Kanaya Favorites

Favorite thing: When you see the hiking trail leaflets written in Japanese you may have some terms for the difficulty levels.

Shoshinsha Muke: For beginners. But this term can be misleading sometimes. Generally the trail under this category may have the characteristics as follows.
1: Not more than four hour walks but some trails may take more.
2: Most of the trails are either paved or well-trodden
3: Well guided by signposts
4: Guidance of Experienced hikers may help.

Kazoku Muke: Family Hike. Most of the trails categorized as "beginners" may be also good for family hikes. But generally the mountain trails under this category may be easier than "for beginners" trails considering taking along little children.
Family hike trails might have above four conditions plus,
5: Clear views
6: Have huge playground so that children can play.

Ippan Muke: Trails for hikers with some experience. Trails on this category may have
7: Some challenging features such as steep climb, rocky trail which needs the help of ropes.
8: Some map reading required. Signposts may not be so reliable.
9: Longer or higher in altitude than beginners or family hike trails.

Kenkyaku Muke: Trails for experienced hikers. The trails under this category may have
10: The longer course taking more than 5 hours.
11: Little guidance, or no guidance at all so you have to read map carefully.