Overview - Introduction

Information

A short presentation about the club basics with photos (shows hike level rating): OCJ_Presentation2009.pdf

Monthly Meetings/Social Nights

Casual event held on or near the Yamanote line in Tokyo so that members, guests and visitors can socialize - usually in a bar or restaurant. Sometimes we rent a community centre room for special events like an outdoor presentation, slideshow, movie, salsa etc. These are often followed by dinner or a drink (20-40 people).

Members

Over 200 members in 2008 and 300 expected in 2009... About 50% foreign and 50% Japanese (53% Japanese, 15% British/Australian, 12% American/Canadian, 10% Other European, 10% Asian). Most people are in their 20's, 30's or 40's but people of all ages are welcome.
People try to use both English and Japanese during meetings and events.

Club Mailing List (events [at] outdoorclubjapan [dot] com)

Event information is sent to members through a mailing list - this is the most important thing in the club. The website does not have all  event information or updates (sent to members directly using the mailing list). Members can post event information to all the other members, suggest or request events, ask questions about the club and sell outdoor gear.

At all times please refrain from sending moral, religious or judgmental opinions to everyone on the list - If you have an opinion you would like the author of a message to know, then please send a single addressed email to that person - not the mailing list.

NEW!

The event calendar can now accept reservations and comments on the event page. Organisers will soon be able to add their own events and manage registrations.

Events

Every weekend! Most kinds of outdoor activities and sports to social events that require no fitness.

Usually events are one or two days at weekends but sometimes during weekdays. There are longer camping, trekking and ski/snowboard events - some abroad. The number of people on an event varies a lot depending on the level of the event - from 3 to 50 on BBQ camp events. The average is about 6 to 8 people for most hiking trips.

Events are usually posted to the mailing list one week before the event date but can sometimes be a few days before or one month for large events.

We hope to introduce new people to outdoor activities in an international atmosphere; improve their fitness while gaining experience and having a great time!

75% of events are very easy and there are lots of fun events just to relax. Some are for experienced people and require a high level of fitness or technical ability (climbing for example) - there are events for all levels!

Event Organization

Events are organized by members - OCJ is a volunteer group, not a company or tour operator.
The club depends on ordinary members providing events for others and we hope new people will try and organize an event one day. Many organizers and experienced members of the club want to pass on their experience and skills the others.

At large events like BBQ camps and Christmas parties, members are expected to help out by cooking, cleaning or other small jobs. There are events almost every weekend and often a choice.

Event Database (List) & Event Planning (online sign up)

The main calendar shows most details, after that the event list is used as a database for reference later. People can use previous event details to help plan new events, or just browse and see what kind of events come in different seasons.

The event planning section can be used for larger events to collect information from members such as sign up list of names, coordinate menu details for a BBQ , dolphin swim timetable, member opinions...

NEW!!!

Event planning sections is now closed as the calendar can be used directly.

Event Level, Safety & Insurance

Each member should read the event details careful and judge for themselves if it is safe. It is highly recommended that all members get their own outdoor/mountain insurance in case of accident. The club does not have any kind of insurance.

All events are graded from very easy (beginner) to very hard (experience and/or fitness required). You can find more details in this special section HERE. Members are responsible for their own safety - not the club or organizers.

Cost (details on Join Club page)

OCJ is a non-profit club - the membership fee is used for managing the website, promoting the club, meeting rooms and outdoor equipment.

There is a small additional organizer fee to attend each outdoor event - from 500en/person for 1 day trips to 1,000en for multi-day trips. See the ' Join Club' page for more details.

Any commercial costs such as accommodation or for example, paragliding school costs, have to be paid by members at cost price.

Private OCJ Members Area - Social Networking Site

A Members Area social site to promote communication between club members;

1. Make a personal profile and upload your photo.
2. Join mini groups in the club such as climbing or running
3. Have open discussions
4. Send private messages to other members
5. Keep a blog
6. Chat
7. Photos and videos

Photo Gallery

This is used to share event photos and videos with other members - usually large size and large number of photos. Other members can download in zip files quickly and easily. See the gallery "About" page for details and the "How to Guide" page in club information.

Club History

The club was 'officially' started in March 2007 by Andrew Duggan who was the main organizer for 9 years in another club - also the president for 1 year.

Outdoor Club Japan (OCJ) has all the good ideas that members wanted but were blocked by the old club committee. It is a more open club with less politics or cliquey groups. The club has grown faster than any other, the trips are interesting, the atmosphere is good and lots of people participate. OCJ is a 'real' outdoor club but also has a strong social side - It's nice to have both!

I'm sure anyone who is willing to try something new will find that OCJ is a great club.

Club Reviews - What members say about the club

Review of OCJ members in a web magazine 'Fitness Japan'.

OCJ member's opinion

A survey of club members gave a lot of information that will help improve the club ... Here are a few of the topics discussed:

Are you happy with the club this year?

Happy 41%

It's Ok 54%

Not Happy 5%

Why did you choose OCJ as your preferred outdoor club?

Seems to be relax and serious in the same time and many activities are proposed
I knew some members, seems more open, less political than some other clubs
Info about the club available online
Tanosisou
Crazy people
Improvement on others
Because the places you went were very fascinative and I was interested in other cultures.
I joined solely for one reason: To do the Tateyama-Tsurugidake trip. It was my intention to return to solo hiking after that, but enjoyed the club enough to continue with it.
Different activities
Friends
Most info on internet
It sounds friendly, and like a good chance to meet many kinds of people and get out in the wild more.
I got to travel to new places
Its policy (not for profit, no politics), and friendly people like yourself!
Easy to organise own trip
Went to a movie meeting & seemed like a casual atmosphere, friendly people & not about making money
Because people seem really relax, nice and coooool
Looks well organised and Tokyo based
More activities than "ABC" club
Peter's ravings
Seemed like the trips listed on the I-net were interesting
More interesting activities compared to other clubs
Simplicity of creating and advertising events. Making my own events
Looks fun
Good pub nights
Member in the pictures on web-site seemed really to be having fun.
Outdoor plus international communication

What were your first impressions of the club?

Active club
Relax and Serious
Quite relaxed and casual, most members seemed friendly with each other
Awesome, because I knew Andy was running it.
Friendly
Good, people active and want to do things.
I went to a Christmas party first and I could make a new friend. So I was very fun.
For adventurous people
Less politics, more activity than "ABC..." club
Great so far. Only attended one event (Kintokiyama hike). Well-organized and met good people.
Hard to say given only been on one last minute trip.
Haven't done anything yet. However, the email lists are quite active.
Members are energetic and adventurous
Lots of fun nice people who like to drink and go to izakayas
"Friendly, accessible, reaching out to new-comers and open to beginners ("ABC..." club was opposite)"
Wild
Casual, nice, friendly people of all ages
Fun and nice people who knows good places (cf onsen in zao:)
New
Will find out tomorrow..
Great!
Lots of events, nice web site.
Lots of things going on. Tokyo-centered of course. Some trips get planned well in advance, but the majority seem to come together at the last second.
Modest and well-organized
Good, experienced, helpful and friendly people.
Glad to find people that wanted to experience Outdoors
Hiking was harder than expected but I enjoyed very much.
Fun people looking for like-minded souls
Friendly and open to a new member
Friendly, nice
Was good in general, but could be much better if the meeting was organized a little bit more.
Well organized, lots of trips - a good first impression.