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
Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness
If you’re looking to get a taste of cozy bistros and trendy cafés,...
Mount Omuro: Volcanic Archery and the Fiery Yamayaki Festival
My fiancé and I were riding high. We’d just finished playing with baby...
An Autumn Stroll through Momijidani Park on Miyajima
Just a short ferry ride from Hiroshima, Miyajima island is a paradise for...
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...
Half-day Kyoto Walking Tour Part 1: Gion to Kodaiji Temple
Looking for a short walking route in Kyoto that will give you real...
Why Yanaka ‘Cat Town’ Is THE Place For Cat Lovers in Tokyo
If you’re coming to Tokyo and worry you’ll...
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...
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...
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park: The Perfect Wintery Day Trip
The smell of sulfur gradually seeps through the air, and steam rises up...
Nojiri Loop Course: 15km Loop Around A Glacial Lake
The summer haven of Lake Nojiri resides in...
A Towering Torii Gate and The Grand Shrine: Day 3 of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route
Tsugizakura oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha
Tomogashima: Japan’s Forgotten Fortress
In the mood for something different?
Japan is widely accepted...
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?
A Leisurely Yokohama Seashore Tour
After Japan opened to foreign trade in the middle of the 19th century,...
Shiratani Unsuikyo and Kokemusu Mori: Yakushima’s Magical Moss Valley
Lose yourself in Shiratani Ravine and Kokemusu Moss Forest on Yakushima, the island that inspired Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke.
Shinsekai District – An Osaka Walking Guide
Despite Tokyo being known for its blend of old and new Japan, Osaka...
Frittering About in Fukuoka: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 10
Sometimes, the best days of a vacation are the ones where things fail...
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...
Visiting Nachisan and Kumano Nachi Taisha
While there are many religions in Japan, the...
First Steps of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route: Day 1
Of the many routes of the Kumano Kodo trail, the Nakahechi Route is...
Mt. Mitake: A One-Day Itinerary for Nature and Serenity
When the excitement of Tokyo has gotten to be too much, head to...
Our Guide To Getting Around Naoshima Art Island
Japan's Art Island has a few pockets of attractions, so chances are you're...
The Edo-era remains of Tsumago juku
Nagano is famous for its world-class ski fields but this prefecture's history runs...
Sapporo Shines with 730,000 Lights This Winter
Visiting Hokkaido in winter? Head to Sapporo for some epic illuminations at the...