Japan · HIKING & TREKKING
Every itinerary has one free day too few. These 15 hikes & treks justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Escape Kyoto crowds on a guided 7km forest hike to Fushimi Inari, with bamboo, quiet shrines, torii gates, and castle views.
“Great tour very interesting and beautiful area. We missed all the crowds until the end. Josh was very informative.”
Escape Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari crowds on a 7-kilometer forest hike with bamboo groves, quiet shrines, torii gates, photos, and an English guide.
“Had a great tour with Yukari! She showed us a path with no other people(for most of the trip), and we didn’t miss any of the sights! She gave us good information during the tour and was very sociable as well. Would recommend this to anyone :)”
Hike Hiroshima’s Futaba Mountains, visit quiet shrines, enjoy forest bathing, and take part in an open-air tea ceremony above the city.
“Wonderful guided experience off the beaten path of Hiroshima. Of course, a visit to Peace Park is an absolute must, but there is so much more to experience and this guided hike up Mt. Futuba should be high on your list. Michi was a wonderfully kind and knowledgable guide who went above and beyond to make our trip more than just a tour. The physical immersion in the forest combined with the historical and spiritual elements of Kinko Inari Shrine go a long way toward grasping the Japanese sense of the sacred. The tea ceremony overlooking the city was icing on the cake. Thank you, Michi, for an unforgettable experience…”
![Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail [1 Day Tour from Nagoya] - Tsumago-juku sets the historical scene](https://media3.thejapanesetraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/hiking-the-historic-nakasendo-trail-1-day-tour-from-nagoya.jpg)
Hike Japan’s historic Nakasendo Trail from Tsumago to Magome with a guide, mountain scenery, post towns, and transport from Nagoya.
“This was tons of fun and exceeded my expectations. Our guide was so knowledgeable and patient. I would definitely do this again.”
Review of Kyoto’s private Kurama and Kibune hike, with hotel pickup, temple access, Reiki legends, forest trails, and practical advice.
“Our guide Akari was so helpful and very knowledgeable of the history of Kibune-Kirama. Overall effort is a high - if you’re looking for a nice stroll in the park, this would be very difficult for you - consider another option. That being said, the views from the top is breathtaking. If you’re lucky enough to see these views in Autumn as our group did - even better! I would like to emphasize how helpful Akari was during our tour, she is very considerate and ensuring everyone gets to the top as safe as possible. Not only did we all make it to the top and back safely, we receive…”
Hike Futaba Mountain near Hiroshima Station, visit shrines, enjoy forest bathing, and share an open-air tea ceremony above the city.
“Stephanie was a super friendly, informative and fun guide, making this a great experience. It was very special to spend time in nature away from the crowds, and also to gain a different perspective on Hiroshima. The climb took in a number of shrines through beautiful woodland, and it was great to appreciate the volunteer work that our guide and others undertake to look after the area. The forest bathing and tea ceremony were magical experiences - I'd totally recommend doing this, I loved it! 💚”
Hike sacred Mount Kurama from Kyoto, visit Kibune and Kurama temples, then unwind at a mountain hot spring with an expert local guide.
“We had a tremendous day with Phillippe, who's deep knowledge of the area and Japanese culture made this hike and temple visit one of the highlights of our holiday. Highly recommended!”
Hike Japan’s ancient Tokaido Highway from Hakone to Mishima with Tony, cedar avenues, castle ruins, Lake Ashi, and Mt Fuji views.
“Our adult family very much enjoyed learning the history, culture and natural beauty of the area while trekking along an ancient highway. Our guide, Tony was nothing short of outstanding in his knowledge and his attention to each person in our group.”
Hike Hakone Hachiri from Hakone to Mishima with guide Aki, tracing Edo roads, Lake Ashi, cedar paths, castle ruins, and Fuji views.
“The tour included hiking on quiet trails and then exploring the region by bus and by foot. It was a very rewarding experience. Akihiro was very kind and good natured and knowledgeable about history and nature, and he took us to places we wouldn’t have even know about. We had a fabulous time.”
Walk Japan’s historic Nakasendo Trail from Magome to Tsumago with a licensed guide, village views, old inns, forest paths, and local history.
“This was such a beautiful way to see the countryside of Japan. Although we saw many travelers guiding themselves, I’m very happy that I booked this experience with a guide as Elvis was a great person to navigate us through the hike and prRead more”
Hike 8 km from Tsumago to Magome on Japan’s historic Nakasendo Trail with an English-speaking guide and small-group transport from Nagoya.
“Our guide was very knowlegeable and shared a lot of history about Japan and the culture. He was studying Japanese history and culture and was the perfect guide. I have to give kudos to the company even though there were only two of us in the tour the company Snow Monkey did not cancel the tour. The hike was at a resonable pace for the two of us who are in our mid and late 60'ss. The guide slowed the pace to help us manage the hike. We have great memories of the Nakasendo trail and wonderful background about it. We highly recommend this tour.”
Hike quiet Mt. Inari trails with a private English-speaking guide, passing bamboo, torii gates, Zen temple views, and scenic Kyoto overlooks.
“Louis was a great tour leader on this walking excursion in April 2025. His route allowed us to have a quiet hike through some beautiful places on the way to the bustling peaks and torii passages. Louis explained some of the history and mythRead more”
Hike Hakone’s caldera rim with Fuji views, a local lunch, and onsen soak. A demanding 8 to 9 km walk for fit hikers.
“This was a great day's hike. Good views and a very interesting and patient guide. I think it's best for active families or individuals and there is uneven terrain but it was delightful day. We are glad we did the hike even though it was foggy and we couldn't see Fuji.”
Hike Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo forest, mountain trails, Kyoto viewpoints, and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji with a small English-speaking guide.
“We had an amazing tour of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and surrounding mountains with our guide, Daizen. From the moment he met us at the train station, we felt welcomed and in great hands. He walked us to the bamboo forest, sharinRead more”
Walk Japan’s Old Tokaido through Hakone, taste 400-year-old amazake, see Mt. Fuji, and learn Edo-era history with a small-group guide.
“I liked the guide. He was informative and talked about the history of the old Tokaido highway he was flexible to adjust the tour to adapt to the bad weather we found on the day of the tour”
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