Japan Hiking Trails

Discover the Land of the Rising Sun!
Hiking in Japan is a pure moment of wonder: Its mountainous landscape is draped with vast forest areas, lakes, volcanoes and sometimes a mysterious mist enveloping the peaks.

Explore the area
When it comes to hiking in Japan, the Daisetsuzan Nature Park has something for walkers who want to explore atypical regions. This natural setting is lined with dozens of volcanoes and contains numerous waterfalls and green plains, covered with alpine flowers at the arrival of spring. During this period, the soil is adorned with a thousand and one shades, given the 200 or so different species of plants growing on the site.
Explore the area of Omote Daisetsuzan, Japan's premier hiking destination. This area contains about fifteen volcanic peaks whose mountains reach summits of up to 2,300 m in altitude. The highest peak is nicknamed the "Roof of Hokkaido" because it dominates the whole of the island's landscape. There are several possible routes: the hike to Mount Kuro will take you to over 2,000 m above sea level, shrouded in clouds and surrounded by wild flowers.

Southwest of Japan
The Ishigaki Islands are one of the most beautiful hiking spots in Japan to spend an unforgettable day! Ishigaki concentrates both coastal wonders, with its many beaches prized by divers for their incredible underwater and land bottoms!
Begin your trek with a kayak tour on the Miyara River bordered by lush mangrove swamps. Continue the adventure in the middle of the palm tree forest trails in Yonehara, where it's absolutely quiet. This hike will take you to the observation point of Cape Tamatorizaki, offering a superb panorama of the surrounding vegetation. The most valiant will devote themselves to the ascent of Mount Nokoso and its 282 meters of altitude, for a view even more plunging on the Japanese countryside. For a relaxing and spiritual break, don't hesitate to visit Torinji Temple. This temple is located only a 10-minute walk from downtown Okinawa. Discover this intimate little temple, over 400 years old, in complete tranquility!
To rest from your walk, there is nothing like a lazy session on the beaches of Ishigaki, one of the most beautiful in Japan. The most popular are those of Yonehara, Sujuki and Sunset Beach, well known to divers (equipment can be rented on site). You will be able to discover a myriad of multicolored fish in their waters.

Okinawa
Day boat cruises are also available to see Okinawa's famous black pearls. Some of the boats have a glass bottom, so you can contemplate the magnificent underwater species

The Hokkaido Region
The Hokkaido region, located in northern Japan, is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the brown bear, sometimes nicknamed 'the king of the field'. Thus, hiking in Japan is often accompanied by unusual encounters with local wildlife. This is particularly the case at Bear Mountain, which, as its name suggests, extends its wooded domain to the top of a mountain. This site offers a unique opportunity during your day to observe bears in their natural environment, in the course of fifteen hectares suitable for walking.
Here, the bear coexists with humans without one disturbing the other, in the heart of a beautiful forest area. A most unusual experience warmly recommended for young and old, for holidays with family or friends. An unforgettable discovery that will leave you with an indelible memory of your trip to Japan!
Whichever hike in Japan you choose, you will be confronted with breathtaking landscapes, combining an incredible natural diversity with a profound change of scenery. Whether it's a short walk for the whole family or a more physical ascent for experienced walkers, there are many itinerary possibilities available to you. Just keep in mind to adapt to the Japanese mentality: in the country, nature is the master and should be treated with the utmost respect.