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
Hiking the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
The Kii Mountains of Wakayama prefecture, blanketed in dense, silent forests, tell a...
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...
Why Yanaka ‘Cat Town’ Is THE Place For Cat Lovers in Tokyo
If you’re coming to Tokyo and worry you’ll...
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...
Meet Daisetsuzan Mountain Range’s Panorama of Autumn Colors
Hiking in Hokkaido during autumn? Prepare for a spectacular display of colours at...
Half-day Kyoto Walking Tour Part 1: Gion to Kodaiji Temple
Looking for a short walking route in Kyoto that will give you real...
Visiting Nachisan and Kumano Nachi Taisha
While there are many religions in Japan, the...
Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness
If you’re looking to get a taste of cozy bistros and trendy cafés,...
A Leisurely Yokohama Seashore Tour
After Japan opened to foreign trade in the middle of the 19th century,...
Togakushi Kodo: A Spiritual Off-The-Beaten-Path Journey
For those looking to get off the beaten...
Tenku no Torii: Kawaguchiko’s Torii in the Sky
If you’re looking for breathtaking Mount Fuji views while in Kawaguchiko, perhaps you’ve...
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.
Ambling Asakusa Tour: A Tour of Old Tokyo Part 3
After a leisurely boat ride along the Sumida River, you will arrive in...
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park: The Perfect Wintery Day Trip
The smell of sulfur gradually seeps through the air, and steam rises up...
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...
Tokyo’s Secret Wilderness: Exploring Todoroki Valley
Todoroki Valley is one of Tokyo’s best-kept secrets. Had your fill of busy...
Tokyo’s Favourite Day Hike: Mount Takao (Takaosan)
Offering scenic hiking trails, a popular monkey park, and ancient shrines, it's no...
Sapporo Shines with 730,000 Lights This Winter
Visiting Hokkaido in winter? Head to Sapporo for some epic illuminations at the...
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...
A Towering Torii Gate and The Grand Shrine: Day 3 of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route
Tsugizakura oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha
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...
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...
The Nakasendo Trail: 1 day hike from Magome to Tsumago
Picture this: you're a feudal lord (daimyo) with land, money and power within...