5 Beautiful Day Hikes in Japan

From ancient pilgrimage trails on the Kii Peninsula to 3,000m high peaks in the Japan Alps, Brad’s tips will help you find and appreciate the natural beauty Japan has in spades.

1. Kumano Kodo (Takijiri – Chikatsuyu)

Location: Kii Peninsula, Wakayama Prefecture
Distance: 15km (one-way)
Duration: 3-5 hours

Like many of the world’s great pilgrimages, there are numerous routes and variations to consider when tackling the Kumano Kodo. The popular Nakahechi route is a stunning multi-day hike along ancient trails through towering cedar forests and remote countryside. The area is steeped in history and the temples and shrines that punctuate the trail are some of the most tranquil and spiritual places you’ll find in Japan.

The town of Kii Tanabe, a two-hour train ride from Osaka, is the ideal place to access the Kumano Kodo. It’s most commonly hiked over a few days, often as part of a group tour, so completing it as a series of self-guided day hikes requires a bit of planning – and some patience with the local bus timetable! The excellent English-speaking staff at the tourist information office at Kii Tanabe Train Station can help you with your plans.

The start of the trail at Takijiri is reached by bus from Kii Tanabe. Suitably ancient-looking Kumano Kodo signs mark the start of the trail and appear at reassuring intervals along the way. With almost 1000m of elevation gain over undulating terrain, this hike requires a good level of fitness. Thankfully there are plenty of quiet spots to rest along the way and a small village or two where you can refill your water.

The tiny village of Chikatsuyu provides a logical spot to end the hike and wait for a bus back to Kii Tanabe. But don’t be surprised if all you want to do is continue your pilgrimage along this special trail.

2. Mt Jiigatake

Location: Chub-Sangaku National Park, Nagano & Toyama Prefecture
Distance: 15km (return)
Duration: 4-6 hours

Perhaps more renowned for its ski slopes than hiking trails, the Japan Alps are a nature lover’s paradise. Stretching over 400km on Japan’s main island of Honshu and boasting several peaks above 3,000m, this is the roof of Japan, offering endless outdoor adventures.

The trail to the top of Mt Jiigatake (2,669m) is a challenging day hike offering a spectacular taste of the Northern Alps. Reached by a pleasant train and bus trip from either Matsumoto or Hakuba, the hike begins at an elevation of 1,400m at the Ogisawa Information Center.

The first part of the trail is a steep, forested climb that winds its way up to a ridge. Emerging at the Taneike Sanso Mountain Hut, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views and a chance to rest before the final section up to the summit.

The ridgeline provides a natural border between the Nagano and Toyama prefectures and the views to far-off peaks are a seductive invitation to grander adventures. A sense of accomplishment always accompanies a summit hike, making the sweaty climb up all the more worth it.

Read more: Nagano – A Guide to the Foothills of the Japan Alps

As you descend the way you came, take the chance to enjoy the views from a different perspective and snap those photos you were too sweaty to capture on the way up.

3. Kamikochi

Location: Chubu Sangaku National Park, Nagano Prefecture
Distance: 14km (loop)
Duration: 3-5 hours

If you’re looking for a leisurely walk surrounded by beautiful mountains, this is the perfect day hike. It’s easy to see why this is a favourite spot amongst locals and visitors. With postcard views and well-trodden, mostly flat trails, it’s a popular (read: busy) place to spend a day.

From Kamikochi bus terminal a well-marked trail leads along the Azusa River and out to the Tokusawa Lodge and campground. From here, you can head back along the other side of the river to the bus station or extend your walk to the Yokoo Lodge for a bigger loop.

More intrepid hikers can plan a multi-day trip from Kamikochi on one of the many trails leading deeper into the alps. The friendly tourist information office can help with your plans.

Please note! While bear attacks are rare, sightings in this area are common. Carry a bear bell and pay attention to any signs and alerts in the area.

4. Shikoku

Location: Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail (Temple 49-51)
Distance: 9km
Duration: 2-3 hours

The full Shikoku Henro or Shikoku Pilgrimage is now firmly on my bucket list. Never heard of it? It’s a 1,200km pilgrimage to 88 Buddhist temples on the island of Shikoku. You’ll need about six to eight weeks to complete the whole trail, but it’s easy to sample a section or two.

Like much of Japan, getting around outside of the cities can be a little tricky. Bus timetables are often mystifyingly bereft of services and the ones that do come are rarely at the times you want. But with some forward planning over a bowl of ramen, anything is possible.

Matsuyama is the pick of Shikoku’s cities. From here a bus ride to Kume near Temple 49 makes for an enjoyable walk back into town. You’ll pass through pretty suburban neighbourhoods with the opportunity to visit three Buddhist temples along the way (temples 49, 50, and 51 of the official pilgrimage).

Waymarkers are a small printed pilgrim outline accompanied by an arrow to show the way. Stopping at each temple for a moment of quiet contemplation is the real charm of this walk. Even though you’ll barely scratch the surface of the full pilgrimage on this little taster hike, I challenge you not to want to come back and attempt the whole route. 

5. Onami Pond

Location: Kirishima Kinkowan National Park, Kagoshima Prefecture
Distance: 6.5km
Duration: 2-3 hours

The stunning deep blue Onami Pond is the largest summit crater lake in Japan, and well worth the effort to visit. Reached by train and bus from Kagoshima, a loop of the lake is an enjoyable and challenging short hike with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. In autumn, visitors will be wowed by the spectacular fall foliage.

Hike along the path from the bus stop to the edge of the crater. The trail circles the lake and can be hiked in either direction. It’s narrow and technical in parts but it offers some natural viewing spots of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

For a longer hike there’s a steep trail up to Mt Karakuni for even more expansive views. With around 400m of elevation gain, and a max elevation of almost 1,500m, it can be breezy and cool on this trail so pack an extra layer. This is an active volcano zone so stay across any alerts and no-go zones in the area.

Essential Gear for Japan Day Hikes

• Water
• Snacks
• Cash (for bus fares and snacks)
• Hat and sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• A first aid kit
• An extra layer as temperatures can drop quickly in the mountains
• Shoes with plenty of tread in case of any slippery trails or rocks
• Your camera to get those Insta-worthy shots

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

Japan Day Hikes FAQS

What’s the best season to hike in Japan?

Japan’s climate can vary enormously so it’s best to check out the region you’re planning to visit for the best time to go. Generally speaking, the best time to hike in Japan is in spring and autumn when the flowers are at their best and the autumn foliage is peaking. Extreme temperatures, heavy rainfall, and typhoons can strike during summer and many of the trails are closed for the winter.

Read more: Guide to Japan in Cherry Blossom Season

Is Japan known for hiking?

Hiking is popular in Japan with people of all ages, not least because of the lure of a hot spring bath at the end of each day. Trails are well-groomed and trail etiquette is widely adhered to. Keep to your left (same as the road rules), let others pass on your right, and greet fellow hikers with a smile and a ‘Konichiwa’.

What’s the best multi-day hike in Japan?

Many of the hikes on this list are just one part of a multi-day hiking trail. The Kumano Kodo, Shikoku Pilgrimage, and Japan Alps offer some of the best and most beautiful hiking you’ll find in Japan.

Want more help planning your trip to Japan?

• Japan is a Hiking Oasis in Summer
• The 5 Best National Parks in Japan
• Sake, Snow, and Silent Treks: A Week in Japan’s Central Chūbu Region
• Why Kyushu is the Ultimate Unknown Japan Road Trip Destination
• Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park – 3 Stunning Hikes Near Tokyo