
Nakasendo Trail (Magome to Tsumago)
OtherHistoric post town walk along the Edo-era Nakasendo highway through the Kiso Valley.
From sacred pilgrimages to alpine peaks — explore the best hiking trails across Japan with detailed guides and seasonal tips.
Plan your Kumano Kodo pilgrimage walk through the mountains of the Kii Peninsula. This guide covers the four main routes, multi-day itineraries, accommodation, and the dual pilgrim stamp system.

Historic post town walk along the Edo-era Nakasendo highway through the Kiso Valley.

Coastal trail along Iwate's rugged Sanriku coast to the pure white Jodogahama beach.

Scenic section of the 1,000 km trail along dramatic Tohoku coastline.

Two-day highland marshland circuit with mountain hut stays and seasonal flowers.

Walk through UNESCO-listed primeval forest adjacent to Nara's famous deer park.

Ridge trail connecting multiple peaks along the Tsukuba mountain range.
Discover Japan in its quietest, most dramatic season. This guide covers winter hiking from gentle snowshoe walks to serious mountaineering, including the best cold-weather trails and essential gear.
playbooksJapan has wonderful hiking trails for families. This guide covers the best kid-friendly trails near major cities, what to pack, safety tips, and how to keep children engaged on the trail.
playbooksThe Japanese Alps offer world-class mountain hiking with dramatic ridgelines, alpine meadows, and an extensive network of mountain huts. This guide covers the Northern, Central, and Southern Alps.
playbooksWhat gear do you actually need for hiking in Japan? From day hikes to multi-day mountain treks, this packing guide covers footwear, clothing, safety equipment, and where to buy gear in Japan.
playbooksNothing beats soaking in a hot spring after a long hike. This guide pairs popular Japanese hiking trails with nearby onsen, from the Japan Alps to Hakone and Yakushima.