Dreaming of visiting Japan and experiencing not only modern cities but also magnificent nature? Hiking is your key to unlocking this beauty. Japan, the land of the rising sun, is famous for countless stunning hiking trails, from challenging slopes for professionals to gentle, romantic paths for beginners. If you’re new to hiking and seeking your first experiences in Japan, worry not, this article is for you.
In this article, Discovery Towonders will introduce easy hiking trails for beginners in Japan, journeys that are not only safe and accessible but also unveil a magical world of nature, ready for you to explore. Let’s take our first steps together on a journey to conquer the nature of Japan!
1. Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido: Discover Hokkaido’s “Roof”
Daisetsuzan National Park, located in the heart of Hokkaido, is known as the “Roof of Hokkaido” for its majestic beauty and towering peaks. It’s a dream destination for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. With diverse terrain, Daisetsuzan offers various hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult, suitable for all types of visitors.
For beginners, the hiking trail around Sugatami Pond is an excellent choice. This trail is only about 1.6km (1 mile) long, very easy to walk, and doesn’t require excessive physical fitness. The most special feature of this trail is its stunning natural scenery. Sugatami Pond, as clear as a giant mirror, reflects the majestic image of the surrounding mountain ranges. Around the pond, you can witness smoke rising from volcanic vents, a unique and fascinating sight not found everywhere.
Majestic scenery in Daisetsuzan National Park, an ideal hiking destination for beginners in Hokkaido, Japan
The best time to explore Daisetsuzan is from mid-July to late September. At this time, the weather in Hokkaido is cool and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities. In summer, Daisetsuzan puts on a vibrant coat of lush green meadows and wildflowers blooming in abundance. In autumn, the entire national park is painted in the yellow and red hues of maple leaves, creating a breathtakingly beautiful landscape.
Hikers on the trail around Sugatami Pond in Daisetsuzan during summer, enjoying fresh air and stunning views
Charming autumn colors in Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido, making it a must-visit autumn hiking spot for beginners
To get to Daisetsuzan, you can easily travel by train from Sapporo or Asahikawa. The Asahidake Visitor Center is always ready to provide detailed information about hiking trails, weather forecasts, and maps, helping you prepare for your trip. Daisetsuzan is not only a great hiking destination but also a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, immerse yourself in unspoiled nature, and find peace in your soul.
■ Best Hiking Season: Mid-July to late September ■ Trail Duration: 60 minutes or more ■ Difficulty Level: Skill: ★★☆☆☆,体力: ★★☆☆☆, Equipment: ★★☆☆☆ ■ Website: https://www.daisetsuzan.or.jp/ (Japanese)
2. Nakasendo, Gifu & Nagano: Walking the Historical Path
Nakasendo, meaning “Road through the Mountains” in Japanese, was once one of the five major routes connecting Edo (present-day Tokyo) and Kyoto in ancient times. With a total length of 534km, Nakasendo is not just a transportation route but also a historical witness, marking the footsteps of samurai, merchants, and travelers from hundreds of years ago.
Today, although most of Nakasendo has been urbanized, a beautiful section remains perfectly preserved: the 8km (5 mile) path connecting the ancient towns of Magome-juku (Gifu) and Tsumago-juku (Nagano). This hiking trail takes about 3 hours to complete and is divided into two parts: one part passes through towns and the other through forests. With majestic natural scenery and a vintage atmosphere, Nakasendo is a unique hiking destination, especially suitable for those who love Japanese history and culture.
Nakasendo hiking trail with ancient beauty and magnificent nature, a great choice for beginners wanting to explore Japanese history
You can start your journey from either Magome-juku or Tsumago-juku. However, many people prefer to start from Magome-juku because most of the path is downhill, making it easier for beginners.
Ancient town of Magome-juku, a popular starting point for the Nakasendo trail, featuring traditional Japanese architecture
Starting from Magome-juku, you will immediately be captivated by the beauty of traditional wooden houses lining the street. Today, many houses have been renovated into tea houses and souvenir shops, creating a space that is both ancient and modern.
Old wooden houses along Nakasendo hiking trail, now unique tea houses and souvenir shops
Continuing your journey, you will step onto a cobblestone path covered by cedar and bamboo forests. The fresh air and the chirping of birds will help you forget all fatigue. Along the way, you will also encounter statues of Jizo Bodhisattva, the guardian deity of travelers, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility. The path is equipped with clear signs, making it easy to navigate and explore with confidence.
Cobblestone path shaded by green trees on Nakasendo trail, offering a pleasant and relaxing hiking experience for beginners
The end point of the journey is the town of Tsumago-juku, one of the best-preserved ancient post towns in Japan. Here, you can enjoy local cuisine, visit traditional sake shops, buy souvenirs, or even stay overnight at inns to fully experience Japanese culture.
■ Best Hiking Season: Late June to November ■ Trail Duration: Approximately 3 hours ■ Difficulty Level: Skill: ★☆☆☆☆,体力: ★☆☆☆☆, Equipment: ★★☆☆☆ ■ Website: https://hikesinjapan.yamakei-online.com/course/184.php
3. Mount Takao, Tokyo: Hiking in the Metropolis
Mount Takao, at 599 meters (1,965 feet) high, located in western Tokyo, is one of the most famous and accessible mountains in Japan. Just about a 50-minute train ride from central Tokyo, Mount Takao is an ideal destination for those who want to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature.
Panoramic view of Mount Takao from above, an ideal hiking spot near Tokyo for beginners
Mount Takao has various hiking trails to choose from, suitable for all preferences and fitness levels. Trail 1 (Omotesando) is the most popular and easiest trail, especially suitable for beginners.
Omotesando Trail (Trail 1) at Mount Takao, an easy and most popular hiking choice for beginners
The Omotesando Trail is about 3.8km (2.4 miles) long, mostly paved and stepped, allowing you to easily reach the summit in about 1.5 hours. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit Takao Monkey Park, where you can observe playful monkeys. In addition, the ancient Takaosan Yakuoin Temple, with a history of over 1300 years, is also an interesting stop. Especially in autumn, Takaosan Yakuoin Temple becomes more magnificent than ever when covered in red maple leaves.
Ancient Takaosan Yakuoin Temple on Mount Takao, a cultural and spiritual attraction on the hiking trail
On clear days, from the summit of Mount Takao, you can enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo and majestic Mount Fuji in the distance. After finishing your hike, you can relax at Gokurakuyu Keio Takaosan hot spring, located near Takaosanguchi Station. Mount Takao is truly an ideal hiking destination, easily accessible and offering rich natural and cultural experiences right in the heart of Tokyo.
■ Best Hiking Season: September to late November ■ Trail Duration: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes ■ Difficulty Level: Skill: ★☆☆☆☆,体力: ★☆☆☆☆, Equipment: ★☆☆☆☆ ■ Website: https://www.takaotozan.co.jp/ (Japanese)
4. Kumano Kodo, Wakayama: Pilgrimage on the Sacred Path
Kumano Kodo, a pilgrimage route located in Wakayama Prefecture, is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. With a history of over a millennium, Kumano Kodo is not just an ordinary hiking trail but a profound spiritual journey.
Peaceful scenery on Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, Wakayama, offering a unique spiritual hiking experience for beginners
Kumano Kodo consists of seven different trails, each with its own beauty and experience. Among them, Nakahechi is the most popular route. The Nakahechi trail is about 105km (65 miles) long and usually takes about 6 days to complete. However, for beginners, you can choose a shorter route, about 33km (20.5 miles), from Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine.
Starting from Daimon-zaka bus stop, you will enter the Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine area. The highlight of this area is Nachi Falls, the tallest waterfall in Japan with a height of 133 meters (436 feet). The majestic beauty of Nachi Falls will surely overwhelm you.
Majestic Nachi Falls, one of the prominent attractions on Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route
Near Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine is Seigantoji Temple, famous for its bright red three-story pagoda. From Seigantoji Temple, you can admire the panoramic view of Nachi Falls and the surrounding natural landscape.
Seigantoji Temple and Nachi Falls in the distance, creating a stunning landscape on Kumano Kodo trail
Visitors exploring Seigantoji Temple on Kumano Kodo trail, experiencing Japanese culture and spirituality
Along the way, you can visit Daimonzaka-chaya teahouse to rent traditional Heian period costumes and take photos, transforming into ancient pilgrims. Koguchi Village, located between Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, is an ideal stop for resting.
Peaceful Koguchi Village, an ideal stop on Kumano Kodo hiking trail, offering a relaxing rest area
The end point of the journey is Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, a sacred and majestic shrine nestled in the mountains of Wakayama. Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine is not only the end of the journey but also a symbol of the connection between humans and deities. The Kumano Kodo Nakahechi trail is famous not only for its sacred sites but also for its stunning natural beauty, offering an unforgettable pilgrimage hiking experience.
■ Best Hiking Season: March to May, September to November ■ Trail Duration: Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Trail approximately 6 days. Trail from Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine approximately 12.5 hours (2 days). ■ Difficulty Level: Skill: ★★☆☆☆,体力: ★★★☆☆, Equipment: ★★☆☆☆ ■ Website: https://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/kumano-kodo/
5. Yakushima Island, Kagoshima: Explore a World Natural Heritage Site
Yakushima Island, located south of Kagoshima Prefecture, is a natural gem of Japan, recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site. Famous for its primeval forests and diverse ecosystems, Yakushima is a paradise for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. In particular, the island is also home to ancient Yakusugi cedar trees that are thousands of years old.
Untouched beauty of Yakushima Island, a World Natural Heritage Site and ideal hiking spot for beginners to explore Japanese nature
Yakushima has many hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. For beginners, the two most ideal areas are Yakusugi Land and Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine.
Yakusugi Land forest on Yakushima Island, home to ancient cedar trees thousands of years old, attracting hiking visitors
Yakusugi Land is a large natural park in eastern Yakushima Island. Here, there are 5 hiking trails with durations ranging from 30 minutes to 3.5 hours. The trails in Yakusugi Land are quite flat and easy to walk, leading you through primeval forests and allowing you to admire giant Yakusugi cedar trees, as well as wildlife such as monkeys and deer.
Ancient Yakusugi cedar tree in Yakusugi Land, a majestic natural symbol of Yakushima Island
Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is another natural park in Yakushima, famous for its unspoiled beauty and fairytale-like scenery. This place was the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s animated film “Princess Mononoke.”
Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine has 3 hiking routes ranging from 2km to 5.6km (1.2 to 3.5 miles), lasting from 1 to 4 hours. The highlights of Shiratani Unsuikyo are crystal-clear streams, moss-covered rocks, and ancient cedar trees. Deep inside, you will reach Taiko-Iwa Rock, where you can admire the panoramic view of Yakushima Island. If you have time, continue to admire the legendary Jomon Sugi cedar tree, the largest and oldest cedar tree in Yakushima, over 2000 years old.
Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine, Yakushima Island, stunning natural scenery like in the animated film "Princess Mononoke"
■ Best Hiking Season: April to June, September to November ■ Difficulty Level: Skill: ★★☆☆☆,体力: ★★☆☆☆, Equipment: ★★☆☆☆ ■ Website: http://www.town.yakushima.kagoshima.jp/en/sightseeing-spots/sightseeingmountains/
Things to Note for Beginner Hikers
Before starting your hiking journey, especially if you are a beginner, remember these things:
- Choose a suitable trail: Start with short, easy trails and gradually increase the difficulty as you get used to hiking.
- Check the weather: Always monitor the weather forecast to prepare appropriate clothing and gear. Weather in the mountains can change quickly, so careful preparation is very important.
- Train your fitness: Improve your endurance by walking, jogging, or exercising regularly before hiking. This helps you get used to physical activity and reduces the risk of fatigue or injury when hiking.
- Learn information: Learn detailed information about the hiking trail, including length, difficulty, terrain, rest stops, water sources (if any), and safety notes. Mastering basic survival skills is also very useful.
- Join a tour or go with experienced people: If you are not confident, join guided hiking tours or go with experienced people. They will provide you with useful advice and support you throughout the journey.
- Prepare full gear:
- Clothing: Choose sweat-wicking t-shirts, comfortable long pants, specialized hiking shoes with good grip, wide-brimmed hats for sun protection, gloves (especially for rock climbing).
- Personal items: Don’t forget to bring enough drinking water, energy-rich snacks (such as chocolate, bread, dried fruit), flashlight (in case it gets dark), map and compass (or GPS), personal medication, insect repellent, personal first aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses.
Conclusion
With 5 suggestions for easy hiking trails for beginners in Japan, Discovery Towonders hopes you will have memorable experiences and discover the wonderful beauty of Japanese nature. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, each hiking trail offers unique scenery and great opportunities to immerse yourself in nature, explore new lands, and enrich your travel journey. Prepare your gear and set off to conquer the beautiful hiking trails of Japan right now!
Note: Difficulty levels for skill, fitness, and equipment in this article are referenced from the evaluation standards of Yama-kei Publishers Co., Ltd. To better understand these evaluation standards, you can visit here.