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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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15 trails found

Trail results

Mt. Aino-dake - Alpine

Mt. Aino-dake

Japan's fourth highest peak connecting Kitadake and Noutoridake.

Chubu28km18h2200m

Shiomi-dake - Alpine

Shiomi-dake

Remote Southern Alps peak with sweeping views of Mt. Fuji and the Southern Alps.

Chubu24km16h1800m

Daikiretto Traverse - Alpine

Daikiretto Traverse

Japan's most famous knife-edge ridge connecting Minami-dake and Kitahotaka.

Chubu12km10h1200m

Oku-Hotaka - Alpine

Oku-Hotaka

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

Chubu25km16h1900m

Mt. Kiso-Komagatake - Alpine

Mt. Kiso-Komagatake

Central Alps peak easily accessed by ropeway to Senjojiki Cirque.

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

Yarigatake - Alpine

Yarigatake

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

Chubu22km14h1800m