5 Best Hikes in Japan
Japan is a hiker’s paradise. The country is home to some of the most epic trails in the world, with jaw-dropping scenery and challenging terrain. From lush orange forests to snowy peaks, there are abundant opportunities to enjoy nature in this beautiful country. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best hikes in Japan. These trails are stunningly beautiful and accessible for visitors of all skill levels. Whether it’s a short stroll or a strenuous trek that takes all day, these are the top hikes in Japan you won’t want to miss!
Mount Hodo
Saitama Prefecture is north of Tokyo. It’s known for its sake, historic towns, museums, large parks and open spaces. In the western part of Saitama, you will find Chichibu, a beautiful area rich in nature and immensely popular amongst hikers in Japan. In this area, you’ll find Mount Hodo, also known as Hodosan in Japanese, that stands 497 meters tall. On the way, there are plenty of restaurants, souvenir shops and cafes near Nagatoro Station to explore, offering a variety of local delicacies, unique gifts and refreshing drinks to enhance your visit to the area.
Yakusugi Land
This is a national park located 40 minutes from Anbo Town. Yakusugi Land is not only an ideal place to enjoy nature, it’s one of the few hiking areas in Japan where you can see yakusugi—Japanese cedars that are more than a thousand years old. Yakusugi Land has five hiking trails to choose from, suitable for any level. The park has Japanese and English brochures, and signs along the trail that are in English. So next time you think of venturing over to Kagoshima, don’t forget to check out Yakusugi Land.
Shirakami Sanchi
This stunning area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the northern part of Honshu, Japan’s main island, Shirakami Sanchi has various hiking trails, making it one of the best places for hiking in the country. The easiest hiking trail is Shirakamidake Tozanguchi Chushajo, a 30-minute walk from Shirakamidake Tozanguchi Station. If you’re looking for an overnight adventure, the more challenging trail can take up to two days to complete, but ends with a stunning view at the summit of Mount Shirakami. Along the trails, you will see the beautiful blue waters of Aoike Pond and Lake Juniko. Shirakami Sanchi is an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts interested in hiking, fishing and camping.
Mount Fuji
Japan’s highest mountain, Mount Fuji stretches across Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures. There are four hiking trails up to the summit and they all have numbered stations along the path: Yoshida Trail, Subashiri Trail, Gotemba Trail and Fujinomiya Trail. All of these routes have something different to offer and are best suited for different types of hikers. For beginners, you can start hiking from the fifth station, which is easy to access by car or bus. The Yoshida Trail, located in Yamanashi Prefecture, is the most popular hiking trail among tourists and residents. Its base camp has a larger parking space and many mountain huts, making it the perfect place for hikers to relax. No matter which route you choose, it will take about five to 10 hours to reach the summit. Most people hike at night to reach Mount Fuji’s summit so that they can watch the sunrise.
Shosenkyo Gorge
This is a popular hiking spot in Yamanashi Prefecture, and is a great place to go if you want to explore some of Japan’s most beautiful scenery. The hiking trail starts from Nagatoro-Bashi and leads you to Shosenkyo. The trail is six kilometers long, and it will take you no more than three hours to complete. The hike is suitable for beginners and is also family friendly. There’s also a restroom along the path to use if needed. During the trek, you will arrive at the famous Sengataki Waterfalls, which is one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops in Shosenkyo, and some of the restaurants are even pet friendly.
No matter your hiking experience, these trails across Japan are sure to captivate you with their stunning views. And with cozy shops and tasty restaurants nearby, you can relax and refuel after your adventure, making the whole experience even more memorable.