Hiking in low-altitude mountains is growing in popularity. Members of the Oiraku Mountaineers Club in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, shared the appeal of trails near urban areas. It offers enjoyment for beginners and supports lifelong health.
In late June, 20 members of the Oiraku Mountaineers Club (OMC) disembarked at Shonan-Machiya Station on the Shonan Monorail in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. The club, with about 600 members primarily seniors, planned a four-hour route through residential areas to Kamakura Central Park, across the Yamasaki Daimine-Ryokuchi woodlands, and down to JR Kita-Kamakura Station.
Makoto Yoshino, 77, the OMC president and day's leader, conducted roll call. Sawako Iizuka, 57, responded affirmatively. Trails shaded by trees like sudajii chinquapin featured gentle undulations, but some were slippery from fallen leaves or steep enough to quicken breaths.
They encountered a small pond covered in white hangesho (Asian lizard’s tails) flowers. Iizuka photographed them and learned the name from a fellow hiker. “You don’t have to go to the top of a high mountain to enjoy flowers or listen to the stories of experienced hikers,” she said.
Iizuka began hiking eight years ago after leg issues from marathons halted her running. She suffered altitude sickness attempting Mt. Fuji and Mt. Yakushi in the Northern Japanese Alps, abandoning the latter near the summit hut. Joining OMC in 2022 upon a friend's invitation, she now hikes low mountains three or four times monthly. Work limits long trips to ranges like the Japanese Alps, but low mountains offer accessible nature. In May, she tent-camped at Mt. Fuji's base, enjoying campfires and camaraderie. “The appeal is experiencing the four seasons, breathing fresh air, and refreshing oneself just a short distance from the city center,” Iizuka said.
Hiroshi Hagiwara, former editor-in-chief of mountaineering magazine “Yama to Keikoku,” recommends starting with courses under five hours, using guidebooks for research on history, flora, and fauna. Low mountains suit beginners with easy day trips, no lodging needed, and local trails featuring small shrines. Gradually progress considering elevation and terrain. Use smartphone GPS, add 10-20% time buffer to avoid rushing or getting lost. Mountain climbing is a lifelong aerobic exercise improving oxygen use and leg strength; adapt for age with shorter walks or snow-free routes, or park slopes when time is short.