The Ultimate Guide for Hiking/Trekking in Japan

Japan is a captivating nation with many alternative trails for hikers and trekkers, as the mountainous terrain is prefect for hiking. Here is a complete guide for hiking in Japan, discover below for details.

Is Japan A Good Destination For Hiking/Trekking?

Although Japan is an island country without a vast territory, it’s also a land with the stretches of mountains. Hikers and trekkers could have many options to explore the trails as well as natural wonders of Japan along the way in all seasons. It’s also accessible to escape from the hustle and bustle, and seek for the peace of mind outdoors. Both practiced trekkers and hiking beginners would not be disappointed.

Best Time to Hike in Japan

Relatively, spring and autumn are more popular for hiking and trekking in Japan. On the one hand, the climate is pleasant in spring and autumn, neither too hot nor too cold. On the other hand, there are the most charming scenery in the seasons, with various blossoms and red leaves.

Nevertheless, Japan is appropriate for hiking all year round. It’s good to explore the breathtaking waterfalls, steaming hot springs, clear streams, and even snow-covered landscapes in winter.

 See also: Best Time to Visit Japan

Where to Hike – Top Hiking Destinations in Japan

Japan is one of the paradises for hiking/trekking on the globe, with a number of trails or hiking destinations to explore. Divine Mt. Fuji is never negligible, even though the trekking on Mt. Fuji is accessible in two months (early July to early September) only. Nakasendo Way is also a popular hiking route in Japan, while the section between Tsumago & Magome is the most visited. Kumano Kodō, the world heritage pilgrimage trail, has been a beloved place for Japanese and trekkers, to find the old hidden shrines and natural beauty in the mountain. In vast mountain region of Japanese Alps, Kamikochi and Tateyama Kurobe are popular alpine hiking routes. Shikoku Henro crossing 88 temples around Shikoku Island and Yakushima Island with the virgin cedar forest all over the mountainsides are also great hiking destinations in Japan.

In addition, Kamakura is also a good hiking place by sea, Mount Yoshino near Nara is popular particularly when the cherry blossoms are blooming in spring, Mt. Takao in west suburbs is prefect for those hikers who are in Tokyo. Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido, Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka, Mount Aso in Oita, etc. are all recommended for hiking/trekking in Japan.

Preparations before Hiking & Tips

Japanese Alps

 Make sure the transportation to the trials, making you can get there and go back smoothly.

 A backpack is great for hiking, you can put your water bottle insides.

 Trekking boots are useful to walk on the trails with gravels, and a trekking pole can also be taken if necessary.

 You will see the bear bell or hear its sound in the mountains. Many hikers would also tie the bells to the backpack or clothes, which is to ward off bears.

 There are also warning boards for hikers/trekkers in the wild, with the images of bear or snake on. You should be cautious when see such a board, and bypass the area if there is another better way.

 Don’t get close to a hive for fear of making the bumblebees aggressive. 

 The lodges by many hiking trails may be not as good as hotels in cities, and there is usually a limited number of rooms. You’d better make a booking of the room beforehand if you have to overnight there.

 A map is the necessity for hiking/trekking in Japan, while a paper map is better because the network is poor in some areas on mountains.

 Please take a garbage bag at least and bring your wastes away. Don’t drop the litters in the wild.

 If you are unfamiliar with the trail or worry about other problems on the way, you can seek a local guide or join in a guided group.

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