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

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...

Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour

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

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park: The Perfect Wintery Day Trip

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

Half-day Kyoto Walking Tour Part 2: Kodaiji Temple to Kiyomizudera

This Kyoto walking tour brings you from the Kodaiji complex to Kiyomizudera. An...
shinsekai district osaka

Shinsekai District – An Osaka Walking Guide

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

Half-day Kyoto Walking Tour Part 1: Gion to Kodaiji Temple

Looking for a short walking route in Kyoto that will give you real...

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

For those looking to get off the beaten...

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...

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

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

Tenku no Torii: Kawaguchiko’s Torii in the Sky

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

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...

Art is Literally Everywhere You Look on Naoshima

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

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...

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...

Meet Daisetsuzan Mountain Range’s Panorama of Autumn Colors

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

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-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...
Tomogashima Island

Tomogashima: Japan’s Forgotten Fortress

In the mood for something different?  Japan is widely accepted...
A30 - Header

A Leisurely Yokohama Seashore Tour

After Japan opened to foreign trade in the middle of the 19th century,...
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...

Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness

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

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...

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,...

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

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

RECENT POSTS

MUST READ

POPULAR HIKING AND WALKING DESTINATIONS

MT. FUJI