Hiking is a great way to spend time outdoors and get in touch with God's beautiful creation. And such a simple hobby. Just put a few things in your backpack, get to the start of the trail and start enjoying.

The most important part of hiking is picking the right trail. We have discovered a little research is in order here. We have found that talking to other people interested in hiking is the best way to get information on trails accessible to you.

After you know where you are going to go you need to prepare properly. Are you going on short jaunt, a day hike, or an overnight extravaganza. Each requires different equipment. Don't get hung up on the equipment though. The most important thing is getting out there, smelling the fresh air, and enjoying.

We have done a bit of hiking since coming to Japan and even some before. In Japan the predominant feature of the landscape is mountains so most of our hikes have been about tackling one mountain or another. Some of the more memorable hikes we have been on were at Mts Aso, Kuju, Kirishima, Miyanoura, Tsurugi, Unzen, and Noh. All of these were day hikes. Sometime we want to do something a little longer. To walk for a few days with everything you need on you seems like quite an experience. Someday. . . . .