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

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...

Tokyo’s Secret Wilderness: Exploring Todoroki Valley

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

Japanese Country Town Profile: One Day In Kiso Fukushima

If you’re planning a trip to the Kiso Valley, perhaps to walk the...

Our Guide To Getting Around Naoshima Art Island

Japan's Art Island has a few pockets of attractions, so chances are you're...
japan-wakayama-kumanokodo-pilgrimage-trail-walk

Hiking the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

The Kii Mountains of Wakayama prefecture, blanketed in dense, silent forests, tell a...
A10 - Header

Frittering About in Fukuoka: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 10

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

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?

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...

Tenku no Torii: Kawaguchiko’s Torii in the Sky

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

All The Matsumoto Highlights In This One Day Itinerary

Matsumoto is a castle city, surrounded by the...

Mount Omuro: Volcanic Archery and the Fiery Yamayaki Festival

My fiancé and I were riding high. We’d just finished playing with baby...

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...

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...

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.

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...

Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness

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

Hakuba’s Happo One Hike: Autumn Edition

Looking to stretch our legs on a recent...
Tomogashima Island

Tomogashima: Japan’s Forgotten Fortress

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

The Nakasendo Trail: 1 day hike from Magome to Tsumago

Picture this: you're a feudal lord (daimyo) with land, money and power within...

RECENT POSTS

MUST READ

POPULAR HIKING AND WALKING DESTINATIONS

MT. FUJI