While Japan is famous for its snowy landscapes in winter, there are numerous trails and peaks that (mostly) remain clear of snow during the winter months. When hiking in winter always check conditions beforehand. Even though the hikes mentioned below don’t see much snow or none at all, there is always the possibility of a winter storm or a cold front passing through. If you’re looking for alpine snow hiking check this post.
Snowfree and Easy Winter Hikes in Japan
Very Little/No Snow Hikes
Hatonosu Valley is an easy dayhike from Tokyo accessible by public transportation. You can walk it year-round and there is an onsen at the end. The water of the river has a really beautiful color and its beautiful even on a gloomy day.
Difficulty: 1/5 Snow: Rare
Tenjosan 572m is an easy hike on Kozushima with beautiful views of the ocean and island. It's steep up to the ridge, but the views are worth it. Once at the top there are a lot of trails which can turn this hike into a full dayhike. The island is reachable by ferry from Tokyo.
Difficulty: 1/5 Snow: Very Rare
Mihara 758m is an active volcano and easy hike on Oshima island. On a clear day you'll have views of Mt. Fuji and the mainland. The island is also reachable by ferry from Tokyo or Izu. In winter its best to rent a car or bring it from the mainland.
Difficulty: 1/5 Snow: Very Rare
The Iriomote island crossing is a difficult but very beautiful river and rainforest hike across Iriomote island in Okinawa. You'll follow a river into the inside of the island along many waterfalls and into the jungle. The logistics of this hike are complicated and require quite a bit of planning beforehan.
Difficulty: 3/5 Snow: Never
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. This hike is great as a quick escape from the city like Nagoya or Hamamatsu.
Difficulty: 2/5 Snow: Rare
Takachiho-no- mine 1574m is a short and easy volcano hike in the Kirishima mountains. Technically you can do the whole ridge as a long dayhike but because of volcanic activity the ridge usually has multiple spots that are off-limits/closed.
Difficulty: 2/5 Snow: In January
Mitakesan to Odakesan to Okutama is a nice dayhike from Tokyo easily reachable by public transportation. It's a bit more challenging than other hikes in the area, has scenic views from Odake and ends in Okutama with a beautiful blue river and an Onsen.
Difficulty: 2/5 Snow: Rare (in January)
These next hikes might have snow in winter (approximately December to March) but less than the Alps and higher peaks. They are good for people getting started with winter hiking. Before setting out make sure you have the right gear for cold temperatures, waterproof boots, snow or chain spikes and poles for traction and balance. In winter it’s always better to have too much gear than not enough.
Rokkosan 931m is an easy dayhike from Kobe reachable by train. The hike has some nice views, little bit of climbing and you can have lunch at the top. You can also descent to Arima Onsen for a nice and warm bath and take the train back to Kobe. Caution: This area has a lot of boar.
Difficulty: 2/5 Snow: December to February
Tachudake 1497m is a beautiful hike on Yakushima Island. The trail starts from Yakusugiland and is a nice mix of challenge with some chains, beautiful views and ancient trees. In winter this trail will be pretty quiet. Bring poles and chain spikes.
Difficulty: 3/5 Snow: January to February
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. In winter its a lot less busy and easier to get accomodation. Bring chain spikes and poles.
Difficulty: 2/5 Snow: January to February
Nakadake 1791m and the Kujurenzan mountain range make for an easy dayhike from Beppu or Yufuin. The whole plateau has many trails and small peaks and it can even be turned into an overnight hike with a stay at Hokkein Onsen Sanso (open year-round).
This hike probably gets the most snow in this list so bring snow spikes, poles and warm gear.
Difficulty: 3/5 Snow: December to February
Settogatake is an easy dayhike with amazing views of Fuji. This little hike is perfect if you're in the Fuji 5 lakes area and want to get away from the masses at Kawaguchiko.
Bring chain spikes and poles, the way up is steep.
Difficulty: 2/5 Snow: December to February
Ryugadake 1099m is an moderate snow hike with nice views of the Suzuka mountains. The trailhead is close to Nagoya and can only be reached by car.
Bring chain spikes and poles. There might be more snow.
Difficulty: 3/5 Snow: December to February
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 forest with the two histrocial towns Magome and Tsumago. It's possible to walk it as a daytrip from Nagoya or stay in one of the two towns overnight.
Bring chain spikes and poles.
Strenuous: 2/5 Snow: December to February
Shizugatake 421m is an easy dayhike with beautiful views of Lake Biwa and Lake Yogo. Its also famous for the battle of Shizugatake in 1583. The lift doesn't run in winter.
Bring chain spikes and poles.
Difficulty: 1/5 Snow: December to February
Fujiwara 1140m is an easy dayhike reachable by train from Nagoya. The mountain is accessible year round and not too difficult in winter. From the top you'll have nice views of the mountains surrounding it.
Bring poles, chain spikes and a slider (The last bit is steep, perfect to slide down)
Difficultys: 2/5 Snow: December to February
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Mount Sanage (629 m) is one of the most popular day hikes around Nagoya. The mountain is known for its forested paths, small shrines, and panoramic views from the summit stretching toward the city. It’s a good choice for beginners winter hikers as only chain spikes are needed and the trail is not as steep.
Difficultys: 1/5 Snow: December to February