If you read the Japan Times you've probably seen Alice Gordenker’s witty offbeat column, “So What the Heck Is That.”
Alice gives awesome bilingual tours to fascinating places in Japan, and has received a government subsidy to offer her next outing, to Tanzawa, at half the cost. The November 28–29 program is in need of one more participant to make it happen. See link here and sign up if interested!
https://alicegordenker.wordpress.com/2015/11/10/tanzawa-mountains/

The itinerary is more activity oriented (witnessing a rare shrine dance, making soba noodles, etc.) than strenuous hiking, and Alice’s tours always attract a lively bunch of interesting people.

Wow, this sounds wonderful, Susan! It's a pity I already have plans on the Sunday or I'd be signing up!

Doesn't it though! Yes, seems like it's a tough weekend, with many other events on. I attended a one-day hike to Oyama that Alice conducted last month. It was soooooo much fun. I learned so much—from Alice, and the other participants too.