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

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

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

Mt. Mitake: A One-Day Itinerary for Nature and Serenity

When the excitement of Tokyo has gotten to be too much, head to...

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

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

Nojiri Loop Course: 15km Loop Around A Glacial Lake

The summer haven of Lake Nojiri resides in...

Art is Literally Everywhere You Look on Naoshima

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

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.

Mount Omuro: Volcanic Archery and the Fiery Yamayaki Festival

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

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.

All The Matsumoto Highlights In This One Day Itinerary

Matsumoto is a castle city, surrounded by the...

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park: The Perfect Wintery Day Trip

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

Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness

If you’re looking to get a taste of cozy bistros and trendy cafés,...

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

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

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...

The Nakasendo Trail: 1 day hike from Magome to Tsumago

Picture this: you're a feudal lord (daimyo) with land, money and power within...
japan-wakayama-kumanokodo-pilgrimage-trail-walk-nakahechi-day2-takahara-tsugizakura

Monkeys and Ancient Cedar Trees on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route: Day 2

Takahara to Tsugizakura-oji The Takahara...

Togakushi Kodo: A Spiritual Off-The-Beaten-Path Journey

For those looking to get off the beaten...

An Autumn Stroll through Momijidani Park on Miyajima

Just a short ferry ride from Hiroshima, Miyajima island is a paradise for...

Tokyo Day Trip: Koedo, Kawagoe’s Breath of Edo

We hear music in the distance. Drums beat and flutes whistle a traditional...

Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour

Unlike Akihabara, which comprises the first part of this tour, Ueno offers 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...

Tenku no Torii: Kawaguchiko’s Torii in the Sky

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

Experience Old-fashioned Tokyo on a Walking Tour Of Yanaka

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

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

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

Meet Daisetsuzan Mountain Range’s Panorama of Autumn Colors

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

RECENT POSTS

MUST READ

POPULAR HIKING AND WALKING DESTINATIONS

MT. FUJI