Are you a hiking enthusiast looking for exciting trails and breathtaking scenery? Japan offers an array of incredible hikes that cater to all levels of experience. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the most captivating hikes Japan has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, these hikes in Japan are sure to satisfy your adventurous spirit.
①Kamikochi, Nagano
Kamikochi, located in the Chubu Sangaku National Park, is home to a variety of hiking trails. In summer, the cooler temperatures, the blue sky, and the crystal-clear river and lake make this area fantastic. Moreover, hikes range from one hour to five hours, allowing visitors to choose the trail that best suits their plans. Furthermore, the immediate area trails are relatively easy even for beginners, and visitors can enjoy the fresh air while taking in the spectacular scenery, especially in the fall when the autumn colors set the area ablaze. Additionally, in order to protect the natural environment, cars are restricted in the area, so the local bus service must be used.
Difficulty: Easy
Open season: Late April to mid-November (It is closed the rest of the year.)
KAMIKOCHI official tourism guide
②Nakasendo Magome-Tsusmago Trail, Gifu & Nagano
The 8.5 km or approximately 2-hour hike one way is a great way to step back in time as you journey between the open-air museum villages of Magome and Tsumago, which served as post towns in the Kiso Valley during the Edo Era. Along the way, furthermore, enjoy the vibrant nature, which includes the Otoko and Onna waterfalls, and free rest stops, some being traditional-style homes. If a roundtrip hike is not in your plans, there is a bus available to take you back.
Difficulty: Easy
Hiking season: All year
Magome Tsumago Official tourism guide
③Happo-One Hakuba, Nagano
Hakuba is a popular ski resort area nestled in the Northern Japan Alps. For hiking during the warmer months, take the gondola up to 1830 meters from Happo-one Ski Resort. From there it is about a 90-minute hike along Happo-one (Happo Ridge) to reach Happo-ike Pond where on a clear day, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of some of Japan’s most famous mountains. The boardwalk and stairs that make up much of the trail are well maintained, so it is relatively easy for beginners.
Difficulty: Easy
Best season: Summer
④Oze National Park, Gunma & Fukushima
Oze National Park is an excellent hiking destination with Ozegahara Marshland and Ozenuma Pond being the highlights of this area surrounded by mountains. In late spring skunk cabbages are in full bloom, and in fall the autumn colors dazzle. Oze is home to numerous trails of varying lengths and difficulties. The more well-traveled ones are well maintained, and through Ozegahara Marshland and around Ozenuma Pond there are wide, elevated boardwalks.
Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
Best season: Late spring to Fall
⑤Mt.Fuji, Shizuoka & Yamanashi
Japan’s iconic symbol and tallest mountain at 3,776 meters (12,389 ft.), Mt. Fuji is a World Heritage site and challenges all who seek to hike to the top. For those who are up for the challenge, take the night hike to the top and bathe in the marvelous view as the sun rises. To reach the summit, there are four trails available with the Yoshida trail being the most popular and is suitable for most hikers requiring 6-9 hours to the top and 4-6 hours down.
Difficulty: Challenging
Hiking season: July to early September
Mt.Fuji Official Toursim Guide
⑥Mt. Adatara, Fukushima
Mt. Adatara is a volcanic mountain standing at 1700 meters offering spectacular views from the summit. Hikes of varying lengths are available with the trails being rocky and narrow at times. For those looking for an easier way to the top, take a gondola partway up to Panorama Park and hike to the summit from there.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Hiking season: Late May to October
Mt. Adatara Official Tourism Guide
⑦Mt. Nantai, Tochigi
Standing proudly on the northern shore of beautiful Lake Chuzenji in Nikko National Park, the conical Mt. Nantai stands at 2486 meters. At the trailhead is the World Cultural Heritage site Futarasan-jinja Shrine where there are festivals held for the opening and closing of the hiking season. With 1212 meters of elevation gain, this hike will provide a challenge and rewards all who reach the summit with breathtaking views of Nikko National Park.
Difficulty: Challenging
Hiking season: May to October
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About the Author
Sayuri
I have been travelling by campervan to various areas all over Japan for more than 5 years. My goal is to visit all 47 prefectures in Japan! Just 12 more prefectures to go and I'll have accomplished it! I hope I can share some of information of wonderful places in Japan.
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