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

A30 - Header

A Leisurely Yokohama Seashore Tour

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

Visiting Nachisan and Kumano Nachi Taisha

While there are many religions in Japan, the...
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...

Nojiri Loop Course: 15km Loop Around A Glacial Lake

The summer haven of Lake Nojiri resides in...

Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness

If you’re looking to get a taste of cozy bistros and trendy cafés,...
japan-wakayama-kumanokodo-pilgrimage-trail-walk

Hiking the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

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

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...

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

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

Tenku no Torii: Kawaguchiko’s Torii in the Sky

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

Hakuba’s Happo One Hike: Autumn Edition

Looking to stretch our legs on a recent...

Looking for an Overnight Trip from Tokyo? Our Guide to Lake Kawaguchiko

While many of Tokyo’s visitors flock to Hakone, Lake Kawaguchiko to its North...

Sapporo Shines with 730,000 Lights This Winter

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

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

Offering scenic hiking trails, a popular monkey park, and ancient shrines, it's no...
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...
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...
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...
A10 - Header

Frittering About in Fukuoka: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 10

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

An Autumn Stroll through Momijidani Park on Miyajima

Just a short ferry ride from Hiroshima, Miyajima island is a paradise for...
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...

Meet Daisetsuzan Mountain Range’s Panorama of Autumn Colors

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

Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour

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

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

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

RECENT POSTS

MUST READ

POPULAR HIKING AND WALKING DESTINATIONS

MT. FUJI