Best Day Hikes Near Tokyo: 10 Trails Under 2 Hours Away

Escape the city without leaving your Tokyo hotel behind. These 10 day hikes are all reachable within 2 hours by train, offering mountains, forests, and stunning views.

By Hike in Japan Editorial

Why Hike Near Tokyo?

Tokyo sits at the edge of mountains. Within two hours by train, you can trade skyscrapers for forested ridgelines, mountain streams, and panoramic views that include Fuji on clear days. Japan's excellent rail network means you don't need a car, and well-maintained trails make these hikes accessible to most fitness levels.

Here are 10 of the best day hikes, from easy walks to challenging ridge traverses.

Easy Hikes (Beginner-Friendly)

1. Mount Takao (高尾山) — 599m

The most accessible mountain from central Tokyo, reachable in 50 minutes from Shinjuku. Multiple trails wind through cedar forests to the summit, where you can see Fuji on clear days. A cable car covers the steep lower section if you prefer.

  • Access: Keio Line to Takaosanguchi
  • Time: 1.5-2 hours up, 1-1.5 hours down
  • Highlight: Summit soba noodles and beer garden in summer

2. Mount Nokogiri (鋸山) — 329m

Located in Chiba, this "Sawtooth Mountain" features dramatic cliff-edge viewpoints, a massive carved Buddha, and the thrilling "Jigoku Nozoki" (Hell's Lookout) where you peer over a sheer cliff face.

  • Access: JR Uchibo Line to Hamakanaya
  • Time: 1-2 hours up, 1 hour down
  • Highlight: The 31-meter stone-carved Great Buddha

3. Kamakura Alps (鎌倉アルプス) — 159m

A gentle ridge walk connecting Kita-Kamakura to Kamakura, passing through forests and offering glimpses of the ocean. Combine it with temple visits at Kenchoji and the Great Buddha for a perfect cultural day out.

  • Access: JR Yokosuka Line to Kita-Kamakura
  • Time: 2-3 hours for the full traverse
  • Highlight: Ocean views and ancient temples

Moderate Hikes

4. Mount Mitake to Mount Otake (御岳山〜大岳山) — 1,267m

Take the cable car up Mount Mitake, visit the atmospheric summit shrine, then follow a forested ridge to Mount Otake. The trail passes rock gardens, waterfalls, and pristine forest. This is one of the most rewarding half-day hikes near Tokyo.

  • Access: JR Chuo Line to Mitake, then bus and cable car
  • Time: 4-5 hours round trip from Mitake summit
  • Highlight: Rock Garden trail with moss-covered boulders

5. Mount Tsukuba (筑波山) — 877m

One of Japan's most famous mountains, with twin peaks offering 360-degree views of the Kanto Plain. On clear days, you can see Fuji, Tokyo Skytree, and the Pacific Ocean simultaneously.

  • Access: Tsukuba Express to Tsukuba, then bus
  • Time: 2-3 hours up, 1.5-2 hours down
  • Highlight: Panoramic views from both peaks

6. Okutama Lake Trail (奥多摩湖) — Variable

Several trails wind around Okutama Lake, Tokyo's primary water reservoir. The lakeside paths are gentle, while surrounding peaks offer more challenge. The area feels remarkably remote despite being within Tokyo's borders.

  • Access: JR Chuo/Ome Line to Okutama
  • Time: 3-5 hours depending on route
  • Highlight: Floating bridge crossing and autumn foliage

Challenging Hikes

7. Mount Tanzawa (丹沢山) — 1,567m

A serious mountain that rewards with sweeping views of Fuji and the Pacific. The Yabitsu Pass route is the most popular. Bring plenty of water and start early.

  • Access: Odakyu Line to Shibusawa, then bus
  • Time: 6-8 hours round trip
  • Highlight: Unobstructed Fuji views from the ridge

8. Mount Kumotori (雲取山) — 2,017m

The highest peak within Tokyo's borders. Most hikers tackle it as an overnight trip, but a fit hiker can do it as a long day hike from Kamosawa trailhead. The summit is above the treeline with sweeping alpine views.

  • Access: JR Ome Line to Okutama, then bus
  • Time: 8-10 hours round trip
  • Highlight: Standing on Tokyo's highest point

9. Oku-Chichibu Mountains (奥秩父)

A wild, less-visited mountain range northwest of Tokyo. Multiple peaks and ridgeline traverses offer solitude rarely found this close to a megacity. The autumn colors in October are spectacular.

  • Access: Seibu Line to Chichibu area
  • Time: 5-8 hours depending on route
  • Highlight: True wilderness atmosphere

10. Hakone Old Tokaido Road (箱根旧東海道)

Follow the historic Tokaido highway through cedar-lined stone paths, past checkpoints and tea houses. This is more of a historical walk than a mountain hike, but the Hakone ridgeline offers optional peak ascents with Fuji views.

  • Access: Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto
  • Time: 3-5 hours depending on route
  • Highlight: Walking the same stones as Edo-period travelers