HIKING AND WALKING

HIKING AND WALKING

Perhaps it’s not widely known, but hiking and walking in Japan is both abundant and spectacular thanks to the terrain. The towering peaks and undulating hills have long been traversed on pilgrimages such as the Kumano Kodo, Mount Fuji climb and the ancient Nakasendo trail. However, this national pastime is still very much prevalent today. Day-trips and short hikes are possible from major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. There are also a number of multi-day hikes all across the countryside. For those looking for something a little lower impact, the cities themselves have plenty of parks and gardens to explore. Read on for some of our favourite places for walking and hiking in Japan.

POPULAR POSTS

Don’t Miss Tokyo’s Dreamiest Cherry Blossom Spot: Meguro River

Tiny and sweet, cherry blossoms are a sure-fire symbol of spring, and in...

Enryaku-ji Temple: Mt Hiei’s Hidden Wonder

Enryaku-ji is a mountain temple hidden plain sight! Deep in the cedar forests of Mount Hiei, it's a place to enjoy nature and tranquility.
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

Art Deco in Tokyo’s Ex-Imperial Forest: The Teien Art Museum and Institute for Nature Study

Fan of Art Deco? Nature lover? Want to tread in the footsteps of...

Half-day Kyoto Walking Tour Part 2: Kodaiji Temple to Kiyomizudera

This Kyoto walking tour brings you from the Kodaiji complex to Kiyomizudera. An...

Art is Literally Everywhere You Look on Naoshima

Naoshima is more commonly known as Japan’s ‘art island’, and for good reason....

Meet Daisetsuzan Mountain Range’s Panorama of Autumn Colors

Hiking in Hokkaido during autumn? Prepare for a spectacular display of colours at...

Our Guide To Getting Around Naoshima Art Island

Japan's Art Island has a few pockets of attractions, so chances are you're...

Heading North? Check Out This Massive 6-Pointed Star Fort: Goryokaku in Hakodate

Ah, Hokkaido. Japan’s great white north. The country’s mysterious, Northern-most island draws skiers...

Hakuba’s Happo One Hike: Autumn Edition

Looking to stretch our legs on a recent...
japan-wakayama-kumanokodo-pilgrimage-trail-walk-day1-takijiri-takahara-header

First Steps of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route: Day 1

Of the many routes of the Kumano Kodo trail, the Nakahechi Route is...
Kiso by Bruno Carrillo

Japanese Country Town Profile: One Day In Kiso Fukushima

If you’re planning a trip to the Kiso Valley, perhaps to walk the...
shinsekai district osaka

Shinsekai District – An Osaka Walking Guide

Despite Tokyo being known for its blend of old and new Japan, Osaka...

Mount Omuro: Volcanic Archery and the Fiery Yamayaki Festival

My fiancé and I were riding high. We’d just finished playing with baby...

Shibuya’s Underbelly: A Walk Through Love Hotel Hill and Dogenzaka

Shibuya may have the reputation of being a teen shopping mecca with a...

A Great Half-Day Hike Near Kyoto: the Kibune – Kurama Hike

Looking for a way to enjoy nature, soak up culture and get some...
This tranquil waterwheel is in Hidaka's Kinchaku field. The red spider lily festival is held in the area.

Visiting Hidaka (Japan’s Secret Korea) and Hiking the Mt. Hiwada, Mt. Takasashi, and Mt. Monomi Trail

It was time to get my hike on. A whirlwind of days in...

It’s Safe to Visit This Active Volcano in Kagoshima: Sakurajima Volcano

With thousands of minor eruptions each year, Sakurajima easily ranks among the most...

High Risk Touristing: Visiting Kumamoto’s Active Volcano, Mount Aso

Driving through the Kumamoto countryside, the rolling green hills slowly deteriorate into a...

Getting Lucky in Nagano: Visiting The Seven Gods of Good Fortune

In Japanese mythology, there are Seven Gods of Luck (Shichi-fuku-jin) who are believed...

Onomichi Cat Alley is a Cat Lover’s Paradise: Prepare to Lose your Mind

If Studio Ghibli were inspired by a real town, Onomichi would be it....

Forest Bathing in Japan’s First National Forest: Akasawa Natural Recreational Forest

There’s nothing more soothing than spending a day in nature; I’ve always thought...

Visiting Nachisan and Kumano Nachi Taisha

While there are many religions in Japan, the...

Three Instagrammable Tokyo Photo Spots You Can’t Miss

Photography is a hobby of mine, a long running interest that I’ve had...
Much of Zamami's coastline is comprised of sandy beaches and coral reef.

Zamami and its Many Beaches: Okinawa Without a Car Day 2

While some visitors to Okinawa never leave the main island, travelers in search...

RECENT POSTS

MUST READ

POPULAR HIKING AND WALKING DESTINATIONS

MT. FUJI