Popular Hiking Destinations In Japan

Japan is blessed with several natural wonders. It has breath-taking mountains, waterfalls, dense forests, ponds, etc, to explore. Through the following scenic hiking trails, you can enjoy its beauty at its best.

1. Mount Fuji

Address: Mount Fuji, Kitayama, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka 418-0112, Japan.

Maps & Direction

Mount Fuji is the highest active volcano in Japan with a height of 12389ft. This is considered as the cultural and spiritual symbol of Japan. This is a paradise for hiking lovers. This is included in UNESCO’s cultural heritage list and the beauty of the surroundings is amazing and this is the reason why Mount Fuji is in the 1 position of things to do in Japan.

2. Mount Takao

Address: Mount Takao, Takaomachi, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-0844, Japan.

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You can explore easy to moderate hike towards Mount Takao which is situated at an elevation of 600meters. You can find three different trails to reach the summit like Omotesando trail with paved paths, another one is the Inariyama trail which is a moderate trail and the last one is the Biwa trail which excites hikers with more scenic views.

3. Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes

Address: 14-6 Minato, Tanabe, Wakayama 646-0031, Japan.

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This is a very long trail and requires 4-5 days to complete this trail. You need to follow 191 miles to reach the very famous pilgrim destination of Kumano Sanzan. On the way you can find several pilgrim sites to see. You need to climb steep routes and stairs to reach the UNESCO Heritage site.

4. Mount Hiei

Address: Mount Hiei, Ichijoji Idegadanichosenguchi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0000, Japan.

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It is situated at an elevation of 2,500 foot and the highest attraction of this hike is the UNESCO recognized pilgrim site Enryakuji Temple, a collection of three temples at its summit. You need to follow steep climb through dense forests and flattered routes with scenic views to reach the summit. Also, you can enjoy the magnificent views of the largest lake in Japan; Lake Shiga through the way.

5. Shiretoko Trail

Address: Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido, Japan.

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This amazing trail you can explore in Shiretoko National Park. If you are an adventure lover, you will enjoy hiking over here. It requires 2-3 days to complete this trail and the highlights of this trail are the stunning views of the highest Mountain in Shiretoko; Mount Rausu with 1661meters and Kunashiri Island and incredible views of Lake Rausu, the largest lake on this peninsula.

6. Mount Tsurugi

Address: Mount Tsurugi, Higashiiyasugeoi, Miyoshi, Tokushima 778-0201, Japan.

Maps & Direction

Climbing one of the highest peaks in the Japanese Alps would be a precious experience for hikers. The hike starts from the Murodo bus terminal in Tateyama and it would be good if you can stay overnights to enjoy the spectacular views completely. Hiking over here is rated as difficult and some sort of physical fitness and experience required for enjoying the views over the Alps from here.

7. Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage

Address: Shikoku, Japan.

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This is a very long trail and requires nearly 6 weeks for completing this trail. You can come across 88 temples till you reach the destination and this would be a favorite destination for devotees.

8. Mount Chokai

Address: Mount Chōkai, Fukura, Yuza, Akumi District, Yamagata 999-8521, Japan.

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This is the highest peak in the Tohoku region at an elevation of 7336ft and situated in between Akita and Yamagata Prefectures. This moderate hike requires 5 hours to complete the trail and summer would be the best season for climbing. Other excellent activities you can enjoy here are skiing, snowboarding, hiking, nature photography, amazing views of pristine lakes, silky waterfalls and beautiful rivers.

9. Summit Yarigatake

Address: Mount Yari, Taira, Omachi, Nagano 398-0001, Japan.

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You need to spend two days through lush green forests in the beginning and nearer to summit you need to follow rugged terrain. You can stay at overnights in huts and you need to be physically well fit to complete this trail two amazing routes are available to reach the summit like Yarisawa valley to Kamikochi and another one is from Tsubakuro-dake towards the summit.

10. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Address: Tateyama, Nakaniikawa District, Toyama 930-1406, Japan.

Maps & Direction

This trail starts from Tateyama Station and the highest point is Murodo at 2500m. And other attractions of this route are Yuki-no-otani snow wall, Mt. Tateyama, Mikurigaike Pond, Tateyama Tamadono Spring Water, Emmadai observation deck, Mikurigaike Hot Spring, valleys, campgrounds, etc.

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