Cautions for Foreigners traveling in Japanese Mountains

This is issued from a hut in Japanese North Alps, pointing out the difference between Japanese mountains and oversea mountains(too generous I know).

http://www.northalps.net/nabbn2/index.php?page_id=261&language=ja

It's all in Japanese so you have to use, translation site to understand what it says.

For your convenience, here are my translation in short.

1) Mountains in Japanese North Alps, South Alps, Central Alps...etc...are NOT HIKING TRAILS.

The trails in Japanese mountains are always heading to a peak, that means you must walk above the forest line. That means you must be equipped with proper gear, and must know what is considered as basic mountaineering techniques.

2) Gear. You need a good pair of mountaineering boots for no-snow season. You need mountaineer's clothing; outdoor clothing are always made of non-cotton for easy dry.    This is especially so since it rains a lot in Japanese mountains. Prepare for rain. Need to bring Gore-tex rain wear. Bring a head light. Bring a map and a compass for fog.

3) The tech. Arrive to a hut BEFORE 15 p.m.  Avoid the risk of a thunder hit. This is all for your own safety. The high risk hours are afternoon to evenings.  To arrive early afternoon, you'll have to leave early in the morning or make more stop over.

4) Bring back all your wastes. There is no garbage can.

5) Manners. Noise, smelly foods, etc.

6) Note: There is no stores for gears, to sell or to rent on site. You'll have to prepare in the town at first.

I have traveled a few mountains outside Japan, including Yosemite National Park. I thought Japanese mountain tails are more rough and difficult in general. It's all because the trail heads toward a peak, and Japanese mountains are steep. Rock fall, or people fall is No.1 risk. Recently there are too many people,including a beginners, going to a same destination, ex. Mt. Yarigatake and Hodaka mountains.

For your safety, you'll have to watch how crowded the trails and huts are. The more crowded, the more danger. Avoid popular destination.  Bring your own tent. If not, Sometimes you must sleep with 2 or even 3 other strangers in one bed. Is that what you want to do in your travel?