COMMUNITY
Yamatomichi HLC is a community that shares the joy of ultralight hiking, pursues its possibilities, and builds its culture.
Activities are carried out at eight locations, including seven across Japan and one in Taiwan, with each area managed by local ambassadors. Various programs are conducted to build richer connections between hiking, life, and community.
John Lin (林政翰) serves as the ambassador for HLC Taiwan. He runs Miasan Outdoor Center, where he leads workshops on hiking and alpine mountaineering and manages mountain huts.
For over 20 years, John has also been learning traditional mountain living skills from the Bunun, one of Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples. He is also known for translating and publishing key ultralight hiking literature into Taiwanese, such as Ultralight Backpackin’ Tips by Mike Clelland. His work has made him one of the leading figures in Taiwan’s ultralight hiking community.
The base of HLC Taiwan, HLC Place samplus, is a hiking gear shop in Taipei produced by the select shop COW Records. It also serves as Yamatomichi’s official store in Taiwan, carrying our full product lineup. The attached design studio, Raying Studio, is led by KOH BODY, who may be familiar to you through his graphic work for the Yamatomichi JOURNAL.
Taiwan is a mountain paradise—roughly the size of Kyushu, but home to dramatic ranges on par with Japan’s Northern Alps. You can enjoy hiking in Taiwan through our Yamatomichi Hiking Permit Support Service, or join an HLC Taiwan program and connect with fellow Taiwanese hikers
AREA
HLC locations
PROGRAM
Upcoming programs
Currently the below application forms are only available in Japanese. Please view the page with a translating engine of your choosing or with a good friend who reads Japanese.
Although all our events are of course open to anyone regardless of your Japanese level, please understand that English might not be spoken. If you are interested in signing up but not sure which event is for you, feel free to contact us and we will help you out.
PROGRAM CATEGORY
7 different programs categories to choose from
BASIC
The first step to joining Yamatomichi HLC is the 'Ultralight Hiking Lecture for Beginners,' an introductory classroom-style course on ultralight hiking. After completing the lecture, participants gain access to the 'Ultralight Hiking Workshop for Beginners,' a 1-night, 2-day hiking experience.PRACTICE
PRACTICE is the climax event of our HLC programs. In this program, ambassadors and participants collaborate, tackling challenging ultralight style hikes as a team. Completion of the BASIC program is required to join.AMBASSADOR'S SIGNATURE
A program that combines ultralight hiking with other outdoor activities in each ambassador’s area of expertise, such as bike packing, fastpacking, backcountry skiing, Tenkara fishing, etc.GUEST SEMINAR
A variety of guest speakers are invited to share valuable knowledge and techniques for hikers, covering topics such as meal preparation, DIY gear creation (MYOG), and insights from long-distance trail experiences.LOCAL STUDY HIKING
‘LOCAL STUDY HIKING’ offers fresh insights and perspectives on trails by exploring the history and background of the area. This program takes place on the trail, with participants learning as they hike.LIFE & COMMUNITY
This category highlights programs about life and community. We organize 'MEET UP' events and other initiatives focused on lifestyle and community building, all with a strong connection to ultralight hiking.SHOP/STAFF/PRODUCTS
A category featuring programs centered around Yamatomichi products and our shop, as well as programs that leverage the unique personalities of our staff.
HLC Program Reports
Journals showcasing Yamatomichi HLC activities
NEWS
HLC news
