The 7 Best Mountain Hikes in Japan

1.Full Day Hiking Tour at Mt.Takao including Hot Spring

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · from $118Our pick

Meet your private guide at Takaosanguchi Station for a choice of Mt. Takao trails, a visit to Yakuo-in Temple, and a summit attempt. Guides such as Rie, Keita, Hiroko, and Takeshi tailor the pace and explain local customs. Finish with an onsen soak and the Takao 599 Museum.

“Taking the cable car Hearing stories about the special relationship between the Japanese and the mountain from my wonderful guide Takeshi hiking all the way down Mount Takao sharing a local lunch with my guide”

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2.Hike Japan Heritage Hakone Hachiri with certified mountain guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 46 reviews · from $158

Follow Japan’s old Tokaido route from Hakone Yumoto to Mishima with certified guide Aki, also known as Akihiro. This seven-hour, 8-kilometer outing combines forest paths, buses, Lake Ashi, the Hakone Checkpoint, Yamanaka Castle Ruins, and history from the Edo period. Mt Fuji views depend on weather.

“Walking the Hakone Hachiri trail with Aki wasn’t just a hike - it was a journey through centuries of Japanese history. As we traced the ancient stone-paved path that once carried samurai, merchants, and travelers between Edo and Kyoto duRead more”

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3.Explore Kiso Valley : Magome – Tsumago Mountain Trail Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · from $171

Meet your English-speaking guide at Nakatsugawa Station and follow a 9-kilometer section of the old Nakasendo Trail from Magome to Tsumago. Expect forest paths, mountain views, twin waterfalls, preserved post towns, and visits to historic inns. Guides may include Ryo, Harumoto, or Kazuo.

“A very interesting tour with a friendly guide. We enjoyed the history and the Japanese countryside. Highly recommended.”

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4.Morning Hiking Tour: Mt. Futaba & Hiroshima’s History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · from $157

You’ll walk from Hiroshima Station into the wooded slopes of Mt. Futaba with a private guide such as Michi, Naomi, Kota, or Michiyo. Visit Hiroshima Toshogu and Kinko Inari Shrine, pass more than 100 red torii gates, then enjoy city and Seto Inland Sea views with a local bento and open-air tea at the summit shrine.

“It was a wonderful experience with Michi in Hiroshima. She was passionate by her city and loved to share her knowledge about its history. We were very happy to learn so much with her, it was a fullfilling experience!”

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5.Private Local Hiking to enjoy the nature and culture of Mt.Fuji

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $131

Join certified mountain guide Yuki for a private half-day outing around Mt. Fuji. You’ll visit Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine, Lake Saiko, Aokigahara Forest, and a sacred lava cave, then hike to Sankodai for broad Fuji views. Local udon and a Japanese garden with optional matcha complete the day.

“It was a cloudy day just the perfect weather for trekking. Danny picked a route that with great views and easy to hike. He had a lot of interesting stories to share and we had a good time with Danny.”

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6.Walk the Ancient Pilgrim Paths of Mt. Fuji – Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $143

Meet English-speaking mountain guide Yuki in the Kawaguchiko area for a private, gentle walk along Mt. Fuji’s historic Ochudo Trail. You’ll visit the 5th Station, ride the Fuji Subaru Line, stop at Okuniwaso mountain hut for Japanese lunch, and use free hiking shoes, rainwear, and trekking poles if needed.

“We spent the day with Yuki!! It was an absolutely incredible day and Yuki has a beautiful way of telling the stories of Mt.Fuji. He does a great job explaining the history of the mountain and the historical periods that led to the region as it is Read more”

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7.Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Monkey Mountain Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4 reviews · 4 hours · from $77Best value

Explore Arashiyama’s bamboo grove, Okochi Sanso Villa, a Zen-style garden, and Monkey Mountain in four hours. An English- or French-speaking guide, including guide Kevin on some departures, keeps the pace comfortable and adds useful Kyoto tips. Expect stairs and a short but worthwhile hike.

“My partner and I had a great time. We learnt a lot and got to appreciate the beauty of Japan. Thank you. :)”

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