Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Around two-thirds of Japan is forested and mountainous, so great scenery is never far away — even from Tokyo. Trails are generally well signposted, and many hikes finish at a hot spring.
Season matters: spring and autumn are the most comfortable for hiking, summer opens up the high mountains, and winter brings snow sports in Hokkaido and the Alps.
Easy from Tokyo
Yamanashi
Fuji Five Lakes
Lakeside walks, viewpoints like the Chureito Pagoda and classic Mt Fuji reflections on clear mornings.
Kanagawa
Hakone
Ropeways over volcanic valleys, a lake cruise, old cedar-lined paths and plenty of onsen.
Tochigi
Nikko
Ornate shrines in cedar forest, then waterfalls, lakes and marshland walks higher up at Okunikko.
Kanagawa
Kamakura hiking trails
Short forested ridge trails linking temples, with the beach at the end.
July–early September
Climbing Mt Fuji
The official climbing season is short and some trails now require advance registration and a fee. Read up before you go.
Mountains & countryside
Nagano
Japan Alps from Matsumoto
A base for Kamikochi's riverside trails (open roughly late April to mid-November) and alpine scenery.
Gifu
Takayama & Shirakawa-go
Mountain towns and thatched-roof villages, beautiful in every season and especially under snow.
Wakayama / Kyoto / Nara
Kumano Kodo & Kansai trails
Ancient pilgrimage routes in the Kii mountains, plus easy hikes like Kyoto's Fushimi Inari mountain loop.
Hiroshima
Mt Misen, Miyajima
Hike or ride the ropeway up the sacred mountain for views over the Seto Inland Sea.
North & south
Kagoshima
Sakurajima & Kirishima
An active volcano across the bay from the city, with lava trails and hot springs nearby.
Practical tips
- Check weather and trail conditions; mountain weather changes fast.
- Bears live in many mountain areas — follow local signs, and carry a bell where it's recommended.
- Carry cash, water and a rain layer; huts and rural shops may not take cards.
- Avoid the main typhoon and rainy-season peaks for big hikes.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: