Japan is one of those countries that manages to combine culture, history, and jaw-dropping landscapes all in one trip. You can spend the morning exploring a bustling city like Tokyo or Osaka, and by the afternoon be out in the mountains, walking through cedar forests, or soaking up views from a coastal trail.
If you’re thinking about heading to Japan and lacing up your boots, here’s a handy guide to get you started. I will give you some ideas about Getting to Japan, and how to travel around and some important Travel Tips once you are there.
I’ve also given you some ideas of what to hike and where to hike, and the best way to do it. Finishing off with some suggested Itinearies, so you can plan ahead and really make the most of this magnificent country.
Getting to Japan
Most travellers arrive by air into Tokyo (Narita or Haneda) or Osaka (Kansai). Both are well connected internationally, and once you’re there, the real magic begins, Japan’s Trains, there is help below organising the train tickets.
- Get a JR Rail Pass if you’re planning to move around a lot, the Japan Rail Pass is worth looking at. You can buy 7-21 day passes before you go, and they give you ‘unlimited‘ rides on the famous bullet trains and most JR lines.
- Local travel – Trains and buses are efficient, clean, and easy to use. Apps like Google Maps and Hyperdia are lifesavers for planning your journeys.
- Accommodation – Near popular trailheads, you’ll often find mountain huts, ryokan (traditional inns), and even temple stays. Book early if you’re travelling in peak season.
Skyscanner is always a great option when looking for the best deals on flights. I use it to compare various airlines, and I tend to book my holiday around the best flight I can get, but I know that’s not always an option.
Travel Tips in Japan
Below you’ll find a curated list of routes and a map to help you visualise where each trail sits across Japan.
- Learn a few phrases – A simple “arigatou” (thank you) or “sumimasen” (excuse me) goes a long way.
- Respect local etiquette – On the trails, give way to uphill hikers and follow the lead of locals, who tend to be very well prepared.
- Don’t overpack but be ready – Even short trails can get steep, cold, or wet, so layers, waterproofs, and decent footwear are important.
- Reward yourself with an onsen – Many hikes finish near a hot spring. Nothing beats soaking tired legs in naturally heated water after a long day.
Travel Data: I highly recommend using eSIMs as they are the best and most efficient way to have internet connectivity, removing the hassle of having a physical sim, removing expensive roaming fees and being connected as soon as you land. My favorite eSIM and my personal recommendation are the eSIMs from Sim Local because they are a very affordable option and have great plans in Japan with great speed and amazing coverage in all the country.
Don’t forget your Discount Code, which you can enter at the checkout, it is ‘WELSHMAN‘ and it’s value is 10% off. Click here to go ahead with your eSim for Japan purchase, and copy and paste your code.
Why Walk Japan?
Each Japanese trail tells a story. The Nakasendō traces a historic highway once walked by samurai and merchants between Kyoto and Tokyo; the Kumano Kodo pits each step in centuries of devotion through forests and shrine towns; Mount Kōya’s Choishi-michi trail carries pilgrims past stone markers toward a renowned temple complex. From fluffy snow-capped peaks to hidden hot springs and coastal ridges, Japan walks you into its history, spirituality, and nature — and all that in equally rich doses of modern convenience.
AllTrails: Trail Guides & Maps for Hiking, Camping, and Running | AllTrails Plans – Read my ‘Full Review‘ for more details.
Featured Hiking Routes in Japan
Here’s a quick breakdown of the routes you’ll find on this site — more detailed guides to come as they’re published.
Pilgrimage & Historic Trails
- Nakahechi Trail (Kumano Kodo) – (Full Guide).
- Kohechi Route (Kumano Kodo) – mountain passes linking Kōyasan to Kumano shrines (Full Guide).
- Koyasan Choishi-michi Trail – classic approach to the temple town of Kōyasan (Full Guide).
- Nakasendō Trail (Kiso Valley section) – Magome to Tsumago post towns (Full Guide).
- Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage (selected stages) – too big to cover fully, but will do a “sampler hike” (Full Guide).
Mountains & Iconic Peaks
- Mount Fuji (Yoshida Trail) – the big one, seasonal climb (Full Guide).
- Japanese Alps (Kamikochi to Karasawa) – stunning alpine scenery, very popular with hikers (Coming Soon).
- Mount Takao (near Tokyo) – short but classic day hike, accessible for visitors (Coming Soon).
- Mount Mitake (Chichibu-Tama National Park) – spiritual mountain near Tokyo, shrine and forested trails (Coming Soon).
Other Scenic Walks
- Yakushima Island (Shiratani Unsuikyo or Jomon Sugi trail) – mystical moss forests, UNESCO World Heritage (Coming Soon).
- Nikko Trails – temples, waterfalls, and mountain paths north of Tokyo (Coming Soon).
Map: where these routes are
