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
An Autumn Stroll through Momijidani Park on Miyajima
Just a short ferry ride from Hiroshima, Miyajima island is a paradise for...
Hiking the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
The Kii Mountains of Wakayama prefecture, blanketed in dense, silent forests, tell a...
The Pacific Ocean, a Pagoda and a Waterfall: Day 5 of Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route
The final day of the Kumano Kodo on...
Tomogashima: Japan’s Forgotten Fortress
In the mood for something different?
Japan is widely accepted...
Looking for an Overnight Trip from Tokyo? Our Guide to Lake Kawaguchiko
While many of Tokyo’s visitors flock to Hakone, Lake Kawaguchiko to its North...
All The Matsumoto Highlights In This One Day Itinerary
Matsumoto is a castle city, surrounded by the...
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...
The Edo-era remains of Tsumago juku
Nagano is famous for its world-class ski fields but this prefecture's history runs...
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...
Mount Omuro: Volcanic Archery and the Fiery Yamayaki Festival
My fiancé and I were riding high. We’d just finished playing with baby...
Ambling Asakusa Tour: A Tour of Old Tokyo Part 3
After a leisurely boat ride along the Sumida River, you will arrive in...
Teahouse Remains and Sweeping Views: Day 4 of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route
Although the pilgrimage was technically complete at Hongu, we wanted the sense of...
A Great Half-Day Hike Near Kyoto: the Kibune – Kurama Hike
Looking for a way to enjoy nature, soak up culture and get some...
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...
Zamami and its Many Beaches: Okinawa Without a Car Day 2
While some visitors to Okinawa never leave the main island, travelers in search...
High Risk Touristing: Visiting Kumamoto’s Active Volcano, Mount Aso
Driving through the Kumamoto countryside, the rolling green hills slowly deteriorate into a...
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....
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...
Why Yanaka ‘Cat Town’ Is THE Place For Cat Lovers in Tokyo
If you’re coming to Tokyo and worry you’ll...
A Towering Torii Gate and The Grand Shrine: Day 3 of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route
Tsugizakura oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha
Tokyo’s Favourite Day Hike: Mount Takao (Takaosan)
Offering scenic hiking trails, a popular monkey park, and ancient shrines, it's no...
Forest Bathing With Elephants At Lake Nojiri’s ‘Zo No Komichi’
One of the best nature escapes on Japan’s...
Sapporo Shines with 730,000 Lights This Winter
Visiting Hokkaido in winter? Head to Sapporo for some epic illuminations at the...
Aoyama Trek: A Nature and Architecture Walk
Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis with countless landscapes to explore. Besides the main...