COVERCHORD CULTURE
THE CREATORS’ CHOICE – ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS
AUTUMN 2022
Leading creative personalities share their favorite outdoor destinations, equipment, and meals to enjoy in the great outdoors
‘THE CREATORS’ CHOICE’ series continues as we once again ask a group of outdoor enthusiast creators for their recommendations on how to best enjoy time spent in the great outdoors.
With vast experiences traveling in Japan and around the globe, the creators share tips on top locations, indispensable equipment, and tasty outdoor cuisine.
Whether you’re a veteran or just starting out, this list offers knowledge and inspiration on how to make the most of your time spent outdoors.
HIKERTIME
JK
Destination
Daisetsuzan Ura-Asahidake campsite, Hokkaido
After getting off the Asahidake ropeway, we walked for about five hours and spent the night at the Ura-Asahidake campsite.
The next day, the view of the Ohachidaira caldera seen from the ridge connecting Mt. Araidake was spectacular.
Essential Gear
The PB Tarp 5×8 Factory Tuned
"for oldskool UL hiker"
by JINDAIJI MOUNTAIN WORKS
A hike with the PB Tarp is the most exciting tenting expedition I have ever done.
I had gone from a dome tent to a floorless shelter and was feeling a little inadequate when I came across the PB Tarp.
The first time I used the PB Tarp was on a 6-day trek across the Daisetsu Mountains in Hokkaido, Japan. Despite getting rained on, using such simple gear with only one layer was fun and exciting.
As I practice U.L (Ultra Light) hiking, I often hear the phrase "a sense of oneness with nature," and this trip was a time when I really felt that.
Outdoor Cuisine
「HIKER FOOD」
My mountain hiking style is called “long trail," meaning I sometimes walk more than 30 kilometers daily. The long walking time and limited luggage space mean I cannot bring fresh meat or vegetables, so I tend to eat dried foods, nutrient-rich jellies, and calorie-intensive snacks.
However, the McDonald’s Double Cheeseburger is a recommended hiker food that is a welcome break from all the dried food.
It’s easy to find at the beginning or end of a hike and is cheap, delicious, and high-calorie at 457kcal.
JK | Junki Nakamura
HIKERTIME
Works at “Yama to Michi”, a U.L. mountain trail equipment maker in Kamakura, while also sharing his U.L. hiking experiences on his YouTube channel "HIKERTIME".
In 2018, he hiked 4250km of the Pacific Crest Trail, which traverses the U.S. from Mexico to Canada. Through his walk, he realized the concept of "knowing your feet" and the importance of U.L. hiking.
In 2023, he plans to walk the Continental Divide Trail, a 5000 km trail located right through the middle of the United States.
YouTube_HIKER TIME
Instagram_@junki.hiker
F/CE. Designer
Satoshi Yamane
Destination
Saiko Camp Village Gnome
The Saiko Camp Village Gnome is right in front of Lake Saiko. You can bring your own kayak or other equipment to enjoy, including motorhomes.
Essential Gear
Takei burner
The Takei burner is easy to carry and is pretty warm. I mostly use kerosene fuel, so it is very useful for me. It has become quite expensive now, but it used to be affordable and easy to get.
Essential Gear
Thrymheim5
by NORDISK
This is a new model of tent by NORDISK, released earlier this year. It is comfortable for up to five people, I set it up with cots and other items without attaching the floor. Also, it’s got a high ceiling and is highly breathable, so using a stove inside isn’t a problem.
Outdoor Cuisine
Brian Bojsen’s
Danish outdoor cooking
When we camped in Silkeborg, Denmark, a Danish outdoor cook called Brian Bojsen came and cooked for us. He made enough for a large group and I was very impressed with the delicacy of the food.
He made enough for a large group and I was very impressed with the delicacy of the food. The plating of the food, the utensils, the taste, everything was wonderful. I'm glad I got to experience it.
Satoshi Yamane
F/CE. Designer
Owner of NORDISK CAMP SUPPLY STORE
After working as a designer for an apparel brand, he was involved in the establishment of the Japanese branch of CROCS.
In 2010, he established OPEN YOUR EYES Co., Ltd. with a view to sell apparel and other products.
In the same year, he founded the F/CE.® brand. In recent years, he has also been involved in various global brands as an external director and designer.
He also plays bass guitar in the music group "toe".
Website_fce.tools
Instagram_@satoshiyamane
Freelance Producer
Daisuke Oguchi
Destination
Akan River, Hokkaido
My favorite outdoor activity is fly fishing.
The place I frequent most often is the Akan river in Akan Mashu National Park in eastern Hokkaido.
As I walk slowly through the pristine forest, I often encounter a lot of wild animals, which makes me feel as if I am in a fairy tale world.
Essential Gear
Fly rod
by R.L WINSTON
This is a fly rod made by R.L. Winston, a fly rod manufacturer in Montana, U.S.A.
Many American rods are quite stiff, but this Winston rod is relatively flexible in comparison. The feeling when catching a fish with this rod is unforgettable.
I also like the beautiful green blank.
Outdoor Cuisine
Lamb chops
I don't do anything elaborate when I eat outdoors.
Just grilling good quality ingredients over charcoal is delicious.
If there is a good wine to accompany the food, nothing else is needed.
Nothing beats fresh, grilled lamb chops.
Daisuke Oguchi
Freelance Producer
Spent 24 years working in retail and marketing for outdoor brands at a major sports manufacturer before going freelance in 2016.
Focuses on nature-related projects in Tokyo, Nagano, and Hokkaido.
Instagram_@daisukeoguchi
CEO of ON GO.inc
KC Watanabe
Destination
Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido
For me, the greatest joy is driving through natural scenery.
I now have cars at home, in Yamanashi and in Hokkaido, and enjoy nature trips every day.
Daisetsuzan National Park is the largest national park in Japan and the best spot to travel while experiencing magnificent landscapes of mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests that are unlike anything else in Japan.
Essential Gear
Mobile strap
Multi-functional mobile strap, made of cuben fiber.
I try not to carry a bag and don't like having anything in my pockets, so when I go out I attach a strap to my phone, keys, and wallet.
When I have more luggage, I can also hook up my Cuben stuff sack to make it into a shoulder bag.
Outdoor Cuisine
Nabe with local ingredients
To be honest, I can't cook at all, so I usually leave it up to whoever I’m with… However, the nabe (one-pot) menu that we have at MOVING INN in Hokkaido, is excellent and uses all local ingredients.
It’s based in Tokachi which has an ocean, more pigs and horses than people, and a food self-sufficiency rate of 1,200%, making it a treasure trove of ingredients.
Eating seasonally with what is available locally, is my idea of good food.
KC Watanabe
CEO of ON GO.inc
Working under the mantra of "Symbiosis with Nature," "Rural Development," and "New Mobility”.
Constantly on the move between urban and wild landscapes, connecting people and ideas for new projects.
Producer for MOVING INN, a project that offers new ways to enjoy nature using cars and campervans.
Also involved in the production and planning of campervans and Multi Utility Vehicles (MUVs).
Instagram_@kcwtnb
Instagram_＠ongo.gram
Illustrator and thru-hiker
HIKER TRASH Director
Ryosuke Kawato
Destination
The camp site at Grand Canyon National Park
I crossed the Grand Canyon as part of the Arizona Trail in May of 2022.
At that time, we took a short detour to explore the Grand Canyon Trail, and the campsite we stayed at was amazing, with spectacular views and sense of solitude.
The major routes are popular and difficult to book, but everywhere else is easy to get a reservation because of the steepness of the trails and lack of water.
The Grand Canyon changes elevation rapidly as you descend the valley and the scenery changes with it. The campsites at the end of the canyon are just dry plains, but they are surrounded by majestic brown rock walls, and at night, the sky is filled with piercing stars. It was worth it.
National Park Service
Essential Gear
The PB Tarp 5×8 Factory Tuned
Hillbilly Pot 550
This is an aluminum cooker that I not only take with me on long trails overseas but also for both camping and overnight stays in the car.
Usually, I just boil water, but sometimes I want to cook fish or other food that I procured locally. For this purpose, non-stick aluminum is better than titanium.
I also like the size of the burner and the OD can that it can hold.
But actually, there is another reason: Mr. Ozaki of JMW, the manufacturer of this product, is a very nice guy. He laughs a lot and cries a lot.
He made this minimalist product out of respect for the culture of ultralight hiking. That is also important to me.
Outdoor Cuisine
Slow-grilled iwana
Recently, I went fly fishing for char fish in Ono City, Fukui Prefecture, and I enjoyed delicious grilled iwana (char fish) that a fishing buddy of mine cooked for me.
The preparation is very simple: remove the guts and gills of the iwana, rub with salt or pour boiling water over them to remove the sliminess, then pierce the fish with a thick bamboo skewer and grill it over a low flame for about four hours. This removes the water and concentrates the flavor of the fish, and the head and bones can be eaten crispy.
It is very fragrant and sweet, and a perfect match for sake.
Someday, I would like to cook grilled iwana over a bonfire by a mountain stream while reflecting on the day's fishing, but honestly, I am not sure if I will be able to resist eating it for four hours.
Ryosuke Kawato
Illustrator and thru-hiker
HIKER TRASH Director
Works as director for the outdoor brand HIKER TRASH, which embodies American hiking culture.
Also works as an illustrator and sketches while walking trails, earning him the nickname Sketch amongst hiking friends.
He has completed all three of the major long hiking trails in the United States.
Website_hikertrashjp.com
Instagram_@ryosuke_iwashi
