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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 planning Day hikesTrails that fit into a travel day Kumano Kodo guideStart with the strongest guide content

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36 trails found

Trail results

Nokogiriyama - Day Hike

Nokogiriyama

Unique saw-toothed mountain in Chiba with a cliff lookout and giant Buddha carving.

Kanto5.5km3h330m

Mt. Hiei - Day Hike

Mt. Hiei

Sacred mountain between Kyoto and Shiga, home to Enryakuji Temple.

Kansai10km4.5h700m

Mt. Asahidake - Day Hike

Mt. Asahidake

Hokkaido's highest peak with volcanic landscape and earliest autumn colors in Japan.

Hokkaido10km6h700m

Mt. Gassan - Day Hike

Mt. Gassan

One of Dewa Sanzan, sacred peak in Yamagata with alpine marshes.

Tohoku8.5km5h600m

Mt. Fuji (Yoshida Trail) - Alpine

Mt. Fuji (Yoshida Trail)

Japan's most iconic mountain via the most popular climbing route from the fifth station.

Chubu14km10h1450m

Tateyama (Oyama) - Alpine

Tateyama (Oyama)

Sacred peak in Toyama accessible via the Alpine Route with snow corridors.

Mt. Hakusan - Alpine

Mt. Hakusan

One of Japan's three sacred mountains with alpine wildflower meadows.

Chubu14km10h1500m

Mt. Senjogatake - Alpine

Mt. Senjogatake

Queen of the Southern Alps with gentle ridges and cirque landscapes.

Chubu12km8h1100m

Mt. Ontake - Alpine

Mt. Ontake

Sacred volcanic peak straddling Nagano and Gifu with mountain worship history.

Chubu10km7h1100m

Mt. Norikura - Alpine

Mt. Norikura

Easiest 3,000-meter peak in Japan accessible by bus to 2,700 meters.

Mt. Shirouma - Alpine

Mt. Shirouma

Popular Northern Alps peak with a large snow field approach and alpine flowers.

Chubu16km12h1700m

Mt. Kiso-Komagatake - Alpine

Mt. Kiso-Komagatake

Central Alps peak easily accessed by ropeway to Senjojiki Cirque.

Diamond Trail - Other

Diamond Trail

Long-distance trail connecting Katsuragi, Kongo, and Nijo mountains in Osaka.

Kansai45km16h2500m

Mt. Ishizuchi - Day Hike

Mt. Ishizuchi

Highest peak in western Japan with sacred chains and dramatic ridges.

Shikoku9km6h1000m

Mt. Ibuki - Day Hike

Mt. Ibuki

Tallest mountain in Shiga Prefecture with alpine meadows and panoramic views.

Kansai8km6h1150m

Kamikochi to Myojin Pond - Day Hike

Kamikochi to Myojin Pond

Scenic 6km round-trip hike from Kappa Bridge to Myojin Pond in Kamikochi. Easy difficulty, 2-3 hours. Crystal-clear pond with mountain views.

Chubu10km3.5h150m