Memories of Chichibu and Other Mountain Journeys

A familiar mountain can become new again when reached through an unknown gorge. In seven complete writings, Kogure Ritarō finds that renewal among Chichibu’s deep forests, granite pools, flowering cliffs, and paths that sometimes disappear beneath brush or snow.

He remembers the summit that first taught him to savor mountains, then explains why forests and rivers matter more to Chichibu’s character than spectacular rock alone. Other journeys lead into the upper Fuefuki watershed, across Utsukushigahara’s broad views, and onto Mount Tsurugi, where climbing history and uncertain routes meet. A lively account of accompanying Prince Chichibu to Yarigatake brings storm-bound lodgings, camp cooking, climbing ropes, and the prince’s humor into the same landscape. The final Kamasawa journey balances the wonder of waterfalls against exhaustion, deep snow, and the pleasure of reaching shelter.

A major figure in Japanese mountain writing, Kogure joins exact observation to an intensely personal delight in travel on foot. This new English translation preserves his historical measurements and uncertainties, with brief notes on readings, traditional units, and source irregularities. AI-assisted translation, prepared and edited by Valentin Sarić.