Karasawa Cirque (2300m) is a stunning glacial Kar accessible as an overnight hike from Kamikochi, typically starting around Golden Week...

Akadake 2899m is an upper intermediate winter hike in the volcanic Yatsugatake mountains. The hike is usually walked as an overnight hike...

Shiroumadake 2932m to Hakubayari Onsen is an intermediate two-day traverse on the Hakuba ridgeline. It’s a beautiful route with the iconic white peak always in view and an amazing outdoor hot spring at Hakubayari. The route described here starts at Tsugaike ropeway and is easier and more scenic than the often closed snowvalley daisekkei. ⏲︎ Time: 14-15h ✎ Kanji: 白馬岳 ⚲ Location: Nagano ↔ Distance: 22km ✮ Difficulty: Intermediate ᨒ Elevation Gain: 2000m ☀ Multiday ☉ Hi

The Yakushima Traverse is an incredible hike over rocky peaks and through the centuries old forest of Yakushima.

The Aichi Prefecture Forest makes for a great dayhike from Nagoya. The views of Horai lake are stunning and the trail offers a variety of...

Gozaishodake 1212m is a scenic and easy to access winter hike. There is a variety of trails suited from beginner winter level to...

Kashimayaridake (鹿島槍ヶ岳) is a strenuous dayhike in the Northern Alps. The peak has beautiful views and lots of elevation gain.

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

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

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

Fujisan 3776m is Japans most famous hike and relatively easy if you are resonably fit and the weather is good. Described here is the...

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

The traverse from Nishihotaka 2909m to Yakedake 2455m is an intermediate overnight hike. Start is at Shinhotaka ropeway and you finish at...

The Asahidake 2291m to Nakadake Onsen Loop is an intermediate loop hike in the Daisetsuzan National Park. This hike is a great option if...

The Daigentasan three peaks 1977m (大源太山) are an intermediate loop hike in Niigata.

Nagiso 1679m is an intermediate loop hike in Gifu. This hike is great as a dayhike from Nagoya and has a little more challenge than other...

Nishizawa Gorge is an intermediate dayhike easily accessible from Kofu or Kawaguchiko. The gorge is famous for its many waterfalls and...

Houozan 2840m, and it's 3 peaks, Jizo, Kannon and Yakusi, is a difficult dayhike or intermediate overnight hike in the Southern Alps. On...

Omote Ginza (表銀座) is a 3 nights 4 days hike in the Northern Alps. It's a very popular route with beautiful views and intermediate difficulty

Yakushidake 2926m is a beautiful hike in Toyama belonging to the Tateyama range. It's known for its natural beauty and being more remote....

Tanigawadake 1977m is an intermediate hike with a partial ropeway. In summer there are lots of beautiful wild flowers and the hike can...

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...

Tengudake 2640m from Honzawa Onsen is a relatively easy and stunning winter hike. The ridge to the peak has a bit of exposure and is steep, but overall this is a good hike to practice your crampons and axe skills. Honzawa is also famous for being Japan's highest outdoor onsen, and especially in winter, it's amazing to have a bath surrounded by snow. The hut is open year-round. ⏲︎ Time: 9-10h ✎ Kanji: 天狗岳 ⚲   Location: Nagano ↔ Distance: 17km ✮ Difficulty: Intermediate ᨒ

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:

Harinokidake 2,821m feels like one of the area’s best-kept secrets. It’s an intermediate day hike with great views of the Kurobe Dam and the Hotaka Mountains. A snow valley usually remains for much of the year, but by late September it typically melts enough that crampons are not required. This hike is a great option for those looking to avoid the crowds around Tateyama while still enjoying a stunning alpine summit. ⏲︎ Time: 8-10h ✎ Kanji: 針ノ木岳 ⚲ Location: Toyama ↔ Di

Kisokomagatake 2,956m is an intermediate winter hike and an easy summer hike. The ropeway significantly reduces the amount of elevation gain in both seasons, making the ascent much more accessible. It’s a great option if you want to reach high altitude and enjoy expansive views without spending hours climbing through forest. The mountain is also well suited for practising with crampons and an ice axe. However, avalanche risk can be high in winter, so conditions should be chec

The Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route is a popular 4 days - 3 nights pilgrimage hike in Wakayama. Due to the popularity of the hike and the limited accomodation along the trail, its often booked out months in advance. Because Kumano Kodo is a sacred pilgrimage route, wild camping is not allowed. However, there are a couple of official campgrounds along the route and it is possible to walk the trail and camp. You will have to carry your tent and gear and also some food. The trail is

Karamatsu 2696m is an intermediate and very popular winter hike from the Happo One ski resort. It's very scenic with beautiful views and good to practice use of crampons and axe. Weather at the peak is often bad in winter with high winds. Full winter gear including crampons and axe is needed. The hike is possible year round and during weekends always very busy. ⏲︎ Time: 6h ✎ Kanji: 唐松岳 ⚲  Location: Nagano ↔ Distance: 9km ✮ Difficulty: Intermediate ᨒ Elevation Gain: 95

The Tatayama 3015m to Bessan 2880m loop is an intermediate hike around the Tateyama plateau. The hike is possible once the Kurobe Alpine Route opens. Because of the easy access the first part of the hike is incredibly busy during summer. If possible it’s best to go early or during the week. Until the end of June winter gear like crampons and axe is needed. ⏲︎ Time: 6-7h ✎ Kanji: 立山 ⚲ Location: Nagano ↔ Distance: 10km ✮ Difficulty: Intermediate ᨒ Elevation Gain: 100