Sleep by the Stream — Okukoya · Mitani, 2 Days 1 Night | ROCK STEPPERS × MARS
A single day climbing a mountain stream is special enough on its own. But once you spend a night beside the flowing water, the stream stops being merely a place to climb. There is a kind of time here that a day trip can never give you.
This time, together with MARS guide Kentaro Shimmyo, we're holding a two-day, one-night streamside camping trip set in Okukoya and Mitani. We push on to a deep headwater you can't reach in a single day, and spend a night with nothing but the sound of running water. In the morning you wake in the cold air of the stream, and finally climb out onto the ridgeline of Mt. Obako. As the scenery shifts from stream to forest, and from forest to sky, it becomes a two-day mountain journey you simply can't have on a day trip.
You're also welcome to apply or ask questions in store.
Event Highlights
- Experience two days of "sleeping by the stream" that a day trip can't offer
- Spend a night at a deep headwater, then climb out to the ridgeline of Mt. Obako the next morning
- Open even to those with no experience of stream climbing or streamside camping (a guide is with you throughout)
- Helmet, harness, stream shoes, tent (or bivy sack / tarp), sleeping bag and mat available to rent
- A small group — limited to 5 people — so you can truly travel the stream
Two Days of "Traveling the Stream"
You carry your overnight gear and bring only what you truly need. The way time flows is completely different from a day-trip stream climb. Spend a night on a quiet stream, and the next morning work your way up the headwater to the ridge. Streamside camping is something even experienced stream climbers often haven't tried — and that's exactly why we want first-timers to experience it too.
Itinerary
Day 1 (August 12)
After meeting at JR Gojō Station, we drive to the village of Miura. We start climbing the stream and take about 5–6 hours to reach the headwater section, where we camp beside the stream.
Day 2 (August 13)
An early start. In about 3 hours we climb out to Mt. Obako, then descend along the mountain trail. After the descent, we drive back to Gojō Station and say our goodbyes.
Date & Meeting
Wednesday, August 12 – Thursday, August 13, 2026 · 2 days, 1 night
- Aug 12 (Wed) 8:00 — Meet at JR Gojō Station
- Aug 13 (Thu) around 16:00 — Disband at JR Gojō Station
What to Bring
- Helmet
- Harness
- Stream shoes
- Tent, bivy sack, tarp, etc.
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Eating utensils
- Headlamp
- Change of clothes
- Meals (please bring your own)
*Helmet, harness, stream shoes, tent (or bivy sack / tarp), sleeping bag and mat are available to rent. Please let us know in advance.
MARS — Guide Kentaro Shimmyo
Japan Mountain Guides Association — Mountain Guide Stage 1 / Ski Guide Stage 1
Born 1975, based in Nara City
Trail running and climbing are his life's work — a mountain guide who never stops evolving, refining how he uses his body to master new skills and devising his own training methods.
"In over 20 years of guiding, I've always thought about giving the people who join me more enjoyable, more fulfilling time in the mountains. What I arrived at is MARS. Using MARS as a stepping stone, I've prepared a range of programs so that as many people as possible can go on to practice diverse styles of mountaineering through all four seasons. I look forward to meeting you in the mountains."
Learn more about MARS here.
Event Details
| What | Streamside camping (stream climbing + an overnight at the headwater) · 2 days, 1 night / Okukoya, Mitani – Mt. Obako |
|---|---|
| Who can join | Open to those new to stream climbing and streamside camping. As it involves 5–6 hours of stream travel while carrying overnight gear, please consult us in advance if you have any concerns about your fitness. |
| Fee | 22,000 yen (tax included) *Transportation costs are split among participants |
| Capacity | 5 people |
| Rentals | Helmet, harness, stream shoes, tent (bivy / tarp), sleeping bag, mat (please let us know in advance) |
| Rain / high water | We decide based on the weather forecast up to the day before; if cancelled, we will contact you by 18:00 the previous day. |
| Guide | MARS — Guide Kentaro Shimmyo |
| Apply / Contact | Instagram DM (@rock.steppers) / in store / ROCK STEPPERS (info@rocksteppers.com · 072-940-7434) |
Apply / Inquiries
Feel free to reach out via Instagram DM or in store. If you'd like to rent gear, letting us know when you apply helps things go smoothly.