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What to expect
- Most popular crags are in mountain areas, a few hours from Tokyo. Public transport works well between cities and poorly for crags, so a rental car, or a lift from a local climber, makes a big difference.
- The rock is mostly granite, with limestone and sandstone elsewhere. Many crags are bolted, but bolt spacing and age differ: ask locally about the crag you are visiting.
- Japanese sources usually give lead grades in the Yosemite Decimal System (5.10a) and boulder grades as V grades.
What to bring
- Your usual climbing gear, and a helmet.
- Cash. Some campgrounds and small businesses do not take cards.
- An offline map. Mobile signal can be patchy in the mountains.
How long to stay
| Time | What works |
|---|---|
| 2 to 3 days | One area, from Tokyo, for example Ogawayama |
| 1 week | Two areas near each other |
| 2 weeks or more | A second region, with a change of season in mind |
Before you go
- Read Etiquette and local rules.
- Check when to go.
- Get travel insurance that covers climbing, and know the emergency numbers in Japan: 110 for the police, 119 for fire and ambulance.
Last checked: 2026-10-25