List of mountains (DONE)
Trans Full C-Curve
#40mountainsin2018
#30mountainsin2017
#20mountainsin2016
#10mountainsinJapan
#10mountainsin2014

I discovered this Mapple Mountain Map during my recent hiking trip in Japan. My Japanese friend introduced and taught me how to use it. I rarely use map during hiking as we don't really have a proper one, both in Malaysia and Indonesia (or maybe it's just me who hasn't found it yet 😅). So, here's a few tips on how to get and use the Mapple Japanese Mountain Map.

1. Mapple Mountain Map offers two versions of map, physical map and digital map.For physical map, you can buy it at outdoor shops or bookstores. Just ask the staffs, they will help you with it.
   
   
   
      



2. If you cannot speak or read Japanese well, use Google Translate. Just search the name of the mountain and show it to them. For example, 富士山 (Mount Fuji/Fuji-san). 山 (pronounce as 'yama') means 'mountain'. Japanese also use '-san' to refer to mountain (e.g : Fuji-san). Both are correct and can be used depends on the context.
   
   
   
   



3. For digital map, you can download it for free from App Store or Google Play Store. Search '山と高原地図'. But they only give you one free sample map which is Takao-san's (Mount Takao) map. The rest you have to pay. For Apple user, you can pay through iTunes account.
   
   
   
   



4. But for digital version, you kinda have to work hard as everything is in Japanese (I think both versions are). You might need someone who is well verse in Japanese to help you out. As for me, I just Google Translate everything and use my logic to understand and figure things out. It works well for me. 😂







5. Most of the Japanese mountain maps give both hiking time and distance. So, use it well to plan your trip. If you cannot predict your pace according to the time given, I suggest you to use digital map instead of the physical one as the digital map can be used even without internet connection. It is also can detect your location (offline map, but you have to download it first).
   
   
   
                   
   
   
   
6. The map is 99% accurate as it is always up-to-date. Proven by me and most of Japanese hikers. Everything's there. Do read it carefully and thoroughly. 


7. It is also pretty and waterproof (which is good for outdoor especially during rainy days). 


8. Since, most of the trail signage is in Japanese, make sure you write down important words like the name of the mountain or trail or the mountain hut in Japanese character, so in case you get lost, you can use it to find your way out because not all Japanese people in the rural area can speak or read English well. Also don't forget to keep all the emergency numbers. 









9. Lastly, don't forget to always, always and always check the weather forecast, bring the raincoat, rain cover (for your bag), money and power bank along with you (if you use digital map).