Best Hiking Trails in Japan - Level Up Traveler

Japan is a beautiful country where you can do many things such as hiking in nature. Many hiking trails in Japan offer stunning views of mountains, lakes, and forests. Here are some of the best hiking trails you should check out in Japan.

1. Mt. Fuji

Mount Fuji is a very popular destination amongst tourists and locals. You can enjoy the beautiful views of Mt Fuji and enjoy the scenic view on your way to the top of the mountain.

The trail is about 12.5 kilometers long, and it would take around 6 to 7 hours to complete the hike.

Mt. Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan and one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. It is located on the island of Honshu and is about 100 kilometers (60 miles) southwest of Tokyo. Mt. Fuji is an active volcano and last erupted in 1707.

Mt. Fuji is a popular destination for hikers from all over the world. Many different trails lead to the summit of Mt. Fuji, and each trail has its unique features. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Japan:

The Yoshida Trail is the most popular trail to Mt. Fuji and the easiest trail to hike. The trailhead is located at the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji, and the trail is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) long. The Yoshida Trail leads to the summit of Mt. Fuji and offers stunning mountain views.

The Subashiri Trail is located at the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji and is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) long. The Subashiri Trail is a bit more difficult than the Yoshida Trail but still offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji.

The Gotemba Trail is the longest trail to Mt. Fuji and is located at the Gotemba 5th Station. The Gotemba Trail is about 30 kilometers (18 miles) long and is the most difficult trail to Mt. Fuji. The Gotemba Trail offers beautiful views of the mountain but is very strenuous.

No matter which trail you choose, hiking to the summit of Mt. Fuji is an unforgettable experience. If you are planning to hike Mt. Fuji, be sure to be prepared for the challenge. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear comfortable shoes. Most importantly, enjoy the scenery and take your time.

2. Kumano Kodo

Kumano Kodo is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes crisscrossing southwest Japan’s Kii Peninsula. The routes lead to the three Grand Shrines of Kumano – Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha, and Nachi Taisha – some of Japan’s most important spiritual sites.

Since the Heian period (794-1185), pilgrims from all over Japan have journeyed to Kumano to worship at these shrines. The routes were gradually developed over time, and today there are five main trails: the Nakahechi route, the Ohechi route, the Kohechi route, the Iseji route, and the Nikko Kaido route.

The Nakahechi route is the most popular of the five and runs from Kyoto all the way to Hongu Taisha. The other routes branch off from the Nakahechi at various points along the way.

Whether a seasoned hiker or a complete novice, Kumano Kodo has a trail to suit your needs. So lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore one of Japan’s most stunning natural landscapes!

3. Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO world heritage site best known for its traditional Japanese houses with thatched roofs. The village is located in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, and it is a great place to go for a hike. There are many trails that you can choose from depending on your level of fitness.

Shirakawa-go is a small, traditional village in the Gifu prefecture of Japan. The village is best known for its thatched-roof houses, built in the unique gassho-zukuri style. This style of architecture is characterized by its steep, slanted roofs resembling Buddhist monks’ hands in prayer. Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations.

The village is situated in a beautiful mountain valley surrounded by forests. The area has many hiking trails, making it a great place to go for a hike. This article will introduce some of the best hiking trails in Shirakawa-go.

4. Ogimachi Nature Trail

The Ogimachi Nature Trail is a 4km trail that starts from the Shirakawa-go Visitor Center and leads to the observation deck at the top of Mount Ogimachi. The trail takes about 2 hours to complete. Along the way, you will see a variety of plants and animals, as well as some of the thatched-roof houses. The trail is relatively easy to hike, but there are some steep sections.

5. Kamikochi National Park

Kamikochi National Park is located in the Japanese Alps and is about a 2-hour drive from Shirakawa-go. The park is a popular hiking destination, with many trails to choose from.

The most popular trail is the Taisho-ike Trail, which leads to the crater lake of Mount Yakedake. The trail is 7km long and takes about 4 hours to complete.

6. Yamanashi Prefectural Park

Yamanashi Prefectural Park is located in Kofu, about an hour’s drive from Shirakawa-go. The park is known for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and hot springs. One of the most popular trails in the Mt. Daisen Trail, which leads to the summit of Mount Daisen. The trail is 13km long and takes about 6 hours to complete.

As you can see, there are many great places to go for a hike in Japan. So get out there and explore! And don’t forget to take in the stunning scenery along the way.

7. Koya-san

Koya-san is a Buddhist temple town located in Wakayama Prefecture. You can explore the temples and the old cemetery while enjoying the fresh mountain air. The hiking trails here are relatively easy, and it would take around 2 to 3 hours to complete the hike.

8. Mt. Ontake

Mt. Ontake is an active volcano located in Nagano Prefecture. The mountain is popular for its scenic views and hot springs. The trail to the summit is about 10 kilometers long, and it would take around 5 to 6 hours to complete the hike.

9. Daisetsuzan National Park

Daisetsuzan National Park is located in Hokkaido, the largest national park in Japan. The park is famous for its beautiful forests, mountains, and lakes. There are many hiking trails that you can choose from depending on your level of fitness.

You should check out these are some of the best hiking trails in Japan. Each trail offers something unique, and you will surely enjoy the stunning views of nature. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your hike today.

10. Shikoku Pilgrimage Route

The Shikoku Pilgrimage Route is a trail network connecting 88 Buddhist temples across the island of Shikoku in Japan. It is considered one of the most important pilgrimage routes in Japanese Buddhism and has been used by pilgrims for centuries.

There are four main routes of the pilgrimage, with each route connecting to a different group of temples. The most popular route is the Iya-Valley Route, which runs through the Iya Valley and connects to 28 temples. This route is known for its beautiful scenery and its challenging hikes.

The second most popular route is the Koya-san Route, connecting to 33 temples on Mount Koya. This route is less strenuous than the Iya-Valley Route and is popular among older pilgrims.

The third route is the Tokushima-Awaji Route, connecting 24 temples around the cities of Tokushima and Awaji. This route is known for its historical sites and its traditional Japanese culture.

The fourth and final route is the Shikoku Henro Trail, connecting all 88 temples on the island. This route is the most difficult, as it covers the entire island, and the most rewarding.

No matter which route you choose, the Shikoku Pilgrimage Route is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

11. Nakasendo Way

Nakasendo Way is one of the most popular hiking trails in Japan. It stretches almost 500 kilometers between Kyoto and Tokyo and passes through some of the country’s most scenic and historical parts.

The trail was historically used by samurai and other officials to travel between the two cities, and today it provides a wonderful way to experience traditional Japan. Along the way, hikers will pass through small villages, forests, and mountains and have the opportunity to stay in traditional Japanese inns.

Several different routes can be taken along Nakasendo Way, and it can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to complete the entire trail. Here are some of the best sections of the trail to hike.

12. Dewa Sanzan Mountains

Dewa Sanzan is a mountain range located in the Tohoku region of Japan. The range consists of three sacred mountains: Mount Hakusan, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono. These mountains are considered the source of all life in Japan and are worshipped by the local people.

The Dewa Sanzan Mountains are popular hiking destinations for Japanese and foreign tourists. The mountains offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside and a chance to experience traditional Japanese culture. Many temples and shrines are in the mountains, and pilgrims often hike the trails to visit them.

The Dewa Sanzan Mountains are also home to some of the best hot springs in Japan. These springs have healing properties, and many people come to the mountains to relax in them.