Japan Hiking Tours made for you
Japanese Alps
Lake, forest and mountain treks
Pilgrimage routes
Multi-day hikes on ancient paths
Luxury ryokans
Traditional Japanese inns with onsen hot springs
National parks
Coastal routes, forested mountains and wilderness
Mount Fuji
Climbing trails and views from smaller peaks
Follow ancient trails, explore the Japanese Alps and relax in hot springs on luxury Japan hiking tours
The Land of the Rising Sun emanates a truly timeless quality, and Japan hiking tours delve deeper into its rich cultural traditions and history. You can follow ancient routes in the Japanese Alps and explore the old-growth forests in the foothills of Mount Fuji. On Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four islands, follow mountain trails between castles and Buddhist temples.
Ease post-hike muscles in onsen (hot springs), reached via forest trails or attached to luxury resorts or ryokan (traditional inns). In Nikko National Park, follow the Yukawa River to reach Yumoto Onsen, famed for its milky hot springs.
We can organise a privately guided, multi-day hike exploring the Kumano Kodo, a network of ancient pilgrimage trails with UNESCO World Heritage status. Along the way, you’ll wander around the grand shrines of the Kumano Sanzan and soak in Yunomine Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs that dates back more than 2,000 years.
All of our Japan hiking itineraries are customisable. You can combine days spent hiking near Tokyo with soaks in natural onsen, and walk between temples and Shinto shrines in Kyoto. Or embark on an unforgettable multi-day hike along the Nakasendo Way. This 17th-century route follows one of the five highways of the Edo period, linking Kyoto to Tokyo through forests, mountain valleys and small towns.
With so much to explore, get in touch to start planning your Japan hiking tour. Our travel designers will craft bespoke experiences and arrange seamless itineraries for unforgettable adventures.
Highlights
Climb Mount Takao, just outside Tokyo, for views of Mount Fuji
Soak in millennia-old hot springs on the ancient pilgrimage trails of the Kumano Kodo
Follow alpine trails to observe Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, in Jigokudani
Trek along pathways between waterfalls in the Japanese Alps
Hike through conifers and lava beds in Aokigahara, the ‘Sea of Trees’
Japan’s diverse landscapes, ancient structures and wellness culture makes this a country ripe for exploring on foot. Paths weave through forests, along ruggedly beautiful coastlines and into the mountains, often with incredible views of Mount Fuji. I love planning Japan hiking adventures that combine days exploring the trails with time soaking in the beauty of temples and shrines – and bathing in onsen.
Keith Jarman
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation for hiking in Japan
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Where to go hiking in Japan
Hakone
A spa town within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone is known for its hot springs and Mount Fuji views over Ashino-ko lake.
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Ise Shima National Park
Trails through dense forests and a ruggedly beautiful coastline make this a delightfully diverse hiking destination. Explore third-century shrines and secluded coves.
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Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
In the Yamanouchi district in northern Japan, around 200 Japanese macaque or snow monkeys live in this valley surrounded by steep cliffs. Take the relatively easy forest hike to observe them interact, play and bathe in the hot springs.
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Kyoto
The former imperial capital is known for its abundance of prewar buildings and ancient shrines. Hike to mountain temples and between nearby villages on forested trails.
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Matsumoto
Stay in Matsumoto for treks in the mountains of Kamikochi, in the eastern peaks of the Japanese Alps.
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Mount Fuji
Japan's highest mountain, Mount Fuji provides a dramatic backdrop to many of Japan's vistas. Explore its trails in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and see the Fuji Five Lakes, formed by lava flow, on its northern slopes.
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Mount Koya
Especially lovely when blazing with autumn foliage, Mount Koya rises over the Pacific Ocean in the Kii peninsula. Trails lead to waterfalls and weave through forests with tall trees.
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Osaka
Fun, and famously delicious, Osaka is ideally placed for hiking. Follow the forest trails to Minoo Waterfall, or summit Mount Iwawaki for skyline views.
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Shikoku
Coastal trails and mountains running from east to west make the smallest of Japan's four main islands ideal for hiking. Explore castles or tackle part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a circular route with 88 temples.
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Takayama
Takayama, or 'Tall Mountain', is in the heart of the Japanese Alps. Explore the remote, mountainous area and visit hillside shrines, temples and sake breweries.
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Tokyo
The exciting streets of Tokyo are set against the backdrop of Mount Fuji. Hit trails for day hikes up smaller, more manageable peaks, or visit as a jumping off point for climbing Mount Fuji or visiting the national park.
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Yamashiro and Yamanaka
These two hot spring resort towns sit between the mountains and the sea, perfect for combining hiking with wellness experiences.
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When to visit Japan for hiking
Japan is impeccably dressed for every season. In spring, make the most of the cherry blossoms by hiking near Osaka and Tokyo, or explore Kitanomaru Park, near the Imperial Palace. Travel towards the end of the year for forest trails enveloped by the blazing reds and oranges of autumn foliage.
Japan hiking tours raise other considerations. You’ll need to ensure trails are accessible and that the weather conditions are suitable, especially for multi-day treks. While Mount Fuji is at the peak of its snow-capped glory in winter, hiking and climbing on its trails is best tackled from July to September, when the snow has melted and mountain huts are open.
Summers elsewhere can be hot and humid, with heavy rains in June and July – so it’s generally best to stick to spring and autumn, especially for longer treks on camino-style pilgrimage routes like Kumano Kodo and the Nakasendo Way.
Cherry blossom hikes
March–April
Kumano Kodo treks
March–May
Mount Fuji climbing
July–September
Forest walks
November–December
Plan your hiking tour in Japan
Wherever your hiking adventure in Japan takes you, our team of expert travel designers is ready to help.
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
