Japan walks

A 4-hour walk (not including stops) with the big advantage of starting at one station and arriving at another: no need to take a bus to access the hike (rare in the region). Beautiful sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) forests with stunning views, temples and shrines. The route is well marked and signposted at all intersections. Important: the Japanese names are given in one of the photos; you will need them to follow the signs.

A classic route in the Takao region. The route starts at the foot of Mount Jimba, then follows the ridge line with a few peaks and passes, offering beautiful views of the Tokyo metropolis to the east and Mount Fuji to the south-west. The route ends at Mount Takao, after which there is a wide choice of routes back down to the station, including a funicular.

Mount Benishiyama (便石山) is a must-do hike in the Kumano region of Mie Prefecture. The route starts from Camp Inn Miyama and heads towards Elephant’s Back (象の背), a rock whose shape resembles an elephant’s back, offering a striking panorama of the Choshi River and the Sea of Kumano Nada. The climb is steep, punctuated by numerous wooden steps through a forest of cypress and Japanese cedar trees with a mystical atmosphere. Accessible provided you proceed at your own pace. Allow around 2 hours one way. For an unforgettable sunrise from the rock, plan to set off around 2am; headlamps are essential. The area is home to bears and snakes: a bear bell is mandatory; inform a trusted person before setting off.

A circular route around Mount Nokogiri, offering a varied hike between forest trails, steep stairs and rocky passages. The route is characterised by a significant elevation gain, with sustained climbs leading to several spectacular viewpoints over Tokyo Bay. A demanding but very rewarding outing, ideal for athletic hiking or trail running, in an impressive natural environment combining cliffs, forests and local heritage.

Circular route around Mount Takao, following well-marked forest trails with a gradual but steady incline. The route alternates between steady climbs, more technical passages and rolling sections, offering a balanced and varied outing. Ideal for active hiking, trail discovery or hill training in a natural environment easily accessible from Tokyo. Best enjoyed in dry weather; some sections may be slippery after rain.

A very beautiful hike from Zao Onsen to Okama Crater. The hike starts at the arrival point of the 'sky cable' cable car. It is a round trip with a few variations between the outward and return journeys.For the first variation, you can choose between a forest path or following the road.The second variation is just after the arrival point of the large cable car, where there is also a jizo statue. You can climb to a small intermediate summit (which offers a beautiful view!) or go along the side (also with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains). At this point, there was snow, and the side section was quite slippery.Finally, the third variation is a choice between a direct path to the summit or a gentler route. The direct path is not very well marked (at least with the snow), but you can follow the tracks of other people.

Ascent of Mount Fuji from the bus stop and Step 5 at 2,400 metres. Demanding hike. The climb is steep between the path of small cinders and lava flow, and the last 300 metres are difficult due to the altitude. You can refuel at each step (including small oxygen tanks!) and have your walking stick engraved as you climb. The descent is difficult only because of another path made of small cinders that get into your shoes. Great satisfaction when you return to the starting point.

The walk offers superb views (weather permitting) as you follow the ridge for about 2km, taking an hour if you take your time. This is quite rare at this altitude, where you are usually in the forest. Views, of course, of Mount Fuji, which is completely clear right down to its base, but also to the east over the whole of Tokyo, and to the west over the Yamanashi conurbation and the entire Southern Alps range.

Superb views of Mount Fuji and the whole of the Southern Alps. My best hike in Japan. Whilst not technically difficult, it does require a bit of effort, but every step counts. Unlike other hikes that are a bit of a rollercoaster, here you just keep climbing. You therefore pass through all the vegetation zones fairly quickly: classic mixed forests, birch forests, then shrubby areas before reaching the final zone of rocks and low-growing plants.