One of the top travel destinations of the world, Japan, is not a country you would not ideally think of as a trekking destination. But blessed with unbelievable natural beauty, it is home to a surprising number of awesome trekking, hiking, and mountaineering areas. Trails passing through verdant countryside, wooded mountain slopes, alpine meadows, and past glacial lakes, volcanic peaks, ancient temples and shrines, well-preserved old towns, etc. are located here. Observe local flora and fauna, take in scenic views, stay at traditional inns, and experience authentic Japanese culture and hospitality while trekking in this country. From leisurely day treks to extreme, multi-day high altitude trekking expeditions, Japan is an avid trekker’s paradise. For the best experience, take a look at our suggestions for the best trekking routes in Japan.
1. Summit Mount Fuji, Shizuoka
Standing tall at 3,776 metres (12,388 feet) is Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji. Trekkers, climbers, and mountaineers from across the world come to Japan to summit this picturesque mountain. An active volcano lies beneath the snow-clad peak of Mount Fuji and the mountain is open only during a small window of time during the year, generally July to September. Easily accessible from Tokyo, you can choose four different colour-coded trails to take you to the summit. The trek can be completed in one day but the sunrise trek is the most popular option here.
Mount Fuji
Address: Kitayama, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka 418-0112, Japan
Website: Mount Fuji
2. Mount Takao, Tokyo (from USD 114.0)
Located within metropolitan Tokyo, Mount Takao is a popular hiking and trekking destination for locals. 599 metres (1965 feet) tall, Mt. Takao has several hiking trails, some paved and many unpaved, to take trekkers to the top. The way to the summit affords beautiful scenery of the surrounding forested hills, Tokyo city, and as far as Mount Fuji on clear days. Most popular times to trek the mountain are during cherry blossom season and autumn when the spectacular fall foliage can be seen in all its glory. Weekends are also very busy at Mount Takao.
Full Day Hiking Tour at Mt.Takao including Hot Spring
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
3. Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage, Shikoku Island
Though officially a pilgrimage site, Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage is also a popular trekking route in Japan. Situated on Shikoku island, this pilgrimage route is about 1,200 km (745 miles) long with 88 Buddhist temples and other sacred sites along the way. On the Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage, experience walking on centuries-old paths, take in mesmerising scenery, see the natural beauty of Shikoku, stay at local inns and temples, interact with friendly locals, visit hot spring baths (onsen), and more. Trekking on this pilgrimage route at a moderate pace can take up to six weeks to complete the entire route.
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4. Nakasendo, Nagano
The longest of the five roads connecting Kyoto to Tokyo during the Edo period of Japan was Nakasendo. A part of the present Nakasendo Highway is now known as the Nakasendo trail that is popular with trekkers in Nagano prefecture. It passes through mountains, forests valleys, and post towns. Trekkers can wander through this scenic trail while enjoying pretty views of Kiso Valley and its forests, rice fields, farmhouses, Shinto shrines, monuments, and traditional post towns with wooden structures that retain their ancient charm - all allowing trekkers to get a glimpse of old Japan.
Nakasendo
5. Shiretoko, Hokkaido
On the beautiful island of Hokkaido is the Shiretoko peninsula that is home to abundant plant and animal life. A series of volcanoes are present on the peninsula, including the highest peak, Mount Rausu. Trekkers can enjoy unspoiled beauty of the area while trekking through Shiretoko National Park here. During a multi-day trekking trip, you can see beautiful lakes, wildlife like deer, brown bears, foxes, etc. and observe the diverse ecosystem of Shiretoko.
Shiretoko
Address: Onnebetsumura, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido 099-4356, Japan
6. Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes, Wakayama
One of the popular pilgrimage routes in western Japan, Kumano Kodo in Wakayama prefecture involves about four to five days of trekking to complete. This network of 1,000-year-old pilgrimage routes passes through mountains and verdant countryside with several shrines and temples along the way. Trekkers can choose from several different routes like coastal, mountainous, bamboo forests, isolated areas, etc. depending on their physical ability and time constraints. Each route provides different scenic vistas and cultural experiences.
7. Mount Nokogiri, Chiba (from USD 270.0)
Meaning ‘saw mountain’ due to its saw-toothed slopes, Mount Nokogiri is one of the three most prominent mountains in Chiba prefecture on the outskirts of Tokyo. Two trails are available to take you to the top of the mountain - one with steps and another with a winding path. See beautiful ruins of a quarry from the Edo period, several small and two giant Buddha statues, temples, and numerous lookout points along the way, providing breathtaking views of Tokyo Bay and Mount Fuji from the top.
Mt Nokogiri Private Full-Day Hike from Narita
Duration: 10 hours
8. Basho Tour, Hokkaido
Posted by Walk Japan Ltd. on Wednesday, 3 July 2019
In beautiful Hokkaido, trekkers can walk in the footsteps of the famous wandering poet, Basho, while going on the Basho Tour. Stretching across several kilometres, this multi-day trek will take you through lush forests covered in verdant foliage and giant cedar trees, beautiful countryside, ancient Shinto shrines, traditional Japanese gardens, mesmerising scenery, etc. Walk on largely undulating terrain, stay in traditional Japanese inns with onsen (thermal hot spring) baths, and sample the local cuisine.
9. Kamikochi, Nagano
Situated within Chūbu-Sangaku National Park in Nagano prefecture is the alpine wonderland of Kamikochi. In the Japanese Alps, go trekking into the mountains across a wide variety of terrain and geography. Follow various trails and courses past breathtaking alpine scenery. Several different peaks can be summited here, depending on your physical capabilities. Visit in the autumn for beautiful fall foliage or spring for fresh blooms.
Kamikochi Day Trip from Tokyo, Japan - Klook Singapore
Duration: 1 Day(s) Duration
10. Yakushima, Kagoshima (from USD 461.0)
Located to the south of Kyushu island is the Yakushima island in Kagoshima prefecture. Registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, the island has a distinct ecosystem comprised of beautiful forests filled with 1,000-year-old Yaku cedars and stones covered in moss. People come from far and wide to trek through the forest, especially to see the Jomon cedar that is said to be more than 2,000 years old. Several trails pass through the forest, on the slopes of a mountain and past a picturesque gorge. Trekkers can also enjoy walking alongside half-a-century-old tram road on one of the trails in Yakushima.
Yakusugi Cedar Forest Walking Tour on Yakushima Island
Duration: 6 hours
11. Japan Alps, Nagano
On the island of Honshu in the Nagano prefecture are situated breathtakingly beautiful mountain ranges called the Japanese Alps. In the alpine wonderland of these mountains, endless trekking opportunities await you, especially in the Kamikochi area. Visitors can go on leisurely day treks or multiple-day trekking adventures in the mountains, all the while taking in the magnificent mountain scenery. High-altitude alpine lakes and plateaus, majestic wilderness, snow-capped peaks, and native flora and fauna are all part of the Japanese Alps trekking experience.
The Japanese Alps Trek, Nagano - 6 days | 4 day hike
Duration: 6 days
Go trekking in Japan
Beautiful countryside, volcanic peaks, and nature-rich trails await avid trekkers in Japan. Spread across the length and breadth of this amazing country, you can choose from a wide variety of areas to go trekking. And with our list of best trekking routes in Japan, you can be sure to have an awesome trekking experience.
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