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...
The Edo-era remains of Tsumago juku
Nagano is famous for its world-class ski fields but this prefecture's history runs...
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.
Half-day Kyoto Walking Tour Part 1: Gion to Kodaiji Temple
Looking for a short walking route in Kyoto that will give you real...
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...
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.
Shibuya’s Underbelly: A Walk Through Love Hotel Hill and Dogenzaka
Shibuya may have the reputation of being a teen shopping mecca with a...
Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour
Unlike Akihabara, which comprises the first part of this tour, Ueno offers a...
Aoyama Trek: A Nature and Architecture Walk
Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis with countless landscapes to explore. Besides the main...
Half-day Kyoto Walking Tour Part 2: Kodaiji Temple to Kiyomizudera
This Kyoto walking tour brings you from the Kodaiji complex to Kiyomizudera. An...
Island Hopping in Okinawa: Where to Go and How to Do It
There are a thousand reasons to love Okinawa. However, there’s no need to...
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...
Monkeys and Ancient Cedar Trees on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route: Day 2
Takahara to Tsugizakura-oji
The Takahara...
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...
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...
Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness
If you’re looking to get a taste of cozy bistros and trendy cafés,...
Tokyo Day Trip: Koedo, Kawagoe’s Breath of Edo
We hear music in the distance. Drums beat and flutes whistle a traditional...
The Pacific Ocean, a Pagoda and a Waterfall: Day 5 of Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route
The final day of the Kumano Kodo on...
A Family-Friendly Hike (And More!) on Hodosan
Tokyo is home to an impressive array of parks, gardens and green spaces,...
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...
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...
Art is Literally Everywhere You Look on Naoshima
Naoshima is more commonly known as Japan’s ‘art island’, and for good reason....