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

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

For those looking to get off the beaten...

An Autumn Stroll through Momijidani Park on Miyajima

Just a short ferry ride from Hiroshima, Miyajima island is a paradise for...
This tranquil waterwheel is in Hidaka's Kinchaku field. The red spider lily festival is held in the area.

Visiting Hidaka (Japan’s Secret Korea) and Hiking the Mt. Hiwada, Mt. Takasashi, and Mt. Monomi Trail

It was time to get my hike on. A whirlwind of days in...

Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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....

Three Instagrammable Tokyo Photo Spots You Can’t Miss

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

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

One of the best nature escapes on Japan’s...
Yakushima Shiratani Unisuikyo

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.
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...
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.

Tenku no Torii: Kawaguchiko’s Torii in the Sky

If you’re looking for breathtaking Mount Fuji views while in Kawaguchiko, perhaps you’ve...
japan-wakayama-kumanokodo-pilgrimage-trail-walk

Hiking the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

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

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?

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...
A10 - Header

Frittering About in Fukuoka: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 10

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

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park: The Perfect Wintery Day Trip

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

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...

High Risk Touristing: Visiting Kumamoto’s Active Volcano, Mount Aso

Driving through the Kumamoto countryside, the rolling green hills slowly deteriorate into a...

Don’t Miss Tokyo’s Dreamiest Cherry Blossom Spot: Meguro River

Tiny and sweet, cherry blossoms are a sure-fire symbol of spring, and in...

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

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

RECENT POSTS

MUST READ

POPULAR HIKING AND WALKING DESTINATIONS

MT. FUJI