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A wooden sign marked Kumano Kodo along a dirt trail through a dense forest with ferns.

Japan Hiking Tours made for you

Bespoke Japan walking tours in the Japanese Alps, Nakasendo Way and beyond

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.

  • Red torii gate on the water's edge of Lake Ashi backed by green trees and snow-capped Mount Fuji under a clear sky.
  • Japanese macaques soaking in a steaming hot spring surrounded by snow.
  • A smiling woman walks on a paved path with a three-story red pagoda and a tall waterfall in the background.
  • Pink cherry blossoms blooming over a historic Japanese street lined with traditional wooden houses.
  • Two waterfalls cascade through vibrant red, yellow, and green foliage in autumn.
  • A person sits in a hot spring pool looking out at vibrant red and orange trees during autumn.
  • A hiker with a backpack standing on a rock looking at Mount Fuji above a layer of clouds.
  • A long row of mossy stone Jizo statues wearing red caps and bibs alongside a forest path.
  • A massive dark torii gate towering over green fields with a walking path and lush forested hills in the background.
  • Steaming Japanese hot spring wooden bath overlooking autumnal trees and a waterfall.
  • A stone path and staircase on the Kumano Kodo trail winding upward through a towering forest with moss-covered trees.

From our experts

Experiences picked by our specialists

Admire Mount Fuji

Climb Mount Takao, just outside Tokyo, for views of Mount Fuji.

Unwind in an onsen

Soak in millennia-old hot springs on the ancient pilgrimage trails of the Kumano Kodo.

See monkeys enjoying hot springs

Follow alpine trails to observe Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, in Jigokudani.

Explore alpine landscapes

Trek along pathways between waterfalls in the Japanese Alps.

Visit a primeval forest

Hike through conifers and lava beds in Aokigahara, the ‘Sea of Trees’.

A word from one of our experts

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

Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you're looking for from your Japan hiking tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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Where to go hiking in Japan

Meet your Asia team

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

When Is the Best Time to Visit Japan? Read more

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Plan your hiking tour in Japan

Wherever your hiking adventure in Japan takes you, our team of expert travel designers is ready to help.

Start planning

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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.

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