Best Difficult Hikes in Japan

For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, here are some beautiful trails to consider. These hikes are known for their technical difficulty, strenuous terrain, or a combination of both. All of them are incredible with beautiful views and scenery. Enjoy!

1. Hakubayari to Karamatsu (Northern Alps)

2. Gendarme (Northern Alps)

3. Okueyama (Kyushu)

4. Daikiretto (Northern Alps)

5. Tsurugi (Northern Alps)

6. Dakesawa to Okuhotaka (Northern Alps)

7. Houousanzan Loop (Southern Alps)

8. Iriomote Island Crossing (Okinawa)

9. Kasagatake (Northern Alps)

10. Osugidani (Mie)

11. Shirane Sanzan; Kitadake to Notoridake (Southern Alps)

Warning:

Some of these hikes are dangerous, exposed and only for experienced climbers. Many of them require the use of chains and upper body strength and you should only walk them in good weather (no rain).

Also keep in mind that the estimated walking times provided are based on my own speed, which is generally 1-2 hours faster than the estimate. Compare the elevation gain and distance to hikes you have previously walked and don't forget to check the times for sunrise and sunset.

Hakubayari to Karamatsu

The traverse from Hakubayari Onsen to Karamatsu might be my favorite hike in Japan because it literally has it all. First you pass by an incredibly outdoor bath, then you have beautiful alpine flowers, big peaks and views, a kiretto with almost vertical chain sections and then on the way down you pass by happo pond as well.

Strenuous: 3/5 Technical: 4/5

Gendarme

The Hida ridge traverse from Nishihodaka to Okuhodaka, also often called Gendarme, is supposedly Japan’s most dangerous hike. This hike is very exposed and only for very experienced hikers. People fall and die every year so proceed with caution. It's not called Japans most dangerous hike for nothing. If you’re looking for a truly thrilling experience this is your hike. Helmet, gloves and climbing experience needed!

Strenuous: 4/5 Technical: 5/5

Okueyama

If you’re looking for ladders, chains and ropes Okueyama in Miyazaki is the perfect fit. It supposedly has over 50 ladders, is exposed in some of the sections and has spectacular views of Kozumidaki, a giant granite rockface. It reminded me a bit of Yosemite. It’s actually an ancient/extinct volcano which had one of the largest ever recorded eruptions in history. There is also a free mountain shelter and a “sacred” green and very clear river. Strenuous: 3/5 Technical: 4/5

Daikiretto

The Daikiretto is the second half of the Hida ridge, continuing from Okuhodaka to Minamidake or even further to Yarigatake. Just like Gendarme the hike is very exposed and technical. You'll need not just upper body strength, but also climbing skills for the chains, bolts and ladders. Proceed with caution, this hike is more climbing then walking and don't forget to bring gloves and a helmet.

Strenuous: 4/5 Technical 5/5

Tsurugi

Tsurugidake from Banbajima is a very difficult hike because of the elevation gain. It also has some technical sections and is exposed, but the main difficulty are the 2300m gain that need to be climbed in only 7km on the Hayatsuki ridge. With good weather you'll have amazing views from the peak.

Strenuous: 5/5 Technical: 4/5

Dakesawa to Okuhotaka

Okuhotaka is a beautiful and difficult overnight hike from Kamikochi. It's the third highest peak in Japan after Mt. Fuji and Kitadake. The route described here passes by Maehodaka and is very strenuous. It also requires a helmet because of the loose rock and rockfall danger.

Strenuous: 4/5 Technical: 4/5

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Houousanzan Loop

Houozan and it's 3 peaks, Jizo, Kannon and Yakusi, is a strenuous dayhike with over 2100m elevation gain in the Southern Alps. On the way to Jizodake you'll pass some beautiful waterfalls and the whole hike is very scenic. It’s not technical, just long and steep.

Strenuous: 5/5 Technical: 2/5

Iriomote Island Crossing

The Iriomote island crossing is a very beautiful river and rainforest hike across Iriomote island in Okinawa. The hike is not well-marked, has no cell service, and lots of leeches. Also, large parts of the hike are in the riverbed, and it's easy to slip. Lastly it requires a lot of planning because of the boat access, the long duration/not enough daylight, and the public transportation.

Strenuous: 3/5 Technical: 3/5 (route finding)

Kasagatake

Kasagadake is another very streneous and steep hike in Gifu. You have more than 2100m elevation gain to the hut and the trail is also not easy with lots of unstable boulders. The views are amazing tough and is well worth the effort

Strenuous 5/5 Technical 3/5

Osugidani

Osugidani valley is an advanced in-and-out hike in Mie. It's one of Japans top 3 most beautiful valleys and accessible from spring to fall. The valley receives a lot of rainfall and it's notoriously hard to get a good weather day. Spring and fall usually have the best weather and no or less mountain leeches. The hike is always a bit wet and slippery and it's very exposed with most parts secured by chains.

Strenous 2/5 Technical: 4/5

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Shirane Sanzan;

Kitadake to Notoridake

The traverse from Kitadake to Ainodake to Notoridake, often also called Shirane Sanzan, is a strenuous hike that can be completed in 2 days. You'll climb two of the famous hyakumeizan and the ridgeline is very scenic and beautiful. The hike is not technically difficult but quite long, and especially the second day down to Daimonzawa goya feels never-ending.

Strenuous: 4/5 Technical: 2/5

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Hiking in Japan

Best Difficult Hikes in Japan