Japan is a country rich in natural beauty, with peaks covered with snow, thick forests, and breathtaking coastlines. There are various routes to explore and hiking is a well-liked hobby among both locals and tourists. Here are a few of Japan’s the best hikes.
Mount Fuji
With a height of 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji is both Japan’s tallest mountain and its national emblem. Thousands of hikers ascend during the climbing season, which lasts from July to September. The Yoshida Trail, which is the most well-liked route and contains cabins for overnight stays, is well-maintained.
Kumano Kodo
The three major shrines of Kumano are connected by a network of historic pilgrimage routes known as the Kumano Kodo. Some of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes, including mountains, woods, and rivers, are traversed by the trails. The Nakahechi Route, which passes through tiny towns and historic shrines, is the most well-known trail.
Yakushima
The subtropical island of Yakushima, which is south of Kyushu, has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for the uniqueness of its woods. The island boasts more than 100 hiking paths, from short strolls to strenuous climbs up Mount Miyanoura, its highest peak.
Kamikochi
The lovely valley of Kamikochi is situated in the Japanese Alps. Mid-April to mid-November is the hiking season, and there are trails for all skill levels, from gentle strolls to strenuous climbs. The Kappa Bridge Trail, which provides breathtaking views of the nearby mountains and the Azusa River, is one of the most well-liked walks.
Shirakami Sanchi
One of Japan’s last unpolluted beech forests can be found in Shirakami Sanchi, a mountainous area in the northern part of Honshu. The hiking routes provide hikers a taste of the area’s natural splendor, and the Anmon Falls Trail, which leads through a succession of cascading waterfalls, is the most well-liked hike.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Travelling through the Japanese Alps is breathtaking along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. The route involves a trek through a 500-meter tunnel of snow walls, buses, and cable cars, and it travels from Toyama to Nagano. The only time the route is open is from mid-April to mid-November.
Mount Takao
Mount Takao, a popular day trip location for both locals and visitors, is located not far from Tokyo. There are many hiking trails on the mountain, including one that is paved and takes hikers to the summit in about 90 minutes. Beautiful views of Tokyo and the neighboring mountains can be seen from the summit.
Daisetsuzan National Park
Hokkaido’s Daisetsuzan National Park is where you’ll find some of the country’s wildest, most untamed terrain. Over 600 kilometers of hiking trails can be found in the park, ranging from short strolls to strenuous ascents of Mount Asahi, the highest peak in Hokkaido.
Nachi Falls
One of the most well-known waterfalls in Japan is Nachi Falls, which is situated in Wakayama Prefecture. The 133-meter-high waterfall is accessible by a walk that passes a number of shrines as well as a deep forest. All levels of hikers can use the trail because of how simple it is.
Yakusugi Land
Yakusugi Land, a nature park on Yakushima Island, is home to some of the biggest and oldest cedar trees in Japan. Numerous hiking trails in the park lead visitors through ancient cedar forests, some of which are more than 1,000 years old. The Wilson Stump Trail, which passes the park’s tallest cedar tree—which has a girth of more than 16 meters—is the most well-liked hike.
In conclusion, Japan has a wide variety of trekking locations that are suitable for hikers of all skill levels. There is a trail for everyone, whether you’re searching for a strenuous ascent of Mount Fuji or a leisurely stroll through the historic forests of Yakushima. So, grab your hiking boots and explore Japan’s natural beauty!
