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Hiking Trails in Japan

Day hikes, multi-day treks, pilgrimages, and alpine routes across Japan

From sacred pilgrimages along the Kumano Kodo to alpine traverses in the Japanese Alps, Japan offers some of Asia's most rewarding hiking experiences. The country's 70% mountain terrain means trails range from gentle forest walks near hot spring towns to challenging multi-day ridge routes above 3,000 meters. Our trail database includes difficulty ratings, elevation profiles, estimated duration, trailhead access, and seasonal conditions. Whether you're planning a weekend day hike near Tokyo or a week-long trek through the Northern Alps, filter by difficulty, type, and region to find your perfect trail.

Easy hikesLower effort routes for first-time planningDay hikesTrails that fit into a travel dayKumano Kodo guideStart with the strongest guide content
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9 trails found

Trail results

Minami Alps Shirane Sanzan - Multi-day
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Minami Alps Shirane Sanzan

Multi-day

Three-day traverse of Kitadake, Ainodake, and Noutoridake in the Southern Alps.

Chubu30km24h2800m
Difficult
Kitaalps Traverse (Tateyama to Kamikochi) - Multi-day
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Kitaalps Traverse (Tateyama to Kamikochi)

Multi-day

Epic multi-day traverse across the Northern Alps from Tateyama to Kamikochi.

Chubu45km36h4500m
Difficult
Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage (Highlights) - Pilgrimage
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Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage (Highlights)

Pilgrimage

Selected mountain sections of Japan's most famous 1,200 km pilgrimage circuit.

Shikoku50km40h3000m
Difficult
Mt. Aino-dake - Alpine
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Mt. Aino-dake

Alpine

Japan's fourth highest peak connecting Kitadake and Noutoridake.

Chubu28km18h2200m
Difficult
Oku-Hotaka - Alpine
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Oku-Hotaka

Alpine

Third highest peak in Japan with technical scrambling in the Northern Alps.

Chubu25km16h1900m
Difficult
Tsurugi-dake - Alpine
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Tsurugi-dake

Alpine

One of Japan's most challenging peaks with exposed chains and ladders.

Chubu16km12h1600m
Difficult
Yarigatake - Alpine
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Yarigatake

Alpine

The Matterhorn of Japan with a distinctive spear-shaped summit requiring scrambling.

Chubu22km14h1800m
Difficult
Mt. Tanigawa - Day Hike
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Mt. Tanigawa

Day Hike

Iconic Gunma peak known for dramatic ridgelines and challenging weather.

Kanto8km6.5h1100m
Difficult
Kitadake - Alpine
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Kitadake

Alpine

Japan's second highest peak in the Southern Alps with dramatic mountain scenery.

Chubu20km14h1700m
Difficult