{"id":31798,"date":"2021-07-15T10:01:29","date_gmt":"2021-07-15T09:01:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=31798"},"modified":"2025-02-24T11:04:28","modified_gmt":"2025-02-24T11:04:28","slug":"hiking-in-japan-8-of-the-best-hiking-trails","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2021\/07\/15\/hiking-in-japan-8-of-the-best-hiking-trails\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking in Japan: 8 of the Best Hiking Trails"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31798&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31798\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31798&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31798&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31798%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31798\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31798\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A fact that surprises people about Japan? Over 70% of\u00a0the country\u00a0is covered in mountains.\u00a0And though hiking isn\u2019t necessarily the first pastime that springs to mind for most people when planning a Japan<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0holiday,\u00a0b<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">etween the dramatically diverse landscapes, unique Japanese twists (bear bells, vending machines in unlikely places and hot spring baths), hiking in Japan is an unmissable treat for anyone who loves to travel on their own two feet.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here&#8217;s our round-up of the best routes our team have tried, and who\/ what they&#8217;re great for.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you&#8217;re trying to decide which of Japan&#8217;s famous routes or spectacular landscapes to rove on your next trip, this is for you!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> Grab a cup of tea and read on for all eight of the top hiking in Japan spots, or use the index below to jump to a specific hike that piques your interest&#8230;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-31924\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Map-for-hiking-blog-updated.jpg\" alt=\"Map of the best hiking trails in Japan\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Map-for-hiking-blog-updated.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Map-for-hiking-blog-updated-300x216.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Map-for-hiking-blog-updated-1024x737.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Map-for-hiking-blog-updated-768x553.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Map-for-hiking-blog-updated-564x406.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Map-for-hiking-blog-updated-1536x1106.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Map-for-hiking-blog-updated-1200x864.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Map-for-hiking-blog-updated-900x648.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Map-for-hiking-blog-updated-720x518.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Map-for-hiking-blog-updated-1440x1036.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Map-for-hiking-blog-updated-390x281.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Map-for-hiking-blog-updated-780x561.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Map-for-hiking-blog-updated-510x367.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"#kumanokodo\">The Kumano Kodo<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"#nakasendo\">The Nakasendo and Kiso Valley<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"#shinetsu\">The Shin-Etsu Trail<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"#kamikochi\">Kamikochi<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"#fujisan\">Mount Fuji<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"#yakushima\">Yakushima<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"#hagurosan\">Mount Haguro<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"#choishimichi\">Choishi Michi<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW235259799 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW235259799 BCX0\"><a id=\"kumanokodo\"><\/a>The\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW235259799 BCX0\">Kumano Kodo<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW235259799 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW235259799 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31903\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31903\" style=\"width: 2048px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31903\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nachi-waterfall-kazz-zzak-Pixta-needs-crediting.jpg\" alt=\"The Nachi Taisha pagoda\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nachi-waterfall-kazz-zzak-Pixta-needs-crediting.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nachi-waterfall-kazz-zzak-Pixta-needs-crediting-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nachi-waterfall-kazz-zzak-Pixta-needs-crediting-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nachi-waterfall-kazz-zzak-Pixta-needs-crediting-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nachi-waterfall-kazz-zzak-Pixta-needs-crediting-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nachi-waterfall-kazz-zzak-Pixta-needs-crediting-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nachi-waterfall-kazz-zzak-Pixta-needs-crediting-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nachi-waterfall-kazz-zzak-Pixta-needs-crediting-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nachi-waterfall-kazz-zzak-Pixta-needs-crediting-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nachi-waterfall-kazz-zzak-Pixta-needs-crediting-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nachi-waterfall-kazz-zzak-Pixta-needs-crediting-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nachi-waterfall-kazz-zzak-Pixta-needs-crediting-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nachi-waterfall-kazz-zzak-Pixta-needs-crediting-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31903\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Nachi Taisha pagoda (Credit: kazz zzak\/PIXTA)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Overview:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims who\u2019ve been walking the routes between sacred shrines since the 10<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0century.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Who\u2019s it for?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">People who want to take in the spiritual atmosphere of\u00a0a\u00a0centuries-old\u00a0pilgrimage\u00a0route,\u00a0and who want to experience the homely hospitality of small inns along the way.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">While you can visit the Three Grand Shrines by bus, the Kumano Kodo is best experienced on foot. Most days you\u2019ll hike around 13\/14k m (6-8 hours)\u00a0and some sections are quite steep, so a decent standard of fitness is necessary.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Key info<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Minimum 3 nights, maximum 5 nights<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">From Tokyo:\u00a05 hours by train to Kii-Tanabe<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">From Kyoto: 2 hours 40 minutes by train to Kii-Tanabe<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">From Osaka:\u00a02 hours 20 minutes by train to Kii-Tanabe<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cBack when\u00a0I was living in Japan\u00a0in 2013, I saw a photo of\u00a0the\u00a0Nachi Taisha\u00a0pagoda with the waterfall behind it.\u00a0I was so struck with it that I\u00a0made it my mission to go there one day\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2013<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and,\u00a0after several years of\u00a0thinking about it,\u00a0I finally\u00a0made it\u00a0there\u00a0on my\u00a0Kumano Kodo\u00a0hike\u00a0in\u00a02017.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cI knew that I wouldn\u2019t be disappointed when I finally saw the pagoda and waterfall with my own two eyes, but what I wasn\u2019t prepared for was how much I would love everything leading up to it.\u00a0Hiking through cool, sweet-smelling cedar forests; staying overnight in an old, converted school at Koguchi and eating simple home-made food with fellow hikers in the canteen;\u00a0rolling into my futon at 8:30pm after soaking away the aches\u00a0and pains\u00a0brought on by\u00a0a day on my feet;\u00a0glimpsing the ocean beyond the mountains from the viewpoints;\u00a0plodding up the aptly\u00a0named\u00a0Dogiri-zaka\u00a0(\u2018body-breaking hill\u2019)\u00a0on the final day; treating myself to a beer and ice cream next to the temple after I\u2019d stumbled\u00a0last few\u00a0steps to the finish line.\u00a0All of it combined to make my eventual sighting of Nachi shrine, after\u00a0all those years, 100% worth the effort.&#8221;<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW135215014 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW135215014 BCX0\">&#8211; Madeleine <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW135215014 BCX0\">Bromige<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW135215014 BCX0\">,\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW135215014 BCX0\">InsideJapan<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW135215014 BCX0\">\u00a0Bristol<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW135215014 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hike the Kumano Kodo\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Enjoy some of the best multi-day hikes Japan has to offer\u00a0on\u00a0our\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-hikjpn\/honshu-hiking\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Honshu Hiking<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0self-guided adventure.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Explore ancient pilgrimage routes \u2013 with a visit to Ise, Japan\u2019s most important shrine \u2013 on the\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pilgrim\u2019s Paths<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-ppc\/pilgrims-paths\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">classic<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-pps\/pilgrims-paths\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">superior<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0self-guided adventures.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Add a\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/search\/?term=kumano+kodo\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Kumano Kodo\u00a0hike<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to\u00a0a self-guided adventure of your choice to create a trip tailored to suit you.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW30822880 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW30822880 BCX0\"><a id=\"nakasendo\"><\/a>The\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW30822880 BCX0\">Nakasendo<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW30822880 BCX0\">\u00a0and Kiso Valley<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW30822880 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31816\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31816\" style=\"width: 2400px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31816\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nakasendo38.jpg\" alt=\"The Nakasendo Way\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nakasendo38.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nakasendo38-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nakasendo38-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nakasendo38-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nakasendo38-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nakasendo38-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nakasendo38-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nakasendo38-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nakasendo38-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nakasendo38-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nakasendo38-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nakasendo38-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nakasendo38-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nakasendo38-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31816\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tsumago-Juku, a historic town on the Nakasendo Way<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Overview:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Retrace the\u00a0Edo period shogun route,\u00a0and\u00a0stay at beautifully preserved historic postal towns along the way.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Who\u2019s it for?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Anyone wanting\u00a0a taste of what Japan\u00a0was\u00a0like when samurai\u00a0roamed the land\u00a0centuries ago \u2013 and who\u00a0enjoy walking at a slow, unhurried pace\u00a0through beautiful countryside (think:\u00a0rice fields, small rural communities, forests, and historic villages).\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you want to include\u00a0a\u00a0hike in your first trip to\u00a0Japan \u2013 but\u00a0don\u2019t want to spend days and days on the\u00a0trails \u2013 this\u00a0is the one for you!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Key info<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Minimum 1 night, maximum 2 nights\u00a0(but it\u2019s possible to do this hike as a day trip).<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">From Tokyo:\u00a04 hours by train\u00a0and bus\u00a0to\u00a0Tsumago\/Magome<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">From Kyoto:\u00a02 hours by train\u00a0and bus\u00a0to\u00a0Tsumago\/Magome<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">For day-trippers:\u00a050 minutes on the Limited Express train\u00a0and bus\u00a0from\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Nagoya<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0to\u00a0Tsumago\/Magome<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201c<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The\u00a0Nakasendo\u00a0is\u00a0a perfectly balanced\u00a0hiking experience. It\u2019s\u00a0not too long, but not short; not too hard, but not easy; not too far, but far enough to experience plenty\u00a0of\u00a0stunning countryside. There\u2019s history galore to explore if you want \u2013\u00a0and\u00a0beautiful\u00a0flora and fauna along the length of the trails if you prefer\u00a0checking out the\u00a0nature and\u00a0views.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cThe\u00a0Nakasendo\u00a0trail\u00a0is\u00a0defined by a series of picturesque\u00a0\u2018post towns\u2019\u00a0that span its length\u00a0from Kyoto to Tokyo,\u00a0and some of these have been carefully preserved \u2013 cobblestone\u00a0streets, wood-fronted homes and\u00a0all \u2013 allowing\u00a0you to experience Japan as it used to be.\u00a0Stone paths lined with ferns wind\u00a0between cedar tree trunks, waterfalls\u00a0are\u00a0surrounded by wild hydrangeas, and carefully pruned trees rise from the front gardens of Japanese inns.\u00a0It\u2019s like\u00a0nothing I have seen, except in magazines like National Geographic.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW224789733 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW224789733 BCX0\">&#8211; Van Milton, Insider Tour Leader<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW224789733 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hike the\u00a0Nakasendo\u00a0and Kiso Valley<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Walk\u00a0both the Kumano Kodo and the\u00a0Nakasendo\u00a0on\u00a0our\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-hikjpn\/honshu-hiking\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Honshu Hiking<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0self-guided adventure.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">See the landscapes that inspired Hokusai and Hiroshige\u2019s famous ukiyo-e woodblock prints on the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-tfws\/through-the-floating-world\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Through the Floating World<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0self-guided adventure.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Explore\u00a0ancient\u00a0Japanese philosophical concepts \u2013 including \u2018forest bathing\u2019 \u2013 on the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-jiph\/japanese-ikigai-and-the-path-to-happiness\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Japanese Ikigai and the Path to Happiness<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0self-guided adventure.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW224605004 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW224605004 BCX0\"><a id=\"shinetsu\"><\/a>The Shin-Etsu Trail<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW224605004 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31900\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31900\" style=\"width: 2048px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31900\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Shinetsu-Trail-View.jpg\" alt=\"Incredible views along the Shin-Etsu Trail\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1367\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Shinetsu-Trail-View.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Shinetsu-Trail-View-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Shinetsu-Trail-View-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Shinetsu-Trail-View-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Shinetsu-Trail-View-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Shinetsu-Trail-View-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Shinetsu-Trail-View-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Shinetsu-Trail-View-900x601.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Shinetsu-Trail-View-720x481.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Shinetsu-Trail-View-1440x961.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Shinetsu-Trail-View-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Shinetsu-Trail-View-780x521.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Shinetsu-Trail-View-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31900\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Incredible views along the Shin-Etsu Trail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Overview:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0The Shin-Etsu Trail is one of the best undiscovered long-distance hiking trails in Japan, stretching 70km along the mountainous border between Niigata and Nagano prefectures. It\u2019s not just about the hiking,\u00a0though \u2013 the highlight of the Shin-Etsu trail is staying\u00a0in\u00a0small hot spring towns along the way, in little family-run inns where a steaming hot spring bath, home-cooked kaiseki meal, and a comfy futon await at the end of the day.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Who\u2019s it for?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0If you\u2019re independent and\u00a0don\u2019t want to be\u00a0surrounded by other hikers, you\u2019ll love the Shin-Etsu Trail, which\u00a0doesn&#8217;t see the footfall of famous routes like the Kumano Kodo and the\u00a0Nakasendo. If you\u2019re interested in learning about the history, flora and fauna of the area, then a guide is a must!\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Return\u00a0travellers\u00a0to Japan who\u2019ve hiked the\u00a0Nakasendo\u00a0and completed the Kumano Kodo will enjoy the contrast of the Shin-Etsu Trail,\u00a0but\u00a0the route is also\u00a0great for first-timers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Key info<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Minimum 2 nights, maximum 5 nights<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">From Tokyo:\u00a01 hour 40 minutes by train to Iiyama<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">From Kanazawa:\u00a01 hour 15 minutes by train to Iiyama<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWhen I walked the Shin-Etsu Trail a few years ago, we kicked things off with a\u00a0hike up a dry ski run\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2013<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and\u00a0we\u00a0had awesome views from the get-go!\u00a0Each section was really varied. One day there were rice paddies and marshlands,\u00a0then\u00a0we\u2019d crest the hills and watch clouds bank through the forests below\u00a0us;\u00a0another day\u00a0we\u00a0walked the forest floor through\u00a0dense beech\u00a0with\u00a0lush\u00a0forest floor\u00a0growth.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cSection 5,\u00a0where the trail goes along a ridgeline,\u00a0was a personal highlight for me.\u00a0I was\u00a0struck by\u00a0how wild and gnarly the path is,\u00a0dotted with tree stumps and fallen branches that make hiking (or scrambling) along\u00a0the route\u00a0so much fun. It was also the most remote point on the hike,\u00a0and a great reminder that I was out\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0midst\u00a0of\u00a0nature, completely\u00a0away from it all.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8211; Dan Campbell, InsideJapan Brisbane<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hike the Shin-Etsu Trail<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hop off the Shinkansen at Iiyama and spend a few days hiking different sections of the route with one of\u00a0our\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/search\/?term=shin-etsu\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Shin-Etsu Trail modules<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW142757601 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart SpellingErrorV2 SCXW142757601 BCX0\"><a id=\"kamikochi\"><\/a>Kamikochi<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW142757601 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31819\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31819\" style=\"width: 2048px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31819\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/View-from-top-of-Yarigatake.jpg\" alt=\"View from top of Yarigatake\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/View-from-top-of-Yarigatake.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/View-from-top-of-Yarigatake-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/View-from-top-of-Yarigatake-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/View-from-top-of-Yarigatake-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/View-from-top-of-Yarigatake-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/View-from-top-of-Yarigatake-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/View-from-top-of-Yarigatake-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/View-from-top-of-Yarigatake-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/View-from-top-of-Yarigatake-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/View-from-top-of-Yarigatake-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/View-from-top-of-Yarigatake-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/View-from-top-of-Yarigatake-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/View-from-top-of-Yarigatake-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31819\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The view from the top of Mount Yari<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Overview:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Kamikochi\u00a0was\u00a0nicknamed the \u2018Alps of Japan\u2019 by a British missionary in the mid-19<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0century \u2013 and\u00a0when you visit, it\u2019s easy\u00a0to\u00a0see why. With soaring 3,000-metre peaks surrounding the icy blue of the Azusa River, it\u2019s a hiking paradise.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Important to note:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Kamikochi\u00a0is only open from early May to early November, as it gets a lot of snow! The best time for autumn leaf viewing is between\u00a0late September (at 2,000m altitude) and early October (at 1,500m, the altitude of the valley floor).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Who\u2019s it for?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Those\u00a0who\u00a0crave\u00a0dramatic scenery! But you don\u2019t have to climb up high to enjoy the views; even a\u00a0fairly flat\u00a0hike along the Azusa River is a\u00a0great\u00a0way to enjoy the landscape. More adventurous hikers will enjoy the trip up to Karasawa Cirque, where you can stay overnight at the lodge before either retracing your steps the next day, or continuing up to the peaks of Mount Hotaka\u00a0(the third-highest mountain in Japan).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Key info<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Minimum 1 night, maximum 3 nights<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">From Takayama: 1 hour 30 minutes by highway bus<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">From Matsumoto: 1 hour 40 minutes by train<\/span><\/b><strong> and bus<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201c<\/span><\/b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Whenever I go back to Japan, I make time to go hiking in\u00a0Kamikochi. There\u2019s something about the valley that feels almost out of place in this country with a concrete fetish; one moment you\u2019re rubbing elbows with the crowds in the city, and a few hours later you\u2019re strolling by yourself among\u00a0Kamikochi\u2019s\u00a0gentle larch trees.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cThere are well over a hundred kilometres of hiking trails in the national park, so no matter how fit you are and how long you want to stay, you\u2019ll find something to tickle your feet. At 3,180 metres, needle-like Mount Yari is the tallest kid in the playpen. My favourite part? Sweeping views of the Alps around you. Mount Yari can be tackled in an ambitious two nights, or a comfortable three: prepare to fall in love with the forest, azure river waters and dramatic ridge views\u00a0from the top of the\u00a0mountain.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">&#8211; Bruno Carrillo, InsideJapan Brisbane<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hike\u00a0Kamikochi<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Take time to explore the\u00a0naturally beautiful\u00a0Kamikochi\u00a0region\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0with an Insider tour leader to guide the way\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0on the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japan-small-group-tours\/i-cj\/classic-japan\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Classic Japan<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0small group tour.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">See the mountain plateau of\u00a0Kamikochi\u00a0in peak autumn leaf viewing season on the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-asc\/autumn-splendour\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Autumn Splendour<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0self-guided adventure.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW178931065 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW178931065 BCX0\"><a id=\"fujisan\"><\/a>Mount Fuji<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW178931065 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31822\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31822\" style=\"width: 2400px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31822\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/mt.-fuji-climbing-15.jpg\" alt=\"Sunrise at the top of Mount Fuji\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/mt.-fuji-climbing-15.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/mt.-fuji-climbing-15-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/mt.-fuji-climbing-15-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/mt.-fuji-climbing-15-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/mt.-fuji-climbing-15-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/mt.-fuji-climbing-15-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/mt.-fuji-climbing-15-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/mt.-fuji-climbing-15-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/mt.-fuji-climbing-15-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/mt.-fuji-climbing-15-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/mt.-fuji-climbing-15-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/mt.-fuji-climbing-15-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/mt.-fuji-climbing-15-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/mt.-fuji-climbing-15-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31822\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sunrise at the top of Mount Fuji<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Overview:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0There is surely no mountain in Japan more iconic than towering <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/mount-fuji\/\">Mount Fuji<\/a>, which has been loved, admired, and even worshipped by\u00a0the Japanese people\u00a0for centuries.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Important to note:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Mount Fuji is only open from early July to early September.\u00a0The best time to visit is in late July, before the summer peak in August. From late August to early September, Mount Fuji can be affected\u00a0by typhoons.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Who\u2019s it for?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Those who\u00a0want\u00a0the\u00a0satisfaction\u00a0of having climbed a world-famous mountain.\u00a0The Mount Fuji climb won\u2019t win awards for scenic hiking \u2013 it&#8217;s a dormant volcano, after all\u00a0\u2013 but the sense of achievement that comes from ascending to the highest point in Japan can\u2019t be beaten!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Key info<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Minimum 1 night.\u00a0If you climb Mount Fuji with\u00a0InsideJapan, you\u2019ll hike for six hours to the 8<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">th<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0station (80% of the way up), stay overnight, then get up early for the final ascent\u00a0(one hour)\u00a0to the summit to see the sunrise.\u00a0The hike back down takes around three hours.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Mount Fuji has four trails, and we prefer to use two of them: the easier\u00a0but popular\u00a0Yoshida trail\u00a0that goes up the north side from\u00a0Kawaguchiko, and the\u00a0quieter\u00a0but slightly longer\u00a0Subashiri\u00a0trail\u00a0which is situated on the\u00a0east side and\u00a0links up\u00a0with\u00a0Hakone.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The start of the\u00a0Yoshida trail is a 2-hour highway bus ride from Tokyo,\u00a0or a 55-minute bus ride from\u00a0Kawaguchiko\u00a0(which is a great base \u2013 wake up in the morning, take in the perfect reflection of Mount Fuji in the lake, then head out to start climbing it!).<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The start of the\u00a0Subashiri\u00a0trail\u00a0requires two buses from Hakone, with an easy change at\u00a0Gotemba\u00a0Station.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201c<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">On my very first climb of Mount Fuji in 2015, the\u00a0start of the hike lulled me into a false sense of security. \u2018This will be a breeze!\u2019, I thought as I walked the gentle incline among the trees, with birdsong echoing around the forest.\u00a0Within an hour or so,\u00a0however,\u00a0both vegetation and the sound of wildlife had fallen away, leaving just the bare volcanic landscape and the sound of my own heavy breathing.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cI stayed\u00a0in\u00a0a mountain hut at the 8<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">th<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0station\u00a0to help\u00a0acclimatise\u00a0my body to the altitude. After a few hours of sleep, I set out in the\u00a0gloom\u00a0of the early morning to reach the summit before sunrise. Although the temperatures back at sea\u00a0level had been typically hot and steamy for summer in Japan,\u00a0when I arrived\u00a0at the summit,\u00a0the temperature was hovering just above freezing.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cAs the first rays of sun broke\u00a0the horizon, a chorus of \u2018oohs\u2019 and \u2018aahs\u2019\u00a0arose from\u00a0my\u00a0fellow intrepid climbers.\u00a0Watching the golden light flood gradually across the landscape below was truly breathtaking\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2013<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and made the jelly-like trembling of my legs seem like a small price to pay for such a precious moment.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW201141960 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW201141960 BCX0\">&#8211; Richard Farmer, Insider Tour Leader<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW201141960 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hike Mount Fuji<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Because of its proximity to Tokyo and Hakone, we can add a Mount Fuji hike to many tailormade trips depart from July to early September. Get in touch to find out more.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW73744826 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW73744826 BCX0\"><a id=\"yakushima\"><\/a>Yakushima<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW73744826 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31855\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31855\" style=\"width: 2400px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31855\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Yakushima.jpg\" alt=\"The view from the top of Tachudake\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Yakushima.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Yakushima-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Yakushima-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Yakushima-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Yakushima-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Yakushima-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Yakushima-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Yakushima-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Yakushima-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Yakushima-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Yakushima-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Yakushima-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Yakushima-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Yakushima-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31855\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The view from the top of Tachudake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Overview:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">For such a compact island, Yakushima has a startlingly wide ecosystem, with thousand-year-old cedar trees, a mountain range, beaches, ocean hot\u00a0springs, and lush waterfalls. Fans of Studio Ghibli will recognize\u00a0Shiratani\u00a0Unsuikyo\u00a0forest on Yakushima as the inspiration\u00a0behind\u00a0the film\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Princess Mononoke<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Who\u2019s it for?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you want to hike through primeval moss-covered forests, Yakushima is the place for you.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Seasoned\u00a0hikers might want to challenge themselves to the 10-hour roundtrip hike to Japan\u2019s oldest tree, Jomon Sugi,\u00a0said to be between 2,500 and 7,500 years old.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Key info<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Shiratani\u00a0Unsuikyo\u00a0(moss forest) hike: 4 hours round trip<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Jomon Sugi\u00a0(Japan\u2019s oldest tree)\u00a0hike: 10 hours round trip<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">You can also do shorter routes (1 hour-3 hours), depending on your fitness level.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">From Kagoshima: 2 hours-2 hours 40 minutes by ferry\/ 35 minutes by plane<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cThe hike to the peak of\u00a0Tachudake\u00a0didn\u2019t get off to the best start \u2013 it was pouring with rain as we set off along concrete paths, steps and boardwalks through\u00a0Yakusugi\u00a0Land.\u00a0While\u00a0Yakusugi\u00a0Land\u00a0is home to some of Yakushima\u2019s oldest and most impressive cedar trees, the gentle route didn\u2019t really seem like the adventurous hike we were looking for.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cHowever, after a short while there was an option to break off from the crowds on the standard path and climb\u00a0Tachudake. Despite my initial grumblings about the weather, the rain\u00a0ended\u00a0up adding a little magic\u00a0to proceedings, as it gave the ancient woodland a misty atmosphere as we ascended. At times the path wasn\u2019t clear\u00a0\u2013\u00a0a complete contrast to\u00a0Yakusugi\u00a0Land\u00a0below\u00a0\u2013\u00a0but there were occasional orange ribbons tied to branches to reassure us we were going the right way. After two and a half hours navigating the giant forest, we reached the top and were rewarded with clear blue skies and one of the best views I have ever seen in Japan. We were surrounded by trees, lakes, mountains and sea. There was no one else around, making it the perfect spot for my boyfriend to get on one knee and propose! I said yes.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW189846850 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW189846850 BCX0\">&#8211; Matt Spiller, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW189846850 BCX0\">InsideJapan<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW189846850 BCX0\">\u00a0Bristol<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW189846850 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hike Yakushima<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Explore the best of Kyushu by car,\u00a0from volcanic Mount Aso to the forests of Yakushima, on\u00a0our\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-kac\/kyushu-adventure\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">classic<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0or\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-kas\/kyushu-adventure\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">superior<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0self-guided\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kyushu Adventure<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW96492787 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart SCXW96492787 BCX0\"><a id=\"hagurosan\"><\/a>Mount Haguro<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW96492787 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31828\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31828\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31828\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-21.jpg\" alt=\"The Goju-to pagoda at Mount Haguro\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-21.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-21-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-21-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-21-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-21-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-21-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-21-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-21-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-21-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-21-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31828\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Goju-to pagoda at Mount Haguro (Credit: denkei\/PIXTA)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Overview:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Mount Haguro is one of the three Dewa\u00a0Sanzan\u00a0mountains, along with Mount Gassan and Mount\u00a0Yudono.\u00a0Together,\u00a0they represent the cycle of life: birth at Haguro, death at Gassan, and rebirth at\u00a0Yudono.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Who\u2019s it for?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Those who want to explore the most important site of\u00a0Shugendo, an\u00a0ascetic\u00a0religion of mountain worship. As you hike the 2,446 stone steps to the summit, you might pass white-robed\u00a0Yamabushi\u00a0mountain priests on a pilgrimage. The beauty of the hike is that you can feel the tranquil, spiritual atmosphere of the mountain.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Key info<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">S<span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW27403953 BCX0\">tay overnight at one of the\u00a0<\/span><em><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW27403953 BCX0\">shukubo<\/span><\/em><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW27403953 BCX0\"> pilgrim lodges on Mount Haguro.<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">From Tokyo: 4 hours by train<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201c<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">The journey up Haguro-san\u00a0is one of the most magical hikes I&#8217;ve ever done. Though 2,250 stone steps run up the backbone of this walk in the woods, you&#8217;ll never notice the heaviness in your legs as you take in the misty surroundings of this mystical place.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cPicture this: ancient, dense forest surrounds as you make your way up the mountain, past raging waterfalls and extant shrines. You reach a clearing and there stands before you the magnificent\u00a0Goju-to, the region\u2019s oldest five-storey\u00a0wooden pagoda, dating back to the year 937.\u00a0This is just one of the amazing sights waiting for you at Haguro-san, the most accessible of the Three Sacred Peaks.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cThe ascetic monks and pilgrims use their hike up Haguro-san\u00a0as a way to\u00a0experience rebirth; you&#8217;ll understand why once you&#8217;ve reached the top.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"TextRun BCX0 SCXW48134650\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW48134650\">&#8211; Brett Plotz, Insider Tour Leader<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP BCX0 SCXW48134650\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hike Mount Haguro<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"14\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hike to the top of the sacred Mount Haguro and stay overnight at a\u00a0shukubo\u00a0temple lodging on the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-nhc\/northern-highlights\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">classic<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0or\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-nhs\/northern-highlights\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">superior<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Northern Highlights<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0self-guided adventure.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"14\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW130802913 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart SCXW130802913 BCX0\">Stop off at Mount Haguro on our <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW130802913 BCX0\">six-night<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW130802913 BCX0\">\u00a0exploratory\u00a0<\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW130802913 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-rttc\/rural-tohoku-trail\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW130802913 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW130802913 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">Rural Tohoku Trail<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW130802913 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW130802913 BCX0\">\u00a0itinerary, designed to be added on to any self-guided adventure that ends in Tokyo.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW130802913 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW151872786 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart SpellingErrorV2 SCXW151872786 BCX0 DefaultHighlightTransition\"><a id=\"choishimichi\"><\/a>Choishi<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW151872786 BCX0\">\u00a0Michi<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW151872786 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31831\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31831\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31831\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-22.jpg\" alt=\"Mount Koya in autumn\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-22.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-22-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-22-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-22-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-22-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-22-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-22-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-22-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-22-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/MicrosoftTeams-image-22-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31831\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mount Koya in autumn (Credit: prof255960\/PIXTA)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Overview:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">For centuries,\u00a0the\u00a0Choishi\u00a0Michi was the main approach used by pilgrims to reach Mount Koya. The entire route is marked by ancient stone signposts (choishi) every few hundred\u00a0metres, counting down to number 1 at the entrance to\u00a0the temple. The hike is around 23\u00a0kilometres\u00a0long,\u00a0but you don\u2019t have to do the full route;\u00a0thanks to the trainline that leads less adventurous folks up to Mount Koya, you can get off at one of three stations to shorten the hike.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Who\u2019s it for?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0People who like to do things properly! If you want to get the full Mount Koya experience, hop off the train and hike instead. If you\u2019re going onwards\u00a0from Mount Koya\u00a0to do the Kumano Kodo\u2019\u00a0Kohechi\u00a0Route, the\u00a0Choishi\u00a0Michi is a great warm-up for the multi-day hike awaiting you; and if you\u2019re not continuing to\u00a0the\u00a0Kumano Kodo, this hike will give you a\u00a0tantalising\u00a0taste of what it would be like to complete\u00a0it\u00a0on your next trip to Japan.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Key info<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243699431 BCX0\">Complete this hike <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW243699431 BCX0\">en<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243699431 BCX0\">-route from Kyoto or Osaka to Mount Koya, where we recommended staying overnight in one of the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW243699431 BCX0\">shukubo<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243699431 BCX0\">\u00a0temple lodges.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">From Osaka: 1 hour 15 minutes-1 hour 30 minutes by train<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">From Kyoto: 2 hours<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201c<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">The funniest thing about hiking the\u00a0Choishi\u00a0Michi is the mild panic that spreads amongst your fellow\u00a0travellers\u00a0when you get off the train at tiny Kii-Hosokawa station. Everyone on that train is going to Mt Koya\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2013<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0but you are\u00a0disembarking?\u00a0Should they be disembarking?!<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cThe answer is a resounding yes. I felt like a proper adventurer as the pleased (if surprised) station staff waved me off and I skipped through a small mountain village on the clearly marked, but utterly empty, beginning of the trail. I spent the next three hours hiking past stone pilgrim markers through stunning forest in brilliant autumnal sunshine, encountering only two other hikers. They were admiring the view and remarking, \u2018Honto no nihon desu ne?\u2019 (\u2018This is the real Japan, right?\u2019). It certainly was.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW11440209 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11440209 BCX0\">&#8211; Claire Brothers, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW11440209 BCX0\">InsideJapan<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11440209 BCX0\">\u00a0Bristol<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW11440209 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hike the\u00a0Choishi\u00a0Michi<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"16\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you\u2019re creating your own tailormade trip, we can plan a\u00a0Choishi\u00a0Michi\u00a0hike into your itinerary (and it fits in nicely to\u00a0our\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-ppc\/pilgrims-paths\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Pilgrim\u2019s Paths<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-whrtgc\/world-heritage\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">World Heritage<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0self-guided adventures). Get in touch to find out more.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW164019463 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW164019463 BCX0\">Got the urge to pick up your walking poles and head out into the Japanese countryside on a hiking trip to Japan <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW164019463 BCX0\">in the\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW164019463 BCX0\">not-too-distant<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW164019463 BCX0\">\u00a0future<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW164019463 BCX0\">?\u00a0<\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW164019463 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/about-us\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW164019463 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW164019463 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">G<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW164019463 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW164019463 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">et in touch with one of our Japan consultants<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW164019463 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW164019463 BCX0\">\u00a0to\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW164019463 BCX0\">discuss your ideas.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW164019463 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31798&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31798\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31798&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31798&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31798%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31798\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31798\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like this post? Help us by sharing it! A fact that surprises people about Japan? Over 70% of\u00a0the country\u00a0is covered in mountains.\u00a0And though hiking isn\u2019t necessarily the first pastime that springs to mind for most people when planning a Japan\u00a0holiday,\u00a0between the dramatically diverse landscapes, unique Japanese twists (bear bells, vending machines in unlikely places and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":171,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2357,2362,2360],"tags":[1248,1582,1608,1611,1771,1887,1917,2294,2334,2595,3173,4069,4999],"class_list":["post-31798","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-japanese-wildlife-and-environment","category-places-and-where-to-stay-in-japan","category-travellers-tales-from-japan","tag-walking","tag-haguro-san","tag-hiking","tag-hiking-japan","tag-kamikochi","tag-mount-fuji","tag-nakasendo-way","tag-walking-in-japan","tag-yakushima","tag-mount-koya","tag-kumano-kodo-trail","tag-shin-etsu-trail","tag-choishi-michi"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31798","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/171"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31798"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31798\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34823,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31798\/revisions\/34823"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31798"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31798"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31798"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}