Nakadake 1791m and the volcanic Kujurenzan mountain range make for an easy and scenic dayhike from Beppu or Yufuin. The whole plateau has many trails and small peaks and it can be made shorter or longer or even turned into an overnight hike with a stay at Hokkein Onsen Sanso. There are also multiple different trailheads to start, most people start from Makinoto pass. ⏲︎ Time: 5-6h ✎ Kanji: 九重山 ⚲ Location: Kyushu ↔ Distance: 11.2km ✮ Difficulty: Easy ᨒ Elevation Gain

Ontakesan 3067 is an active volcano at the border of Gifu and Nagano. The plateau around the peak is vast with multiple huts and lakes. Depending on the current warning level and closed off areas Ontake makes for a great overnight hike. There is also a ropeway going up from the other side. ⏲︎ Time: 8h ✎ Kanji: 御嶽山 ⚲ Location: Gifu ↔ Distance: 10.2km ✮ Difficulty: Intermediate ᨒ Elevation Gain: 1123m ☀ Dayhike ☉ Hiking Season: mid July to mid October Access A

Hakusan 2,702m is one of Japan’s three sacred volcanoes, alongside Mt. Fuji and Tateyama. The Hirasedo trailhead on the Gifu side is relatively quiet and easy to access from Nagoya. At the base of the trail, there is a striking blue dam lake as well as an open-air onsen nearby. Access to the trailhead is via a mountain road that is often closed, so road conditions should be checked in advance before travelling. ⏲︎ Time: 7-10h ✎ Kanji: 白山 ⚲ Location: Nagano ↔ Distance: