Top 6 Hiking Destinations in Japan

Japan is great land for hiking with a variety of picturesque trails. The top trekking spots are listed below.

The Ultimate Guide for Hiking/Trekking in Japan is also recommended.

Mt. Fuji – Climbing to the Crater

Mt. Fuji

Climbing Season: early July to early September each year
Mt. Fuji attracts hundreds of thousand trekkers for mountaineering every year, to conquer the symbolized peak in Japan. As there are 4 trails in different lengths and difficulties, trekkers need 7 hours or so to reach the summit. If someone is practiced and move fast, it takes 5 hours at least to stand by the crater. Most people choose the Yoshida Trail, which is also the easiest to climb; while Gotemba Trail is the longest and the most difficult. Starting from the 5th station, hikers will see the lush hillsides, frondent forests, shrubby meadow, and the bleak summit on the way.

As only two months are accessible for Mt. Fuji trekking, the trails might be crowded especially on weekends.

Read details of Climbing Mt. Fuji

Nakasendo Way – Ancient Route Cross the Mountains

Nakasendo, the road through the mountains in Japanese, is a major way connecting Tokyo and Kyoto in ancient Japan. It stretches from Kyoto to Lake Biwa, Nagoya, Kiso Valley, Kanto Plain, and reaches Tokyo at last, with dozens of post towns on the way. The most sections remain the old trail, while the developed sections in Kiso Valley is preserved well. In particular, the section between Tsumago and Magome is the most popular, which takes 2-2.5 hours to cover the distance. Besides, the two small towns can be reached by bus. 20 days or so are needed to go over the whole course, and you could stay in the post town overnight, to experience the life in Edo Age (1603-1868 AD).

Total distance: 530km (329 miles)

Post towns: 69 towns every 7.8km (4.85 miles) averagely

Time Needed: about 18-20 days for the whole way

Kumano Kodō – Splendid Pilgrimage Trail to Shrines Hidden in Mountains

Kumano Kodō, a world heritage site, is a welcomed pilgrimage way for trekking in Japan, including 7 trails across Wakayama, Osaka, Nara, and Mie on the Kii Peninsula. The 7 trials head to Kumano Hongū Taisha Shrine from all quarters. As Kumano area has been considered as the holy place of gods, the Mikado, emperor of Japan, often went there for pilgrimage in the Heian Period (794-1185 AD). Since then, the pilgrimage way has been sought-after to visit the famous shrines there: Kumano Hayatama Taisha,

Hiking Trails

Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hongū Taisha.

Nakahechi Trail, between Kii-Tanabe in the west of Kii Peninsula and Kumano Hayatama Taisha in Shingu in the east, is the most visited trail there. Nakahechi passes all the 3 famous Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples and niches, and onsen spots. The scenery along the way is incredibly beautiful, of which Nachi Waterfall by Seiganto-ji Temple offer the most amazing beauty.

Details for Nakahechi Trail:

Distance: 30km (18.6 miles) or so

Time Needed: about 5 days

Difficulty: medium

Japanese Alps – Crisscrossed Mountains & Valleys

Japanese Alps, the mountain range in the middle of Japan, also provides some options for hiking in Japan. It is divided into the north, middle, and south parts, with volcanos, glaciers, and forests. Especially, the northern Japanese Alps is the best hiking destination with a great many trails, but also it’s the steepest area.

Kamikochi, just in the heart of the north Japanese Alps, is one of the most popular areas for hiking/trekking in Japan. It is opened from mid-April to mid-November every year, while July & August and fall foliage season in autumn are the peak seasons there. Kamikochi is a valley surrounded by mountains, which allows you to explore the bottom of this valley with diverse flora and fauna along the river in 1-2 days. Otherwise, experienced and energetic trekkers may go farther into the mountains and even climb up to the mountains. It’s easier for hikers to have a round trip along the river in the area, but it would be a little difficult if you’d like to mountaineer.

Japanese Alps

Trailside Shrine of Shikoku

Shikoku Henro – the Trail Crossing 88 Temples

Shikoku Henro, or called Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail, is a loop route for hiking in Japan. Shikoku is one of the major islands in Japan, and the loop route goes around Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima to visit 88 temples in total. According to legends, Shikoku was the hometown of the respectable master Kobo Daishi, also called Kukai, in Heian Period. As a monk, he established a new sect of Buddhism in Japan, and the later generations went for pilgrimage to his hometown and followed his steps to visit all the 88 temples in one route.

It’s impractical for most hikers to visit all the temples for the route is very long. Instead, you may select a city you like as your starting point, and go on a hiking tour for a section. If you want to finish the entire route on foot only, it would take 45 days at least, so it's common to take the public transportations on some sections as most hikers do. Anyway, it’s the key to enjoy hiking in the manner as you like.

Total Distance: over 1,400km (870 miles)

Time Needed: 45 days at least

Yakushima Island – Trekking Through the Primeval Cedar Forest

Located south to Kyushu, Yakushima Island seems a fairytale place for hikers and trekkers. As in the sea, there are often mists covering the land; meanwhile, you can also wander in the oldest cedar forest in the world. If you would like to climb high for a far-sighted view, Mount Miyanoura wouldn’t be better. There are also some trials in all directions. From the Arakawa Trail Entrance, you can reach the Jomonsugi Cedar after about 11-km (6.8-mile) trekking, taking 4 hours or so. It’s estimated that the Jomonsugi Cedar is about 7,000 years old, which has been a sightseeing spot on the island. Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is also attractive nearby.

Yakushima Island is a drippy place in Japan, you’d better be careful while trekking on the mountain with dense primitive forests. Don’t make your skin exposed in the forests, as there are insects and leeches. Taking good care of yourself.