7 min read

This week with TTR: Winter Wonderland!

This week with TTR: Winter Wonderland!

Hi friends,

I never thought I'd say this but... wow it's cold outside! And with TTR, that can only mean two things: snow and party!

For the snow plans, two runs in Nikko and one in Tanzawa should provide a lot of wintery fun.

For the party, our pub night is coming up in just a week. Don't forget to dress up "British": and that means any UK-themed costume you can think of, just keep it appropriate for the event!

Keep following our newsletter and our Facebook page for more announcements and updates.

StartNikko station - Saturday the 18th from 09.45
EndNikko station - ~14.00
Beginners run 17 km +938m ~2.5h
Contacthttps://m.me/Robert.Self.UltraJapan

*Maximum 15 runners

*Do not worry if you arrive at Nikko Station. Just walk to Tobu Nikko Station, which takes about 5-10 minutes. We will wait for you if you arrive a few minutes late

** This run can be combined with next day's run in Okunikko. If you do so, please purchase your train tickets and overnight hotel reservations in advance.

**** This is an elementary level run, but we strongly recommend bringing the right clothes and gear. It will be very cold.

The run starts from Tobu Nikko Station (not JR Nikko Station but you can easily walk there) and takes us about 13K up Mt. Nakimushi then to historical Toshogu Shrine. Generally there is snow on the course, so winter gear and running crampons are highly recommended. That being said, snow conditions and cold are not nearly as severe as on the Sunday run in Okunikko. Snow conditions vary from "heavy" to "not much" year by year, so no guarantees. If you have snow or hiking poles, these can be useful.

Runners can add as much running and sightseeing as they want around the downtown, so 15K is likely.

Highlights of the course include the Ganman Pools, the Daiya River, and LOTS OF HISTORY in the town. The maximum elevation is 1,100 meters.

There are sometimes some delays at Toshogu Shrine, and you may be required to pay 800 JPY or so for a ticket to enter. But the run and photos afterwards are highly recommended! Please have the money ready and enter with the group so as to not inconvenience other runners.

自然と歴史を楽しく走ってみませんか? Nikko駅を09.45に出発し、Nikko駅14.00頃にゴールを目指します。 全長17km、標高差938mのBeginnersコースで15人の方にもご参加いただけます。

👟 トレイルランニングシューズ必須。
💧 水を最低1リットルは持って来て下さい(途中に自販機もあります)。
🎒 スタートとゴールは別の駅なので荷物は全部持って移動して下さい。
♨ 希望者はゴール後近くの温泉を利用できます何人か行くと思います。
⚠ コース上のハイカーを驚かせないよう、そのまま走り抜けず止まって挨拶して抜きましょう。他のトレイルランナーにも挨拶しましょう。
🧤❄️ 防寒着必須

Start竜頭の滝 bus station - Saturday the 19th from 10.45
EndNikko station - ~14.30
Intermediate run 13 km +500m ~3.5h
Contacthttps://m.me/Robert.Self.UltraJapan
  • Can be combined with the Saturday run for a 2-day stay in the Nikko area.

** Distance is only 12K or so, but pre-Intermediate and up level, since conditions can be very cold and unstable. Running in snow is a lot more strenuous than a normal trail.

*** Maximum of 20 people and you must have crampons and full winter running gear since temperatures will likely be between -1 and -15.

**** We will run this course again in February or March.

Meet at 竜頭の滝 bus stop (Ryuzu Falls Bus Stop). The buses from Tobu Nikko Station run frequently along this course, though one good option is to stay at Yumoto Onsen or other hotel near Lake Chusenji the night before if you want to make it a weekend (TTR will also run in Nikko the day before on Saturday: check "Events").

For runners coming from Tokyo in the morning, there is a convenient bus that leaves from Tobu Nikko Station. You will need to catch the bus towards Yumoto Onsen, getting off at Ryuzu Falls. DO NOT WORRY. Other TTR members and/or admins can help you. The transfer is actually very easy.

The final course distance on the day will depend on weather and snow conditions (deep or not deep). At the time of this writing, the snow makes for a lovely run and is not that deep! We hope to run 13K, though admins may change that for safety. We will avoid any risky bits, which we have already scouted.

Required gear includes:

Crampons (spikes or chains)
Gaiters to prevent snow in your shoes
Warm socks (long, not short)
Very warm technical gloves
Neck warmer
Knit hat (face cover can be a good option too)
Fleece
Shell jacket
Several layers for legs
A change of socks
Some light foods
At least 500 ml of water (the only hanbaiki at the beginning is frequently out of order)

Optional:
Hiking / snow poles

雪を楽しく走ってみませんか? 竜頭の滝駅を10.45に出発し、Nikko駅14.30頃にゴールを目指します。 全長13km、標高差500mのIntermediateコースで20人の方にもご参加いただけます。

👟 トレイルランニングシューズ必須。
💧 水を最低1リットルは持って来て下さい(途中に自販機もあります)。
🎒 スタートとゴールは別の駅なので荷物は全部持って移動して下さい。
♨ 希望者はゴール後近くの温泉を利用できます何人か行くと思います。
⚠ コース上のハイカーを驚かせないよう、そのまま走り抜けず止まって挨拶して抜きましょう。他のトレイルランナーにも挨拶しましょう。
🧤❄️ 防寒着必須

TTR Social Event: UK Food Night!

⬆ Click above to join

StartIsehara Station station - Monday the 24th of January from 18.45
Contacthttps://m.me/martin.shock.54

‼️ Important Changes ‼️
Max 60 People

We are excited to share the final details for the TTR New Year Party on January 24. This time, food and drinks will be provided by the restaurant (it will no longer be a potluck-style event).

Please confirm your attendance ASAP, as the venue will be exclusive to TTR and will fill up fast. The maximum capacity is 60 people. To join us, please check the details section and click the “Going” button to RSVP. If you can no longer attend, kindly uncheck the “Going” button.

We look forward to seeing you at our first social event since COVID and reconnecting for a wonderful time with all of you, even outside the trails!

About the venue. It’s reminiscent of a traditional UK street pub in Tokyo. Although fancy dress is not required, don’t let that stop you from wearing a hat, scarf, etc., and getting into the spirit of the occasion ( I will be⚡️)!💂🇬🇧💂‍♀️🇬🇧🧙‍♂️

Date: Friday, January 24, 2025
Time: 19:30-21:30 (Venue opens at 19:00)
Restaurant Name: British Restaurant CLASH
Address: Sunwood Meguro 2F, 1-3-28 Shimomeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo (3 minutes walk from the west exit of Meguro Station on the JR Yamanote Line)
Set Price: JPY 5,500, including salad, nachos, fish & chips, sausages, etc., plus all-you-can-drink for 2 hours (GUINNESS beer, wine, whisky, soft drinks, cocktails, etc.). If you order outside of this time or menu, you must pay extra. The restaurant cannot accommodate any vegetarian options, so please inform TTR admins if you have any dietary requirements.

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions.

[UPPER INTERMEDIATE - MAX12] Miyagase to Tanzawa winter classic 🏔❄

⬆ Click above to join

StartHashimoto North Exit station - Saturday the 25th from 8.50
EndShibusawa station station - ~16.30
Upper intermediate run 24 km +1700m ~8h
Contacthttps://m.me/aran4649

日本語は以下

Let's enjoy winter mountain views! We will start in Hashimoto North Exit station at 8.50 and end in Shibusawa station station around 16.30. This Upper intermediate course is 24km long, with an elevation gain of 1700 m, and is open to 12 participants.

CRAMPONS + HEADLIGHT REQUIRED: see note belowLet's enjoy a beautiful North-South traverse of the Tanzawa range in Kanagawa, through a classic TTR route.We will meet at the North exit of Hashimoto station, just outside the building.

We will then take the 橋07(鳥居原ふれあいの館行) bus from 橋本駅北口 at 9.05 https://www.jorudan.co.jp/bus/rosen/stoplist/?Ddd=9&Dhh=9...
After a pretty 2,5 km run along the lake, we will start a ridge climb to Takahata and Honma no kashira before reaching our high point of Tanzawa (1567m). Then we run some rolling hills to Tounodake, where the views of Fuji are spectacular in clear weather. After, get ready for the long descent on the ridge down to Okura, where there is a bus stop to Shibusawa station on the Odakyu line.

FAQ
-CRAMPONS REQUIRED: we do not expect snow throughout like last year, but the top of Tanzawa might be snowy. You can find them on Rakuten/Amazon as アイゼン/crampons for about 2000 JPY with shipping
-HEADLAMP REQUIRED: since we'll party the day before, we set the start as late as possible, which means we're scheduled to end just at sundown. The descent to Shibusawa is wide and comfortable, but do bring a headlamp for your safety
-Hashimoto is a large station with both JR and Keio exits. For simplicity, let's meet at the north exit, on the piazza just ourside the building.
-Be on time for the bus, since there will be no later options.
-We will be on safe but steep ground in winter and trail running shoes are recommended
-This is an intermediate event. You will be expected to tackle this long, steep course at a brisk pace
-Bring a mask/buff
-There is no water on the mountain, so please bring plenty
-This is a winter run on higher altitude, dress appropriately (wind shell, gloves, hat, etc)

Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1vjtntQh35BKlwRk85vrLwri6J52RmH0&usp=sharing"

👟 Trail running shoes required.
💧 Bring at least 1 liter of water (there are vending machines along the way).
🎒 The start and finish stations are separate, so please carry all your luggage with you.
⚠ To avoid startling hikers on the course, do not run straight through, but stop to greet and pass them. Greet other trail runners as well.
🔦 This is a night run and you will need a headlamp to join. Contact the organizer if needed, he might have one to lend you.
🧤❄️ Winter clothes required

冬山の眺めを楽しく走ってみませんか? Hashimoto North Exit駅を8.50に出発し、Shibusawa station駅16.30頃にゴールを目指します。 全長24km、標高差1700mのUpper intermediateコースで12人の方にもご参加いただけます。

地図: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1vjtntQh35BKlwRk85vrLwri6J52RmH0&usp=sharing

👟 トレイルランニングシューズ必須。
💧 水を最低1リットルは持って来て下さい(途中に自販機もあります)。
🎒 スタートとゴールは別の駅なので荷物は全部持って移動して下さい。
⚠ コース上のハイカーを驚かせないよう、そのまま走り抜けず止まって挨拶して抜きましょう。他のトレイルランナーにも挨拶しましょう。
🔦 ナイトランなので、参加にはヘッドランプが必要です。主催者に連絡すれば、貸してくれるかもしれない。
🧤❄️ 防寒着必須