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

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...

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....

Tenku no Torii: Kawaguchiko’s Torii in the Sky

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

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

For those looking to get off the beaten...

Dive into This Sea-side Artists’ Haven: The Onomichi Temple Walk and Literature Path

You know how some places just feel magical? Onomichi is exactly one of...
japan-wakayama-yunomine-onsen-hotspring-spa-kumanokodo-header

Things to do in Yunomine Onsen

Yunomine Onsen in Wakayama Prefecture Japan, like other countries...

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

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

An Autumn Stroll through Momijidani Park on Miyajima

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

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.
kiso-valley-tsumago

The Edo-era remains of Tsumago juku

Nagano is famous for its world-class ski fields but this prefecture's history runs...
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...

Nojiri Loop Course: 15km Loop Around A Glacial Lake

The summer haven of Lake Nojiri resides in...

Japan’s Castle in the Sky: Visit the Misty, Romantic Ruins of Takeda Castle

You may have already seen pictures of Takeda Castle. It's Japan’s “Castle in...

Kasuga Taisha Shrine: The 3,000 Lantern Shrine in Nara Deer Park

At first glance, Kasuga Taisha Shrine looks like the gateway to an ancient,...
shinsekai district osaka

Shinsekai District – An Osaka Walking Guide

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

Why Yanaka ‘Cat Town’ Is THE Place For Cat Lovers in Tokyo

If you’re coming to Tokyo and worry you’ll...

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...
A30 - Header

A Leisurely Yokohama Seashore Tour

After Japan opened to foreign trade in the middle of the 19th century,...
japan-wakayama-kumanokodo-pilgrimage-trail-walk

Hiking the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

The Kii Mountains of Wakayama prefecture, blanketed in dense, silent forests, tell a...
Tomogashima Island

Tomogashima: Japan’s Forgotten Fortress

In the mood for something different?  Japan is widely accepted...

Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour

Unlike Akihabara, which comprises the first part of this tour, Ueno offers a...
There's something for every hiker at Yakushima's Yakusugi Land!

Yakusugi Land: Hiking for All on Yakushima Island

Yakusugi Land offers a breathtaking Yakushima hiking experience for almost any level of fitness.

RECENT POSTS

MUST READ

POPULAR HIKING AND WALKING DESTINATIONS

MT. FUJI