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

Tomogashima Island

Tomogashima: Japan’s Forgotten Fortress

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

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...

Shibuya’s Underbelly: A Walk Through Love Hotel Hill and Dogenzaka

Shibuya may have the reputation of being a teen shopping mecca with a...

Hakuba’s Happo One Hike: Autumn Edition

Looking to stretch our legs on a recent...
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...
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...
japan-wakayama-kumanokodo-pilgrimage-trail-walk

Hiking the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

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

Three Instagrammable Tokyo Photo Spots You Can’t Miss

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

An Autumn Stroll through Momijidani Park on Miyajima

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

Tenku no Torii: Kawaguchiko’s Torii in the Sky

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

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

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

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...

Sapporo Shines with 730,000 Lights This Winter

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

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...

Enryaku-ji Temple: Mt Hiei’s Hidden Wonder

Enryaku-ji is a mountain temple hidden plain sight! Deep in the cedar forests of Mount Hiei, it's a place to enjoy nature and tranquility.

Tokyo’s Secret Wilderness: Exploring Todoroki Valley

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

Shinsekai District – An Osaka Walking Guide

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

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...

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

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

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.
japan-wakayama-yunomine-onsen-hotspring-spa-kumanokodo-header

Things to do in Yunomine Onsen

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

All The Matsumoto Highlights In This One Day Itinerary

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

RECENT POSTS

MUST READ

POPULAR HIKING AND WALKING DESTINATIONS

MT. FUJI