COMMUNITY

Yamatomichi HLC operates across eight regions, each led by a local ambassador.

But why divide by region? And why place ambassadors in each local area?
To answer that, we need to go back to the beginning—before Yamatomichi HLC even started.

Wanting to introduce more people to the culture of ultralight hiking, we set off on a journey to 24 locations across Japan. As we walked and shared, we also listened. In each place we visited, we learned about the land, the mountains, the mountain culture, and the people who live there.

We were struck by the incredible diversity of Japan’s natural landscapes. This island nation, stretching north to south and nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, is anything but uniform. Along with that rich variety in nature, we found equally diverse local mountain cultures—each with its own style, values, and even unwritten rules.

When we returned from the journey, one thing had become clear:
To truly share ultralight hiking, it has to be communicated in ways that fit each region.

While the fundamentals remain the same, ultralight hiking—which originated in the U.S.—has evolved uniquely in Japan. And even within Japan, it continues to grow in ways that reflect each region’s nature, culture, and community.

That’s why Yamatomichi HLC is now based in eight regions.

Starting in 2025, we aim to deepen the program by sharing more location-specific insights, examples, and practical guidance for embracing ultralight hiking—so that it can continue to evolve meaningfully across Japan.