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

Meet Daisetsuzan Mountain Range’s Panorama of Autumn Colors

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

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...

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour

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

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...
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...

Experience Old-fashioned Tokyo on a Walking Tour Of Yanaka

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

Ambling Asakusa Tour: A Tour of Old Tokyo Part 3

After a leisurely boat ride along the Sumida River, you will arrive in...
shinsekai district osaka

Shinsekai District – An Osaka Walking Guide

Despite Tokyo being known for its blend of old and new Japan, Osaka...
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...
japan-wakayama-kumanokodo-pilgrimage-trail-walk-nakahechi-day4-hongu-Kogumotori-goe-Ukegawa to Koguchi

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...
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.
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...
japan-wakayama-kumanokodo-pilgrimage-trail-walk

Hiking the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

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

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...
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-yunomine-onsen-hotspring-spa-kumanokodo-header

Things to do in Yunomine Onsen

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

Hakuba’s Happo One Hike: Autumn Edition

Looking to stretch our legs on a recent...
Kiso by Bruno Carrillo

Japanese Country Town Profile: One Day In Kiso Fukushima

If you’re planning a trip to the Kiso Valley, perhaps to walk the...

RECENT POSTS

MUST READ

POPULAR HIKING AND WALKING DESTINATIONS

MT. FUJI