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

shinsekai district osaka

Shinsekai District – An Osaka Walking Guide

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

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...

Art is Literally Everywhere You Look on Naoshima

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

Tomogashima: Japan’s Forgotten Fortress

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

Sapporo Shines with 730,000 Lights This Winter

Visiting Hokkaido in winter? Head to Sapporo for some epic illuminations at the...
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...
A30 - Header

A Leisurely Yokohama Seashore Tour

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

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...
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.

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.

Sakurajima: A Casual Stroll Around Japan’s Most Active Volcano

Looming over the seaside city of Kagoshima, Sakurajima is Japan's most active volcano. But is this rumbly island actually safe to visit?

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

This Kyoto walking tour brings you from the Kodaiji complex to Kiyomizudera. An...
japan-wakayama-yunomine-onsen-hotspring-spa-kumanokodo-header

Things to do in Yunomine Onsen

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

Tokyo’s Secret Wilderness: Exploring Todoroki Valley

Todoroki Valley is one of Tokyo’s best-kept secrets. Had your fill of busy...

Our Guide To Getting Around Naoshima Art Island

Japan's Art Island has a few pockets of attractions, so chances are you're...
A10 - Header

Frittering About in Fukuoka: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 10

Sometimes, the best days of a vacation are the ones where things fail...

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-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...

Three Instagrammable Tokyo Photo Spots You Can’t Miss

Photography is a hobby of mine, a long running interest that I’ve had...

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

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

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...

A Great Half-Day Hike Near Kyoto: the Kibune – Kurama Hike

Looking for a way to enjoy nature, soak up culture and get some...

RECENT POSTS

MUST READ

POPULAR HIKING AND WALKING DESTINATIONS

MT. FUJI