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Daikiretto: Minamidake to Hotaka Sanso (Nagano)
The infamous Daikiretto from Shinhotaka is a difficult 2-3 day climb in the Northern Alps. The traverse is best approached from...


Hijiri, Chausu and Kamikochi Loop (Nagano)
The loop from Hijiridake to Kamikochidake to Chausudake is a strenuous overnight or multiday hike in the Southern Alps. It has lots of


Tachudake (Yakushima)
Tachudake 1497m is a beautiful hike on Yakushima Island. The trail starts from Yakusugiland and is a nice mix of challenge with some...


Takachihonomine (Kagoshima)
Takachiho-no-mine 1574m is a short and easy volcano hike in the Kirishima national park. Technically you can do the whole ridge as a long...


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


Zao (Yamagata)
Zaosan 1841m with the beautiful Okutama crater lake is a short and easy hike/walk in Tohoku. Perfect as a dayhike from Sendai or...


Daisen (Tottori)
Hoki-Daisen 1709m is a popular and easy dayhike in Tottori prefecture. The mountain is easily accessible by public transportation from...


Yakedake Snow Hike (Nagano)
Yakedake 2455m in winter is an intermediate hike which is accessible from Nakanoyu Onsen. The hike has beautiful views from the Northern...


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


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


Mitake and Odake (Tokyo)
Mitakesan to Odakesan to Okutama is a nice dayhike from Tokyo easily reachable by public transportation. It's a bit more challenging than...


Mount Fuji Yoshida Trail (Yamanashi)
Fujisan 3776m is Japans most famous hike and relatively easy if you are resonably fit and the weather is good. Described here is the...


Chiiwa Gorge (Aichi)
Chiiwa Gorge is a beautiful valley hike along Chiiwa river with some cool rocks and caves to climb at the end. It's accessible year-round...


Shizugatake (Shiga)
Shizugatake 421m is a short and easy dayhike with beautiful views of Lake Biwa and Lake Yogo. Its also famous for the battle of...


Yatsubuchi no taki (Mie)
Yatsubuchinotaki is a difficult waterfall hike next to Lake Biwa. The trail follows a river upstream past several waterfalls. Part of the...


Nakasendo: Magome to Tsumago (Gifu)
The trail from Magome to Tsumago is part of the fromer Nakasendo route that connected Tokyo to Kyoto. It's a nice walk through the...


Kamagadake Mitsuguchidani (Mie)
Kamagadake 1161m is an intermediate hike perfect for anyone looking for a little more challenge compared to Gozaisho. The trails...


Yoro Loop (Gifu)
Yorosan 859m is an easy dayhike from Nagoya. The loop I walked was a bit more difficult, not well marked and very overgrown. If you are...


Rokko to Arima Onsen (Kobe/Hyogo)
Rokkosan 931m is a popular dayhike from Kobe. The hike has nice views, a little bit of climbing and you can have lunch at the top. To...


Gozaisho (Mie)
Gozaishodake 1212m is one of the nicest day hikes from Nagoya and an easy to intermediate hike depending on which trail you take and if...
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