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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

Kobe and Izu day-hike picks

Mount Rokko Hyogo hikeKobe access, moderate routes, city views, and Arima Onsen planning Jogasaki Coast Shizuoka hikeIzu coastal cliffs, Kadowaki bridge, rail access, and onsen add-ons Tateyama to Kamikochi TraverseNorthern Alps route timing, hut reservations, season, difficulty, and exits

Browse by trail type and region

Open focused landing pages for day hikes, pilgrimages, alpine routes, coastal trails, and each major region in Japan.

Trail type

Day hikes Multi-day treks Pilgrimage trails Nature walks Alpine routes Coastal hikes

Region

Hokkaido Tohoku

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How we review trails

70 trails found

Trail results

Mt. Kirishima (Takachiho-no-mine) - Day Hike

Mt. Kirishima (Takachiho-no-mine)

Mythical peak where the gods descended, with a bronze spear at the summit.

Kyushu6km4h600m

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

Kitadake - Alpine

Kitadake

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

Chubu20km14h1700m

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

Tsurugi-dake - Alpine

Tsurugi-dake

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

Chubu16km12h1600m

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