyo, make sure to arrange your travels accordingly. Your guide will take you to the best rock climbing spots of Ogawayama and Mizugaki, and they’ll put together an itinerary for your skill level, abilities, and aspirations.
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Choose among hundreds of sport and trad routes on the granite rock of Ogawayama and Mizugaki—this is considered one of the premier climbing areas in Japan, with both single and multi-pitch options, as well as bouldering. You’ll find slab climbing, some cracks, some faces, and even some roofs. The routes mostly range from 5.7 to 5.12c, with occasional routes up to 5.15d! Whether you’re a beginner or an expert climber, you’ll find plenty of fun routes challenging you!
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Use your last day to climb a bit more with your expert, AMGA certified guide. Your adventure has come to an end, but if you’d like to stay longer in the area, just ask your guides for some recommendations!
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What you get on this adventure:
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- An experienced, local, AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor & AMGA Assistant Rock Guide with extensive knowledge of the area
- 3 days of guided rock climbing in Japan (Ogawayama and Mizugaki)
What’s not included:
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- Transportation to the meeting spot (Mawarimedaira Camping Ground)
- Accommodations in camp
- ¥900 / $7 per night/per person
- Bring your own camping equipment
- If you’d like to stay at a lodge, please enquire beforehand
- Meals
- Rock climbing equipment — can be rented
- Guide gratuities — optional
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The best thing about rock climbing in Ogawayama and Mizugaki—the heart of Japan’s rock climbing scene—is that there are options for all levels of climbers! You can choose among the hundreds of single and multi-pitch sport and trad routes on the granite slabs, faces, and cracks. So if you’re a total beginner, you’re still good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.
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No prior experience is necessary. Whether you’ve never donned a harness or you’re a seasoned climber, a guide will help you meet your individual objectives. Above all, your instructor’s number one priority is your safety. As long as you listen to the given instructions, you’ll succeed in completing your climb.
Still, Ogawayama and Mizugaki have loads of routes for experienced climbers, so don’t worry that there won’t be enough challenges for you! Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.
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You need to bring the following climbing equipment:
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- Helmet
- Harness with 3 locking carabiners, 2 non-locking carabiners, belay device, and chalk bag
- Climbing shoes
- Dyneema/nylon slings, 60 cm and 120 cms
Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:
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- Backpack / duffel bag for your belongings and camping equipment
- Day pack large enough to carry all the items you’ll need throughout the day (around a 40L bag)
- Comfortable clothes for 3 days of rock climbing
- Water bottle
- Food you can eat on-the-go
- Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
- Sunglasses
- Camera — optional
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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Group sizes and prices:
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- For this rock climbing tour in Japan, there can be two climbers max with one guide. The tour can go on if there’s only one person signed up.
- The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!
Rock climbing in Japan can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
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- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
- Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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You’ll be climbing in Ogawayama and Mizugaki on Honshu island. To get there, it’s best to fly into Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND), both serving the Greater Tokyo Area. You’ll meet your guide at Mawarimedaira Camping Ground (Japan, 〒384-1401 Nagano, 南佐久郡Kawakami, Kawahake, 川端下５４６－2) at 7:30 am. The camp is 3-4 hours away from Tokyo, and it’s best to rent a car. Once you and your guide agree on the details of the itinerary, they can help you with transportation.
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57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Japan, please refer to Japan’s COVID-19 travel advice.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
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