Known as a mecca for day hikes, the Takao area is dotted with popular low mountains like Mt. Takao and Mt. Jinba. But it’s not just the easy access—just an hour from the city—that draws so many climbers here.
For example, Mt. Takao and Mt. Jinba are part of the Chichibu mountain range, which spans the Kanto and Chubu regions, giving the area rich biodiversity in both vegetation and wildlife. In recent years, Takao has also gained renewed attention as the gateway to the Kanto side of the Tokai Nature Trail—Japan’s first long-distance nature trail. lLast year, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Tokai Nature Trail, a field survey was conducted and work began on a 1,700-kilometer trail connecting Mt. Takao with Minoh in Osaka.
Tucked within Tokyo yet wrapped in rich greenery, the Takao area sets the stage for our journey—led by the inventive minds behind Jindaiji Mountain Works（JMW）. This garage-born brand champions the ultralight (UL) ethos across hiking, fishing, and bike travel. Guiding us are three young artisan-adventurers: Ayumi Kuroda, Atsushi Arai, and Ayumi Morimoto—craftspeople who blend outdoor spirit with meticulous design.
Towns Need a Blank Canvas to Embrace the New
Trail runners, once a rare sight in Takao 15 years ago, are now a common presence. So says Mitsuteru Ozaki, aka Jackie, the representative of JMW and the boss of our three guides for this journey.
Today, the trails of Takao are a vibrant mix of hikers and trail runners, diverse in generation and style—a scene that’s only emerged in recent years. With many leading Japanese trail running brands and competitors now based in the area, a close-knit community is taking shape. But what kind of town was Takao before this surge?
“Even before I lived in Takao, I noticed the wealth of nature on the edge of Tokyo, especially for mountain runners. This place sits on the southeastern side of the Chichibu mountain range. You can find insects like those in Yatsugatake, and the vegetation is quite unique. I used to come here on weekday evenings to run with my friends and quietly enjoy the mountains behind Hachioji.” (Jackie)
Unexpectedly, at the same time as Jackie, Daimasa Kobayashi, the representative of the trail running brand Answer4, and Takashi Chiyoda, the representative of Nomadics Inc., which handles Vivobarefoot, also moved to Takao. Alongside them, the local microbrewery Takao Beer began thriving. This craft beer, born from the community, has played a key role in bringing the residents together.
“When we first moved here, we used to talk about how Takao had nature, but no culture. So we decided to create our own. Takao is a small town within Hachioji City, and while climbers visit on weekends, it feels like an area many locals have turned away from. That’s why the town has so much blank space. Sometimes I wonder if there’s room for us newcomers to make our mark or if we’ve been accepted by the locals. Starting a business from scratch in a new place comes with many challenges, and I think it’s really tough.” (Jackie)
Delivering experiences that transcend mere “making” and “selling.”
The three employees at JMW are skilled craftsmen who work at the sewing machine table, though some had not touched one since home economics class before joining the company.
“The pandemic was one of the reasons I wanted to try my hand at making things. When I met Jackie-san, who had a store in Bikelore, I decided I wanted to learn to sew here, so I moved to Takao when I joined the company.” (Ayumi Kuroda)
“I was a former nurse, and something of a recluse. Then the pandemic got me hooked on mountains, and as a result, I ended up walking the John Muir Trail (a 340 km trail from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney) (laughs). After moving to Takao, I commuted to the city center for my nursing job for a while, but after meeting Ayumi, I decided to join JMW.” (Ayumi Morimoto)
“I met Jackie at an event after hiking the Pacific Northwest Trail (a 1,930 km trail connecting the U.S. and Canadian border). As I visited her atelier and she showed me around Takao, I started to imagine myself living and working here” (Atsushi Arai)
They have different backgrounds, but what they have in common is that outdoor sports are deeply rooted in their daily lives. The experience of being outdoors and making things are very closely related.
The insights gained from creating gear, taking it into the field, and using it firsthand are directly fed back into their craftsmanship.
“In my previous job, I was involved in marketing-oriented manufacturing, so now I feel I’m at the opposite end of the spectrum. What’s important to us at JMW is selling by hand. We sell our gear while personally explaining how we use it in our daily lives and the kinds of outdoor activities it supports. I want to reflect in the gear what I’ve seen and experienced, and hope to create similar experiences for others through it.” (Arai)
“When I go to the mountains on my days off, it’s like I’m already half working and half playing, as if I’m also doing a test somewhere. Living in Takao, I think it’s the perfect environment for our work because we can be out in the field within 10 minutes of our workplace.” (Kuroda)
They don’t sell their creations to just any Tom, Dick and Harry—they hand-sell to each individual at events. In an age where efficiency is prized, this approach is unusual, but it’s precisely what makes JMW so appealing.
“It’s as if we’re selling the entire experience, not just the product. We’re truly happy knowing that the gear we created will be form a strong and enduring memory for that person” (Morimoto)
Boots made for the mountains, stylish enough to head straight into town
Before heading to work, they hit the trails with a group of local friends, and during lunch breaks, they enjoy fly-fishing at a nearby pond. They commute by bike, occasionally go for a run after work, and join a weekly group run with fellow employees. Sometimes, they even squeeze in a workout between tasks.
How do Danner’s boots keep pace with the diverse steps of three active individuals?
“With my Danners, I can easily scale the low mountains in the Takao area. What I especially love about them, though, is that they’re stylish enough to wear out with friends in town after a day pounding the trails. (Kuroda)”
“Our everyday clothes are designed for functionality, letting us head straight to the mountains. These boots fit perfectly with that style, making them easy to pair with those kinds of outfits.”（Morimoto）
On that note, the phrase “the feeling of boots for town use” really embodies their essence.
“With the mountains so close, the weather can change unexpectedly. That’s why I’m glad they’re made with Gore-Tex. They also work perfectly around town, and during the winter, when I ride my bicycle, my toes tend to get cold, so it’s great that they’re windproof.” (Arai)
Aspiring to transcend all local boundaries
“As newcomers, we are eager to learn more about the long-time residents and the local community, and we look forward to engaging with them more. While the current community consists mostly of transplants, and life in both the mountains and the town has a laid-back feel, we notice a distinct divide between those who have been here for a long time and those who are newer. Our hope is to bridge that gap”（Arai）
In the “OUTSIDERS” series so far, we’ve highlighted individuals who live between town and nature. The people of Takao also embrace this lifestyle, and their perspectives have reminded us of the unique benefits that come with living in such an environment.
A society where people and nature walk in harmony, seamlessly blending town and mountain. These residents, grounded in nature, offer insights into the future of communities. Though the answer isn’t simple, their words point to a bright, rooted future for Takao.
Finally, Jackie, who was listening intently throughout, interjected.
“In recent years, we’ve started connecting with people in Hachioji who once turned away from Takao, focusing instead on the city center. Since we moved here, the Takao area has undergone significant change, with more young people like us arriving. I believe a fresh, dynamic Takao will emerge in the future.”
TAKAO Guide
Ayumi Kuroda
She joined Jindai Mountain Works (JMW) out of a desire to make things with her own hands. This led her to move to Takao. Currently, she is a leader in charge of everything from production management to training junior staff. Her hobbies include biking, hiking, and fly fishing.
IG: @kuroda_ayumi
Ayumi Morimoto
While a nurse, she became fascinated with the outdoors and started mountaineering, walking the John Muir Trail (JMT) and other long trails overseas. After moving to Takao, she joined Jindai Mountain Works (JMW). Her hobbies include biking, hiking, fly-fishing, and sometimes anime.
IG: @morichang__
Atsushi Arai
Started mountaineering in earnest in 2019 and walking long trails due to the awareness he gained from his exposure to UL culture; joined Jindai Mountain Works (JMW) in 2022, one of the first to walk the Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT). He enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and trail running.
IG: @maru_.to._sankaku
