Hiking a Japanese Volcano Alone | Demon’s Castle on Mt Iwate

Hiked up Mt. Iwate via the Nanataki Course over Onigajo (The Demon's Castle) and then down Umagaeshi on October 27th, 2019. As per requests in previous video comments, I did not wear a bear bell, but instead periodically did my bear-scare call, and of course carried bear spray, otherwise known as pepper spray.

I love hiking Mt. Iwate -- check out my other Mt. Iwate videos here:

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Gear used in this video (links are affiliate links, if you purchase anything through them I get a tiny percentage which nevertheless helps me continue to make these videos):

[z_z]

Your videos are very calming and peaceful. I feel I am living vicariously through you. I am a very low energy person. Anyway, I love your positivity and I would enjoy some history on the volcano you just hiked.

[freakMasha]

I really like the way you're filming things. It's so fascinating to see parts of the world that I don't think I'll ever experience myself or at least not soon at all. Keep up the great work! Came here from Sharla's last video.
All drone shots look almost otherworldly, such a beautiful volcano.

[WantSomeWhiskey]

Every single day I miss Japan more and more.

[bububcha]

I work in an office and deal mostly with computers. Whenever I start feeling overwhelmed or stressed, I've taken to stopping and watching one or two of your videos and they always help bring me back down to earth, so thank you, thank you for making these wonderful videos!

These videos are always so breathtaking, and you make me want to come explore Japan, for real.

[JusttheWatch]

Thanks for this! I live in Miyako, on the coast of Iwate. Just hiked Iwate-san yesterday (just took Umegaeshi up and back, which still kicked my butt, not in that great of shape, ha!), but from the summit I saw the ridges and lakes in the caldera and it got me curious about other routes. I went down Amihari once, which was pretty cool, but someday I'd love to try Nanataki. Need to get in better shape first though!

[AMAR]

I'm so happy to have found your channel. Full-hike videos are my absolute favorite and your camerawork and commentary are already very good!

And Iwate looks absolutely gorgeous!

[KellieLStimson]

Your videos are great! As a teacher of Japanese they are also very usable to show students a different landscape of Japan that many don’t know exist. Well done.

[emilian]

the autumn colours make the trail and the mountain even way more beautiful and i loved the drone shots too, awesome video buddy!

[lucianoarrieta]

Well we may have got here thanks to Chris and Sharla, yes, but we stay because of you and everything you show us😊

[RobbC.]

Hey,
Here via a recommendation on the Abroad in Japan channel.
Amazing content. As a walker, hiker, lover of the outdoors and passionate about Japan, this looks perfect. Many thanks.

[blablette]

It's the first time I comment, I recently started to follow your channel. I really like the way you film and explain the places you hike through. Just the right balance of scenery, explanations and personal happiness. And wow this hike is beau-ti-ful!

[prettyboybagel]

Hey Quinlan! I've been watching your stuff since you had like 10 videos on your channel. Thank you so much for sharing all these beautiful hikes with the world. I'm actually moving from Shikoku to Morioka next week. It would be so awesome if we can meet up sometime and/or go on a hike. Hope all is well

[kerstin]

So far your best video in my opinion! Content, camera, music, cuts and so on well done. Next time include your bear-scare call please 😉. Oh and it would cool ob you could leave/link the trail description in your description box.

[ronmaxwell]

Found my way here from your “rare beef” appearance on Abroad in Japan. Magnificent wander - thank you for sharing with me!

[noway]

Love the drone view of the valley! Stunning!

[iscreamcandy]

As someone who is scared to try these myself (especially after a big injury), I really enjoy these types of videos. And I really loved yours, I'm able to live vicariously through you. The way you film, the mix between the shoots and the background music is pleasant. Thank you for sharing your journey and progress. I look forward to seeing more.

[andreakullek]

Thank you for those stunning images of a spectacular landscape! Loved it!

[ichii-ka]

Did this hike in summer 2019 but not far past that hells valley spot - turned right for the following peak then returned to the car. Great to see the scrambling I missed, will have to go back.

[iamalpacino]

Just showed up from Sharla’s oden video, I thought this video was amazing, I think the soundtrack selection was perfect. Time to go dive into your past videos.

[davidguthriemusic]

came here from Chris's doc about you exploring abandoned buildings and this video is STUNNING. seriously, what an amazing place, and your shots and editing are so well done.