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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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5 trails found

Trail results

Dewa Sanzan Pilgrimage - Pilgrimage
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Dewa Sanzan Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage

Sacred mountain pilgrimage in Yamagata visiting three holy peaks.

Tohoku10km5h600m
Easy
Kumano Kodo (Kohechi) - Pilgrimage
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Kumano Kodo (Kohechi)

Pilgrimage

Challenging mountain route connecting Koyasan to Kumano Hongu Taisha.

Kansai70km32h4500m
Moderate
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
Kumano Kodo (Nakahechi) - Pilgrimage
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Kumano Kodo (Nakahechi)

Pilgrimage

UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage route through the mountains of the Kii Peninsula.

Kansai38km18h2000m
Moderate
Mt. Koya Choishi-michi - Pilgrimage
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Mt. Koya Choishi-michi

Pilgrimage

Ancient stone-marker trail to the sacred Buddhist mountaintop of Koyasan.

Kansai24km7h850m
Moderate