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

Experience Old-fashioned Tokyo on a Walking Tour Of Yanaka

On any given day, you can count on the main tourist areas of...

The Nakasendo Trail: 1 day hike from Magome to Tsumago

Picture this: you're a feudal lord (daimyo) with land, money and power within...

Forest Bathing With Elephants At Lake Nojiri’s ‘Zo No Komichi’

One of the best nature escapes on Japan’s...

Hakuba’s Happo One Hike: Autumn Edition

Looking to stretch our legs on a recent...

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...
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...
The New National Stadium Tokyo

Aoyama Trek: A Nature and Architecture Walk

Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis with countless landscapes to explore. Besides the main...
A30 - Header

A Leisurely Yokohama Seashore Tour

After Japan opened to foreign trade in the middle of the 19th century,...
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...

City Strolling: Meandering to Uji Shrine

Uji City isn't exactly 'unknown' - however, this mini-city retains a quiet charm that’s becoming increasingly hard to find in modern Japan.

Tokyo’s Favourite Day Hike: Mount Takao (Takaosan)

Offering scenic hiking trails, a popular monkey park, and ancient shrines, it's no...

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park: The Perfect Wintery Day Trip

The smell of sulfur gradually seeps through the air, and steam rises up...

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

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

Sakurajima: A Casual Stroll Around Japan’s Most Active Volcano

Looming over the seaside city of Kagoshima, Sakurajima is Japan's most active volcano. But is this rumbly island actually safe to visit?

Tokyo’s Secret Wilderness: Exploring Todoroki Valley

Todoroki Valley is one of Tokyo’s best-kept secrets. Had your fill of busy...

A Family-Friendly Hike (And More!) on Hodosan

Tokyo is home to an impressive array of parks, gardens and green spaces,...

Tenku no Torii: Kawaguchiko’s Torii in the Sky

If you’re looking for breathtaking Mount Fuji views while in Kawaguchiko, perhaps you’ve...

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...

Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness

If you’re looking to get a taste of cozy bistros and trendy cafés,...
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...
japan-wakayama-kumanokodo-pilgrimage-trail-walk-nakahechi-day5-koguchi-nachi

The Pacific Ocean, a Pagoda and a Waterfall: Day 5 of Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route

The final day of the Kumano Kodo on...

Island Hopping in Okinawa: Where to Go and How to Do It

There are a thousand reasons to love Okinawa. However, there’s no need to...

Our Guide To Getting Around Naoshima Art Island

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

RECENT POSTS

MUST READ

POPULAR HIKING AND WALKING DESTINATIONS

MT. FUJI