The 6 top hikes in Japan: spectacular trails and essential trekking advice

With around three-quarters of Japan covered by mountains, it’s no wonder that hiking is beloved by both locals and visitors. You'll encounter towering peaks (hello Mt. Fuji!) alongside serene hills, breathtaking views, and historic pathways.

Japan boasts a vibrant hiking culture: share a stay with fellow hikers in one of the country’s welcoming mountain lodges, then unwind in a soothing onsen (hot spring bath). Trails are typically well-kept (and closed during maintenance), with convenient public transport to many popular trailheads.

Here are six of the finest hikes in Japan, paired with handy tips to enhance your experience.

1. Mt Fuji

Ultimate bucket list hike 15km (9.3 miles) round-trip, 10–12 hours, challenging

At 3776m (12,388ft), Mt Fuji is Japan’s highest peak. Each year, hundreds of thousands ascend Fuji-san, honoring a long-standing tradition of pilgrimage to this sacred volcano. Many Japanese believe they should climb it at least once in their lifetime—though the saying goes, a wise person climbs Mt Fuji once, while a fool attempts it twice.

The hike is demanding—some sections require navigating over boulders—and it’s not particularly scenic, as much of it is above the tree line. Yet, the reward of reaching the summit is nothing short of magical. For many climbers, the goal is to witness goraikō (the first light of dawn) from the peak, which means either climbing through the night with headlamps or staying in a simple hut partway up, offering lodging, toilets, food, water, and wi-fi.

Tip for planning: Four trails lead to the summit, but the Yoshida Trail is by far the most frequented. It’s the easiest to access from Tokyo and features the most huts. The climbing season runs from July 1 to September 10.

2. Mt Takao

Top urban hike from Tokyo 9km (5.6 miles) round-trip, 3–4 hours, easy

Mt Takao is the iconic mountain of Tokyo—technically within the capital, yet an hour's train ride from the bustling city center. The train conveniently takes you straight to the mountain's base, making Takao a favorite spot for everyone from families to active seniors.

There are six trails leading to the peak, ranging from rustic to well-maintained, along with points of interest like an 8th-century Buddhist temple. At the summit (599m/1965ft), you can enjoy views back over Tokyo and, on clear days, the majestic sight of Mt Fuji.

Insider tip: Mt Takao is a year-round spot, perfect for winter hikes but especially busy in summer when a beer garden opens on a terrace two-thirds up the trail, and in autumn when the foliage transforms beautifully.

3. Shiratani Unsui Gorge (Yakushima)

Ideal for breathtaking views 6km (3.7 miles) round-trip, 3–4 hours, easy

Yakushima, located in the Ōsumi Islands off the coast of Kyūshū, is one of Japan's most magical destinations. It boasts unique cedar trees known as yakusugi, which can live for over 1000 years, developing enormous, twisted trunks and thick, muscular roots that sprawl across the rocky forest floor.

The crown jewel of Yakushima is the Shiratani Unsui Gorge, believed to have inspired the renowned animator Miyazaki Hayao in his celebrated 1997 film Princess Mononoke. A leisurely half-day hike meanders through the gorge's breathtaking moss-covered forest, past ancient trees, culminating at the scenic Taiko Rock viewpoint.

Yakushima offers the complete experience; beyond its hiking trails, you can enjoy beautiful beaches and rejuvenating hot springs.

4. Kumano Kodō (Takajiri-ōji to Kumano Hongū Taisha)

Ideal for pilgrimage routes 37.8km (2 miles), 2 days, moderate

The Kumano Kodō is an ancient network of pilgrimage routes established around 1000 years ago by mountain ascetics known as yamabushi. These trails, nestled deep in Japan’s remote Kii Peninsula, were initially created for spiritual training—challenging journeys designed to enhance the practitioner's path to enlightenment.

Although the trails fell into neglect for centuries, they have been revitalized, making the Kumano Kodō one of Japan’s premier hiking spots today. The main route, known as Nakahechi, stretches from Takajiri-ōji to the revered Kumano Hongū Taisha shrine. Most contemporary hikers complete the trek, which features moderate elevation changes, in two days, resting at an inn in one of the halfway settlements.

Planning tip: A bus service runs alongside the trail, allowing hikers to tackle shorter sections rather than the entire route. Alternatively, you can continue for another two days to reach the Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine.

5. Kamikōchi–Hotaka-Yari Circuit

Best for multi-day hiking 34km/21 miles round-trip, 3 days, challenging

Mt Yari, also known as Yari-ga-take, derives its name from the Japanese word for spear (yari), as its jagged peak rises sharply. Often dubbed “Japan’s Matterhorn,” this striking mountain stands at 3180m (10,433ft), making it the fifth tallest in the country and a centerpiece of the Northern Japan Alps, renowned for outdoor adventures.

There are several routes to the summit, but the ultimate challenge for dedicated hikers is the Kamikochi-Hotaka-Yari Circuit. This three-day journey begins in Kamikōchi, a stunning highland valley surrounded by towering peaks. After conquering Mt Oku-Hotaka, the highest peak in the Alps at 3190m (10,466ft), trekkers navigate the daunting Daikiretto—a narrow, exposed ridgeline—on their way to Mt Yari.

Local tip: If this trek seems overwhelming, Kamikōchi itself is one of Japan's most breathtaking locations, offering a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels.

6. Magome to Tsumago

Best for history enthusiasts 7.8km (4.8 miles), 3–4 hours, easy

Magome and Tsumago are two picturesque towns along the Nakasendō, an ancient foot route that linked Edo (modern Tokyo) to the former imperial city of Kyoto. Established during the Edo period (1603–1868), this route was one of five designated for use by the shogunate and powerful feudal lords known as daimyō. Towns like Magome and Tsumago served as rest stops, offering essential services for the long trains of travelers and messengers who traversed these paths.

Currently, only a handful of segments of these historic roads are accessible, including the trail connecting Magome and Tsumago. This path, a combination of cobblestones and compact earth, meanders through the lush Kiso Valley, passing small rural villages and teahouses. Both towns boast well-preserved traditional buildings, featuring dark wood, intricate latticework, and slate roofs from the heyday of the Nakasendō, now home to inns and noodle shops.

Planning tip: The Kiso Valley spans the border of Nagano and Gifu prefectures, lying next to the Central Japan Alps.

Essential hiking tips for Japan

• Camping in Japan is restricted to designated sites. Most multi-day hikes require staying overnight in mountain lodges or huts, many of which offer hot meals.

• Japanese mountain weather can be unpredictable. Be particularly vigilant about typhoon alerts from June to October.

• In Tokyo and popular hiking spots like Mt Fuji, you can rent high-quality hiking gear, including boots, if you prefer not to carry your own.

• Information centers and mountain lodges provide trail maps and updates on closures, detours, and other important details like recent bear sightings.

• While bear encounters are uncommon, they can occur. Many hikers in Japan carry bells to signal their presence to bears.

• Falling rocks can lead to serious accidents. As a precaution, some climbers on peaks like Mt Fuji or Mt Yari choose to wear helmets for added safety.