Hiking in Japan is a phenomenal experience. The unique mountainous landscapes of each region promises sights of grandeur while the historical shrines which coexist seamlessly with nature grant trail-goers a peaceful respite from urban stresses.
When one imagines hiking in Japan, oftentimes Mount Fuji (富士山 Fujisan) is the first and only trail which comes to mind. Today, be enlightened: there is so much more to hiking in Japan than just climbing the iconic mountain!
Handpicked from Japan’s diverse array of trails, I’ve selected one from each region—Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa—offering nine exciting hikes to explore. Join me as we journey through the map of Japan through the lens of a hiker!
1. Hokkaido (北海道): Asahidake
We begin our hiking journey right at the tip of Japan—the region of Hokkaido. I had the chance to discover Asahidake (旭岳) when I was there, and up to this day, it remains one of my favourite travel moments.
Standing at 2,291m, Asahidake is the highest peak of the Daisetsuzan (大雪山) mountain range, and in all of Hokkaido. The trails are relatively easy to access with just a scenic ropeway ride up, although you’ll need a car to reach the ropeway station (parking available).
There are a few trails available: if you’re weak like me, you can opt for the 1.7km strolling course, which brings you around multiple observation decks, ponds, and snow-capped landscapes. If you’re more adventurous, you can choose from three different longer trails to continue your journey: to the Asahidake Summit, to the Tennyogahara hot springs, or to the Susoaidara Plateau.
No matter the trail you choose, be prepared to be blown away by the majestic views of cratered lakes, alpine flora and the surrounding mountains.
Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway (大雪山旭岳ロープウェイ)
Address: Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 071-1472
Access: From JR Asahikawa Station (旭川駅), it is a 1 hour and 10 minutes drive. Alternatively, take a 1.5-hour highway bus ride to the ropeway.
Note: Ropeway hours and fees vary each day. Please visit the official website for the latest schedule.
2. Tohoku (東北): Yamadera
Okay, I cheated on this one. This is not so much a hike, but a literal stair-climb. 1,015 steps of excruciating muscle aches. But either way, you’re still going to be traversing up a mountain for this one, alright? It’s still exhausting—so it counts!
Located in Yamagata Prefecture (山形県), Yamadera (山寺) (literal meaning: mountain temple) is a key Buddhist site dedicated to the deity Yakushi Nyorai—also known as the “Medicine Buddha”—who cures suffering using his teachings. Make a trip here to admire the mountaintop temples which cling almost precariously to the summit’s ridges, or to immerse yourself in the natural landscape, mesmerizing in all seasons.
It is said that in 1689, the legendary Japanese poet, Matsuo Basho (松尾 芭蕉), was so in awe of what he experienced at Yamadera that he wrote this haiku, famous throughout Japan: “ah this silence / sinking into the rocks / voice of cicada”. My personal experience reflected Basho’s portrayal—serene and jaw-dropping with every turn of the head.
Yamadera (山寺)
Address: 4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata 999-3301
Access: 5-minute walk from Yamadera Station (山寺駅).
3. Kanto (関東): Mount Jinba
Nearby Tokyo and away from the crowds of her more popular sister Mount Takao is the equally scenic Mount Jinba (陣馬山 Jinba-san), a hidden gem for city dwellers seeking a breath of fresh mountain air.
Mount Jinba isn’t a challenging hike—standing only at an elevation of 857m, this makes it perfect for the average hiking joe (like me). To reach the summit, one has to traverse through a lush forest, manoeuvring through verdant fauna for about an hour. Even on a gloomy day, an ethereal mist sets above the trees, granting the trail an almost spectral vibe.
At the top, you will be greeted by a monument of the mountain’s namesake: a literal Jinba (military horse). Enjoy some well-deserved food and drinks at the huts and teahouses dotting the summit while savouring panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Mount Jinba (陣馬山)
Address: Kamiongatamachi Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0156
Access: Fujino Station (藤野駅)
4. Chubu (中部): Tsugaike Nature Park
Picking out just a single hiking trail from the Chubu Region is a tough one—surrounded by mountains, valleys, and more mountains, choosing a trail in this region is a matter of preference and accessibility. You may have heard of Hakuba as the first choice for ski and snow activities amongst many local and foreign visitors alike in winter, and it’s certainly equally popular amongst hikers during the Green Season (late May to late October)!
For beginners like me, I’d recommend all to look no further than the Tsugaike Nature Park (栂池自然園 Tsugaike Shizenen) for a relaxing hiking experience amongst the glorious Hakuba Three Peaks (白馬三山 Hakuba Sanzan) with boardwalks.
Tsugaike Nature Park is one of Japan’s highest wetlands, and while the scenery at the park is in and within itself breathtaking, the views you’ll catch while on the ropeway up from Tsuga Daimon Station to Shizenen Station will leave you wanting more!
While it’s no Mount Shirouma—standing at 2,932m as the 26th-tallest mountain in Japan and the tallest of the Hakuba Three Peaks—hikers will get to see majestic views of Japan’s Northern Alps at every turn of the head. Even in the autumn season, Tsugaike Nature Park promises grand views like such:
Tsugaike Nature Park (栂池自然園)
Address: Chikuniotsu, Otari, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano 399-9422
Dates: Early June to late October (Green Season, annually)
Nearest station: Hakuba Station (白馬駅)
5. Kansai (関西): Kumano Kodo
A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kumano Kodo (熊野古道) is a legendary pilgrimage route weaving through the Kii Peninsula (紀伊半島), connecting the prefectures of Osaka, Nara, Wakayama and Mie. Buddhist monks and other religious pilgrims have walked the roads of the Kumano Kodo since a thousand years ago. When you hike this trail, which will take you through breathtaking cedar forests, picturesque valley views, small villages and historical shrines, you will have walked the footsteps of Japan’s many ancestors.
There are four beautiful routes to choose from at multiple entry points around the Kii Peninsula—the Nakahechi Imperial route, Kohechi Mountainous route, Ohechi Coastal route and Iseji Eastern route. Definitely a cultural treat.
Kumano Kodo (熊野古道)
Address: Refer here
Access: Refer here
6. Chugoku (中国): Mount Daisen
Our next hiking destination brings us to the highest point of Chugoku, which peaks at a height of 1,729m. While trekking in this trail, you will come across bounds of beech and yew trees.
Be greeted with sprawling views of Tottori Prefecture (鳥取県) as you immerse yourself in the spiritual energy Mount Daisen (大山) offers: long used by the Yamabushi (山伏)—Japanese mountain ascetic hermits—as a spiritual training ground, hikers are invited to seek solace in the multiple shrines and temples which dot the trail.
Nearby Mount Daisen also lies the beautiful Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography (植田正治写真美術館) which epic architecture cleverly incorporating the landscape of Mount Daisen is an experience not to be missed.
Mount Daisen (大山)
Address: Daisen, Saihaku District, Tottori 689-3318, Japan
Access: 1 hour by bus from Yonago Station (米子駅).
7. Shikoku (四国): Iya Valley
Located deep within Tokushima Prefecture (徳島), Iya Valley (祖谷渓 Iyakei) is known for its amazing valleys, mountainside hot springs, and the historical Ochiai Village (落合集落). Traditionally the Japanese would cross the mountains and valleys using vine bridges. Visitors to the Iya Valley will have the chance to cross the Iya-Kozurabashi (祖谷かずら橋) and Oku-Iya Kozurabashi (奥祖谷二重かずら橋) bridges, which are considered some of the more popular tourist spots.
Iya Valley is also home to Tokushima’s tallest mountain Mount Tsurugi (剣山 Tsurugi-san), which offers easy to moderate hiking trails for beginners and novices alike to try out. It’s a 15-minute lift ride to the top where most of the hiking trails start, and the peak can be reached in an hour’s hike.
Also part of the Iya Valley is the Ochiai Village which is a preserved district with ancient constructs that date back well over 200 years. If you are looking for a place to lodge overnight for the full historic experience, there are eight thatched roof houses of Togenkyo-Iya (桃源郷祖谷) in the village available, all of which are beautifully refurbished and refurnished with modern kitchens.
Iya Valley (祖谷渓)
Address: 166 Nishiiyayamamura Nakao, Miyoshi-shi, Tokushima 778-0102
Nearest stations: Awa-Ikeda Station (阿波池田駅) / Oboke Station (大歩危駅)
8. Kyushu (九州): Mount Aso
Next we head to Kyushu to conquer Mount Aso (阿蘇山 Aso-san), which is Japan’s largest active volcano located in the center of Kyushu. Mount Aso most recently erupted in 2016, and being an active volcano you are guaranteed a treat for your eyes in the form of a spectacularly diverse landscape filled with grey rocks, crevasses and a smokey caldera, likening Mount Aso to that of the moon.
Within the craters unique minerals have transformed the hot springs into a milky colour which adds to the otherworldly view. Fulfill all your dreams of starring in a Star Wars/Star Trek film by hiking on one of Mount Aso’s awe-inspiring trails.
Mount Aso (阿蘇山)
Address: Mount Aso, Takawara, Aso, Kumamoto 869-2223
Access: From Aso Station (阿蘇駅), it is a 45-minute drive. Alternatively, there are buses from Aso Station that run every 1-2 hours.
9. Okinawa (沖縄) : Mount Omoto
If you’re seeking a peaceful respite from the bustle of life, this secluded one might just be up your alley.
We will now head to Mount Omoto (於茂登岳 Omoto-dake), Okinawa’s highest mountain, which stands at 525.5m (1,724 ft) above sea level, and is also the source of two vital rivers (Miyara and Nagura) which provide Ishigaki Island (石垣島) with its main drinking and agricultural water.
The upward hike might be challenging for travellers who are not accustomed to steep slopes or climbing a huge flight of stairs, but we guarantee that the sweat and (possible) tears will be worth it. Offering a different tropical visage as compared to the Japanese mainland, enjoy a waterfall on your way up and be rewarded with a sprawling overlook of Ishigaki Island.
The hike up to the summit takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours on average—and just a friendly piece of advice, please do not attempt the hike under rainy conditions, as it may turn into a slippery mud bath. Safety first!
Mount Omoto (於茂登岳)
Address: Mount Omoto, Fukai, Ishigaki, Okinawa 907-0451
Access: From the nearest bus stop “Omoto Bus Stop”, the trailhead is about 30 minutes on foot. Alternatively, you can get to the trailhead by car (limited parking available at the entrance).
Bonus: Shikoku Pilgrimage
BONUS TRAIL, just for you!
Cheated slightly on this, as it isn’t really a hiking trail per se. It’s more accurately a mish-mash of trails which connects the 88 ‘official’ temples and sacred sites which have been designated as milestones along the Shikoku Pilgrimage (四国遍路 Shikoku Henro). Specially designed to provide spiritual seekers and adventure lovers an immersive experience of Shikoku’s nature and culture, this is a journey not to be missed if you are searching for a truly rejuvenating trip of a lifetime.
Completing the entire pilgrimage on foot will take one about six weeks (covering an average of 30km/day) but there’s really no hard and fast way to complete it. Many travellers cover select parts of the pilgrimage (made easy with the multiple resources offered on their website) and public transport is always available as an alternative! But the truest, most authentic form is by good ol’ fashioned walking—certainly one to consider for the bucket list. Learn more about the Shikoku Pilgrimage Here.
We’ve made it—10 AMAZING hiking trails to fill up your bucket list when you finally reach the Land of the Rising Sun! And we’re only scratching the tip of the Japanese hiking iceberg.
Are you inspired to hit the trails in Japan? Because I certainly am, and my calf muscles are fired and ready to go!
Time to start training up in preparation for days and days of nature and the Japanese fresh air! Until then, I will be eyeing my nearest Decathlon and keeping a list of all the hiking gear I’ll need to get. Happy hiking, readers.
Header image credit: Celia Lim
