Japan is a land of gigantic mountain peaks. It is one of the top tourist attractions sites for hiking and trekking. You will find picturesque trails in Japan as three-quarters of the country comprises mountains. Avid hikers from across the globe visit Japan for its iconic hikes. You will not get lost as the trails are well maintained. Another great thing is that there’s public transportation available to the most famous trailheads. We have brought you some of the epic hiking trails in Japan with mesmerizing views to die for. The jaw-dropping scenic views will surely amaze you.
1. Mount Fuji
Japan’s tallest mountain Mount Fuji welcomes hikers and trekkers from across the globe every year. Mount Fuji offers a plethora of hiking trails. Take the 9.3 miles trail which is a hard-level trek. You can make a complete round in 10 to 12 hours. There is a centuries-old tradition of pilgrimages climbing Fuji-san every single year. The grandiose feeling at the top is beyond words. What can be better than witnessing the rising sun known as goraikō from the summit in the land of the rising sun? Plan your trip from July to September.
2. Mount Takao
Mount Takao is the signature mountain of Japan’s capital Tokyo. The Mount Takao hike is an easy urban hike from Tokyo. It is 5.6 miles in length and will take 3 to 4 hours to complete a round trip. If you are planning a short family hiking trip, it is the best call. It is well known and easily accessible for both kids and active seniors. Depending on your stamina and endurance, you can take any of the six main trails here all going up to the top. You will find attractions along the trekking path like an ancient 8th-century Buddhist Temple. The best time to visit and hike Mt Takao is the summer season, however, it is doable all year round.
3. Mount Kita
Mount Kita is one of the best strenuous and adrenaline-fueled hikes in Japan that offers extraordinary scenic views of the grand Mount Fuji. At an elevation of 10,500 feet, Mount Kita is the second tallest peak in Japan. Once you hike up to the summit, you will find mountain huts there. These huts can accommodate 150 people. Take a break, soak in the mesmerizing iconic beauty of the spot, and spend some time in the company of mother nature. After that, you can begin your descent back to the bottom.
4. Yakushima
Shiratani Unsui Gorge or most commonly known as Yakushima is one of the best remarkable scenic hikes in Japan. If you are hiking for the very first time, you should consider this. It is an easy and short hike of just 3.7 miles and will only take 3 to 4 hours to complete a round trip. Yakushima is popular because it is home to a wide variety of cedar trees known as Yakusugi. These trees grow massively and live for more than 1000 years. Get through the thick woods, the spectacular moss forest, and centuries-old trees and enjoy the serenity of the spot. You may also stay for a while at the lookout point at Taiko Rock. Yakushima provides great hiking opportunities to avid hikers with iconic sites of beaches and hot springs. A gentle half-day trip in the wood will surely make your mood good.
5. Mount Hiei
Located in the heart of the picturesque city of Osaka, Mount Hiei offers one of the best views to its visitors. Mount Hiei hike is an incredible scenic hiking trail that can also be traveled via cable car. Get on the top to get a wonderful view of the amazing city of Osaka. If you are tired of your boring routines, a quick short break is all you need. Spend some time in a place like this, hike around, and feel more energized to get back to work. You can also spot white snow monkeys roaming around in this area during your hike.
6. Kumano Kodo
Kumano Kodo is a series of pilgrim tracks in Japan charted some 1000 years ago. Originally the trek was used for religious training purposes to enhance endurance and enlightenment in practitioners. A moderate hike of 23.5 miles will take nearly 2 days to complete. One of the most popular tourist attractions sites in Japan, Kumano Kodo trails once fell into disuse for centuries. However, they were restored later. The main hiking track called Nakahechi leads you to reach the ancient shrine Kumano Nachi Taisha. You may also take a bus to the shrine instead of hiking the whole trek.
The vivid beauty of the land of Japan is a must-see thing. The hiking trails in Japan have breathtaking views to die for. Japan is on the bucket list of many tourists because the natural landscape and beauty of the country have to offer so much that you can never get bored in it.
