Local News

A new rock climbing facility opened in Chikuho Grasslands (Chikuho Ryokuchi) in Iizuka Niho City. The facility’s climbing wall is 3m high and 10m wide with two sides– a flat surface for beginners, and a bumpier surface for more experienced climbers. The facility was built as the vision of 82 year old mountain climber, Sunao Nagai, who wants to provide more opportunities rock climbers. According to Mr. Nagai, the Chikuho area once attracted many mountain climbers, due to the mining business in the area, however there were no facilities where climbers could train. He hopes the new facility will encourage more rock climbers to train for national competitions. There are usually two trained staff members at the facility, who can assist visitors and teach basic rock climbing skills. A free seminar will be held on the topic of rock climbing on Nov. 18 at 13:00. Address: 8-25 Niho, Iizuka City. Source: http://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nnp/item/334408