Jonen (2857m) is a streneous and scenic snow hike in Nagano. From the peak you have incredible views of the Hotaka peaks and Yarigatake.

The Hakuba Traverse is a breathtaking five-day journey along the Hakuba ridgeline, often regarded as Japan’s most scenic multi-day hike.

Shiomidake 3052m is a scenic and strenuous hike in the Southern Alps. From the top you’ll have incredible views of the Southern Alps and...

The traverse from Kashimayari to Goryu is a difficult 2 day climb on the Hakuba ridgeline. You’ll climb the famous Hachimine Kiretto and...

The loop from Hijiridake to Kamikochidake to Chausudake is a strenuous overnight or multiday hike in the Southern Alps. It has lots of

Kaikomagatake 2967m with it's famous "swords" is a beautiful and challenging hike in the Southern Alps. This post describes the trail...

Akadake 2899m is a difficult dayhike or intermediate multiday hike in the volcanic Yatsugatake mountains. The mountain range has lots of...

Utsugidake 2864m is a beautiful and strenuous dayhike in the central alps. It's possible year-round with winter hiking gear and there are...

Yatsubuchinotaki is a difficult waterfall hike next to Lake Biwa. The trail follows a river upstream past several waterfalls. Part of the...

Yarigatake 3180m in the off-season is a difficult snow hike with lots of elevation gain on the way up. With good weather you’ll have...

Okuhotaka 3190m is Japans 3rd highest peak and a difficult overnight hike from Kamikochi. The route described here passes by Maehodaka...

Ishizuchi 1982m is an easy to difficult hike depending on if you climb up the chains or use the detours. It's also one of Japans sacred...

Kasagadake 2897m is a strenuous and scenic hike in Gifu. It has amazing views of the Hida Ridge and is a less busy choice compared to some of the other big peaks in the area. It's also not technical or exposed. The trail starts from Shinhotaka Onsen and is easy to access by public transportation. It's also a good starting point for a longer multi day hike along the ridge to Yarigatake and then to Kamikochi. ⏲︎ Time: 13h ✎ Kanji: 笠ヶ岳 ⚲  Location: Nagano ↔ Distance: 20km

The Iriomote Island Crossing is a challenging yet stunning hike that takes you through dense rainforest and along clear rivers in one of Japan’s most remote islands. Careful planning is important, as access to the trailheads and transportation back is complicated. Despite the logistical challenges, the hike across the island is incredible adventure walking through wild, untouched nature. ⏲︎ Time: 10h ✎ Kanji: 西表島のジャングルを横断 ⚲ Location: Iriomote Okinawa ↔ Distance: 26.5k

The Shirane Sanzan traverse is a scenic 2-3 day hike in the Southern Alps that passes by Japans 2nd highest peak Kitadake 3193m. On the way you'll also pass Ainodake 3190m and Notoridake 3026m. The hike is not technically difficult but quite long and streneous. Keep in mind that you can only reach Hirogawara by bus, so you can only hike Shirane Sanzan once they start running. Typically from early summer to mid October. Check here for the timetable. ⏲︎ Time: 15h ✎ Kanji: 北岳

Okueyama 1643m is a difficult hike in Miyazaki, Kyushu. It's famous for it's many chains, ladders and ropes (supposedly over 50) with spectacular views of Kozumidaki, a giant granite rockface. This hike is a good choice if you're looking for a challenge in Kyushu. Because of the many climbing sections it's recomended to only do this hike in good/dry weather and during the main hiking season without snow. ⏲︎ Time: 10h ✎ Kanji: 大崩山 ⚲ Location: Miyazaki ↔ Distance: 10km ✮ Dif

Hakubayari Onsen 2100m to Karamatsu 2696m is a challenging 2 day traverse on the Hakuba ridgeline. The hike is incredibly scenic and very rewarding. Day 2 is a scramble along a knife ridge and requires climbing skills and upper body strength. The ridge is very exposed and only for experienced climbers. Helmet and gloves needed. ⏲︎ Time: 13-15h ✎ Kanji: 白馬鑓温泉小屋 ⚲ Location: Nagano ↔ Distance: 21.8km ✮ Difficulty: Difficult ᨒ Elevation Gain: 2300m ☀ Overnight ☉ Hiking S

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 access gate is closed and locked outside of the season. 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 mountain leeches. The hike is always a bit wet and slippery and it's very exposed with most parts secured by chains. There have been a l