Explore Japan’s diverse landscapes, from alpine ridges to volcanic peaks, on trails for every skill level.
Besides Cherry Blossoms, uber-cool urban spaces,
dense deciduous forests, architecture, and cultural heritage, hiking is a compelling reason to visit the land of the rising sun. Here are Japan's best hiking trails for you:
Northern Alps
Trio Hida, Kiso, and Akasihi stretch across the Alps region, bifurcating Honshu Island, the largest in Japan. The Northern Alps are a collage of thrilling adventures and nature's serenity. En route, hikers navigate the town of Narai, speckled with distinct Japanese architecture and deciduous forests.
The dramatic silhouette of the mountains is rendered even more sensuous by the wetlands of Kamikochi, glimmering with biodiversity. One of the destinations is the emerald waters of the Azusa River tucked away in the Alps.
The town of Takayama is the final sanctuary before you immerse yourself in the wilderness of the Alps. The northern fringes are composed of craggy ridges and deep gorges, which heighten the forlorn beauty of the Alps.
Nakahechi Route
The pilgrimage is ancient, and the route has been navigated since antiquity. Emperors, aristocrats, and nobles are said to have traversed this route since the 10th century. Hikers start from Kii-Tanabe and bask in the immemorial tranquillity of the Jonan-gu shrine before bivouacking in Hongu and Yunomine Onsen, a hot spring village that boasts of 1800-year-old history.
The trail is steeped in history, and the other fervently visited sites are the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano, nestled in a postcard-perfect setting. The Imperial Route, being the easily accessible path, is mostly taken by hikers.
Plenty of accommodations are available in the network. The best highlights of the Nakahechi trail are Tanabea quaint coastal town, and Takijiri-ojia shrine.
Shin-Etsu Trail
The trail is least frequently discovered, and the reason could be attributed to the long, winding distances that bask in their solitude. At Shin-Etsu, you may not witness the frenzied footfall of Kumano Kodo, but that is the splendor of this trail.
Spring and autumn paint Shin-Etsu in a surreal aura thanks to all the blooms and greenery that burst forth and shine in all their glory. You will stumble upon a wealth of authentic cultural flavors on this trail and plenty of green spaces for camping.
Highlights of the trail are the Sekida range that encompasses Mount Daimyojin and Mount Amamizu.
Mount Fuji
The towering peaks of Mount Fuji are the most beautiful culmination of days. Hiking starts from the Kawaguchi-ko 5th station. The sheer juxtaposition of nature's extremes, icicles hanging from cliffs against a warm yellow sunset, makes Fuji an epic journey; a revelation in itself.
The primitive charm of Fuji is further exaggerated by Fuji's unpredictable weather, which can radically change from shivering cold to mid-afternoon thunderstorms.
