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Walking & hiking in Japan
Hiking isn't always the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Japan, but the hiking in the Japanese Alps and Hokkaido is world class. Japan is blessed with magnificent scenery and a geography that is more than two thirds mountainous, so Japan offers walking enthusiasts some of the most diverse terrain in all of Asia. Whether you are looking for long, hut-to-hut trips or a more laid back amble from one of the major cities, there is something for everyone.
Peak hiking season begins in June when most of the snow has melted off the high peaks, opening up a network of trails winding between small remote villages and little discovered temples. The Japanese are very keen hikers themselves, so walking the trails and staying in traditional ryokans along the way is arguably one of the best ways to appreciate rural Japan's natural beauty.
For serious walkers, Japan's highest peak, Mount Fuji is an obvious place to start. Whilst the hike itself can be gruelling, the sunrise views from the top and sense of accomplishment of reaching the peak more than make up for it. Another hotspot for walkers is the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route around the Wakayama prefecture, one of the most magical corners of Japan. With a number of criss-crossing trails of varying levels of difficulty, it is possible to dip into different sections at a time so you can enjoy the spectacular scenery at your own pace.
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4 nights / 5 days hiking the Kumano Kodo
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Honshu Hiking
Follow in the footsteps of samurai on our ultimate 16 night walking trip across Japan
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3 nights walking the Kumano Kodo (advanced hiking)
Sweeping mountain vistas, Japan's highest waterfall, thousand year old temples - this module has all the highlights of the Kumano Kodo explored with 3 nights /4 nights of advanced hiking.
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3 nights Kumano Kodo (easy walking)
All the highlights via the easier paths. Ideal for the casual walker. 3 nights / 4 nights
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5 night Kumano Kodo (advanced hiking)
Get deep into the UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage trails with a 5 night / 6 day exploration of the most challenging trails.
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3 nights walking the Shin-Etsu Trail (intermediate hiking)
Majestic beech forests, panoramic vistas, and scenic trails – this three-night module offers the best of the Shin-Etsu Trail.
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4 nights walking the Shin-Etsu Trail (intermediate hiking)
Combine three days of hiking our favourite sections of the Shin-Etsu with a relaxing rural stay in Togarinozawa. This four-night module is perfect for walkers who prefer a slower pace.
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6 nights walking the Shin-Etsu Trail (advanced hiking)
Tackle all six sections of the 70km-long Shin-Etsu Trail. This six night module is ideal for advanced hikers who enjoy multi-day trips.
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The Nakasendo postal route
One of Japan's old postal routes. Traditional farmhouses, waterfalls, forested mountains and even the odd bear along the way! A gentle 3 hour stroll.
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The Nakasendo Way
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Kyoto walking trails - pt 1
Guide and avid walker, Takeshi Suzuki, is joined by Kyoto resident tour leader Richard Farmer to share his favourite Kyoto walking path in this three part blog series
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Kyoto walking trails - pt 2
Takeshi tackles the Mt Daimonji hiking path and is rewarded with some spectacular views of the city
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Kyoto walking trails - pt 3
Join Takeshi and Richard as they take in the spectacular views from Kyoto's Kitayama district before descending to Arashiyama, Kyoto's most laidback district
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Once in a lifetime! Climb Mt Fuji and stand on top of Japan
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Hiking Tanigawadake Peak
InsideJapan's very own mountain adventurer, Steve Parker, shares his experience of one of Japan's most spectacular peaks
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