10 hiking and trail running spots for beginners to visit during Golden Week
It's the perfect time to start hiking. The new greenery and flowers of spring are beautiful, and the weather is mild, making it a season where even beginners can enjoy the mountains. Why not take advantage of this long weekend to try some beginner-friendly mountain climbing or trail running, with safety as your top priority? In this article, we'll introduce 10 hiking and trail running spots recommended for beginners during Golden Week. All of these spots are easy to get to and have great views.
In spring, Japan's mountain scenery is enveloped in fresh greenery, and even beginners will find it appealing and wanting to continue walking. Amidst the contrast between the clear air and fresh greenery that is unique to Golden Week, hiking or trail running will be refreshing. However, when heading out into the mountains, safety preparations are of utmost importance. Keep the following points in mind and enjoy the mountains with peace of mind.
• Prepare basic equipment: Don't forget hiking shoes (trail running shoes), a backpack, rain gear, and cold weather clothing. The weather is changeable in the mountains, so rainwear is essential.
• Reasonable planning: Allow yourself plenty of time for the course, and if you are not confident in your stamina, use shorter courses or ropeways, etc. Even with beginner courses, don't let your guard down, and it's important to have the courage to turn back if you get tired along the way.
• Carry fluids and snacks: You will sweat more than you think when hiking or running. Bring plenty of water, sports drinks, energy bars, etc., and take frequent breaks to replenish your supplies.
• Safety first: Walk slowly on mountain trails to prevent falls, and when trail running, keep your speed low and be mindful of other hikers around you. Submitting a mountaineering notification form and informing your family of your destination will also help you to be more trustworthy in the event of an emergency.
Now, let's take a look at 10 hiking and trail running spots that even beginners can enjoy safely this Golden Week!
1. Mount Takao (Tokyo)
Mount Takao, which is easily accessible from central Tokyo by train in about an hour, is a popular mountain with the highest number of annual climbers in the world. Although it is a low mountain with an elevation of 599m, you can see Mount Fuji from the summit, and the mountaintop view gives beginners a sense of accomplishment. There are several well-maintained hiking trails, and the gentlest, Route 1, is a wide, paved course that is easy to walk on, with tea shops and shrines (Yakuoin) along the way. You can use the cable car or lift to quickly get to the summit, so even those who are worried about their physical strength or those with small children can enjoy hiking with peace of mind. Even though it is a hiking trail for beginners, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothes that are easy to move in, and stay alert until you descend. It will be crowded during the Golden Week period, so it is recommended to start early in the morning.
2. Mount Tsukuba (Ibaraki Prefecture)
Mount Tsukuba (877m above sea level), with its twin peaks, stands alone to the east of the Kanto Plain, and is a famous mountain known as "Fuji of the West, Tsukuba of the East." It has two peaks, Mount Nantai and Mount Nantai, and there are several hiking trails, but beginners can easily enjoy the spectacular views by taking a cable car or ropeway. If you take the cable car up to the summit and then go back and forth from there, even small children and beginners can enjoy the spectacular views without any difficulty. For beginners, we recommend the Miyukigahara Course, which takes about two hours to go to and from Mount Nyotai, and you can feel a sense of accomplishment at the summit while overlooking the Kanto Plain. There are some rocky areas, but there are handrails and chains in good condition, so you can feel safe. However, there are some slippery areas, so it is best to walk safely in trekking shoes.
3. Mount Mitake (Tokyo)
Mt. Mitake (929m above sea level), located in the Okutama area in western Tokyo, is a mountain of mountain worship that can be easily reached by cable car. Musashi Mitake Shrine is located at the summit area, and you can enjoy an atmosphere where history and nature are in harmony. A paved approach continues from the summit station to the shrine, so even beginners can climb without getting lost, and there are lodgings and teahouses along the way where you can take a break while climbing. If you have the energy, after visiting the shrine, be sure to extend your walk along the stream called the "Rock Garden". It is a small path through a beautiful forest with moss-covered rocks and clear streams, and you can easily enjoy the fantastic beauty of the valley even in sneakers. However, if you are a beginner trail runner, there are places where stones and tree roots are exposed, so please slow down your speed and take safety into consideration. Mt. Mitake as a whole is a mountain that is friendly to beginners, but the weather in the mountains of Okutama is changeable, so be sure to bring rain gear and warm clothes.
4. Kamakura Alps (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Kamakura, a city of sea and history, also has a hiking trail perfect for beginners. This is the Tenen hiking trail, commonly known as the Kamakura Alps. Although it is located very close to the city center, once you step onto the trail, you will find a ridge path surrounded by forests, and you can enjoy a casual mountain walk with small ups and downs. The highest elevation is around 200m, but from the observation deck you can see Sagami Bay and Kamakura city, and it is attractive that you can enjoy a little mountain climbing. Historical sites such as Zuisen-ji Temple and Kamakura Shrine are scattered along the course, so it is a nice point that you can enjoy hiking and sightseeing at the same time. The trail is well-marked and difficult to get lost, but there are some places where the soil is muddy and slippery the day after rain. Some people run it as an introductory course to trail running, but beginners should first enjoy the scenery and atmosphere as a hike, and if they have time, try a light jog. After descending the mountain, you can spend the day relaxing, such as taking a break at a cafe in Kamakura.
5. Mount Kintoki (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Kintokiyama (1,212m above sea level), located in a corner of the Hakone outer rim, is known as the mountain associated with the fairy tale "Kintaro" and is a popular mountain for beginners. It is a relatively short course that can be climbed from the base to the summit in about 2 hours, but it is suitable for first-time serious mountain climbing as it offers a challenging slope and a panoramic view at the summit. If the weather is good, you will be able to see the majestic Mt. Fuji right in front of you from the summit, giving you a sense of accomplishment and the best reward. There are some large rocks on the course, but the trail is clear and there are guide signs at key points, so even beginners have little to worry about getting lost. As it is a popular mountain, there are many climbers during Golden Week, but the large number of people also gives you a sense of security that you can call out to each other when you are in trouble. Bringing trekking poles will reduce the strain on your knees on the way down, and is also recommended for safety. After descending, you can stop by a nearby hot spring to soothe your fatigue.
6. Okutama Old Road (Tokyo)
Okutama Mukashimichi is an old road about 9km long that runs from JR Okutama Station in Okutama Town, Tokyo to Lake Okutama (Lake Ogochi). It is more of a long-distance hiking course than a mountain climb, but the gentle route, which is a mix of paved roads and mountain paths, is perfect for beginner trekking and trail running practice. There is little difference in altitude, so you can walk while enjoying the cool air along the valley and forest bathing. There are many sights along the way, such as the suspension bridge "Shiroyama Bridge," a mountain pass road with stone Buddha statues, and the remains of old villages, so you will never get bored. At the end of the course, the emerald green Lake Okutama will come into view, and a sense of accomplishment and beautiful views await you at the dam site, the finish point.
The fresh greenery around Lake Okutama in early summer is dazzling, creating a beautiful contrast with the blue of the water. There are many wide sections of the trail, so beginners can enjoy the scenery while walking side by side. However, the entire journey takes more than three hours, so if you are not used to walking, you should consider turning back halfway and enjoy it within your limits. Be careful not to fall on the mountain paths, and if you are trail running, give priority to pedestrians on narrow paths and try to run safely.
7. Oze (Gunma Prefecture, etc.)
Oze, one of Japan's leading highland wetlands, is a trekking spot where even beginners can enjoy the magnificent scenery. Ozegahara, which spreads within Oze National Park, is a wetland at an altitude of about 1,400m, and boardwalks are laid out throughout, so you can walk without getting lost. Every year, there is still snow around Golden Week, but as the snow melts, the white flowers of the skunk cabbage (Asian skunk cabbage) begin to bloom, and the contrast with the fresh greenery is spectacular. The hike, which weaves its way through the vast wetland on boardwalks, is flat and easy to walk on, and feels more like a long-distance walk than a mountain climb, so even beginners can easily try it. The most common route into Oze is from Hatomata Pass on the Gunma side, and you can take a bus up to the pass and then descend gently to enter Ozegahara. It is possible to make a round trip in one day, but it is recommended that beginners walk as far as they can enjoy the scenery on the way there without overdoing it, depending on their physical strength, and then turn back at a leisurely pace.
Oze has mountain huts and rest areas, but there is still snow remaining during Golden Week, making some areas slippery, so we recommend wearing hiking boots with anti-slip pads or waterproof trekking shoes. Also, bring enough cold weather gear and rain gear in case the weather changes suddenly, and be mindful to start early so you can safely enjoy the great outdoors. In addition to the magnificent scenery, Oze is home to many plants that herald the arrival of spring, making it one of Japan's leading trekking courses that beginners should definitely try.
8. Kumano Kodo (Wakayama Prefecture)
The Kumano Kodo, a registered World Heritage Site, is an ancient pilgrimage route (trekking course) that even beginners can easily tackle. The Kumano Kodo stretches mainly through Wakayama Prefecture, and there are several routes, but the most popular Nakahechi route is relatively well-maintained, and its appeal is that you can walk while feeling the history. It would take several days to complete the entire route, but it would be a good idea to experience only a part of it during your Golden Week itinerary for beginners. For example, the section from Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha (about 7km) is a gentle downhill course, and you can enjoy the atmosphere of the Kumano Kodo in about 3 hours of hiking. You will walk along cobblestone roads and through cedar groves, and there are benches and information boards at key points, so you don't have to worry about getting lost.
The Kumano Kodo is more of a historical exploration than a mountain hike, but it does have something in common with mountain climbing in that it involves long walks along mountain paths. Bring sturdy walking shoes, rain gear, and a map, and if possible, follow a guidebook or local guide's advice while you walk, and even beginners can proceed safely while understanding the origins and sights along the way. There are rest points dotted along the ancient trail, such as teahouse ruins and shrines at mountain passes, so walk at your own pace, taking frequent breaks when you get tired. The sense of accomplishment when you safely reach the goal, Kumano Hongu Taisha, is exceptional, and it is sure to be a valuable experience in which you can experience the romance of history and the healing power of nature at the same time.
9. Mount Misen, Miyajima (Hiroshima Prefecture)
Mount Misen (535m above sea level) on Miyajima (Itsukushima) in Aki, one of the Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan, is a beginner-friendly spot where you can combine sightseeing with mountain climbing. Take the ropeway from Miyajima Pier to the middle of Mount Misen (Shishiiwa Station), then hike for about 30 minutes to the summit to reach the spectacular observation deck. The mountain path is well-maintained and has signs at key points, so you don't have to worry about getting lost while looking down at the beautiful islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea. Near the peak, there are historical sites such as the Reikado Hall and the Misen Hondo Hall, which are associated with Kobo Daishi, and you can feel the charm of the mountain as a place of faith. The climb is made up of stone steps and lots of rocks, but there are no dangerous spots unless you are afraid of heights, and it is a gentle path that even children can climb while holding hands.
Of course, you can also hike the mountain trails (such as the Momijidani Course) from the base without using the ropeway, but it takes more than four hours round trip, so beginners are recommended to take a course that only walks one way. Taking the ropeway on the way down will reduce strain on your knees. Miyajima is also home to deer, so be careful not to let the deer steal any food or drink you have with you. As it is a tourist destination, there are many people and the trails are busy, but this makes it safe for beginners. As long as you have good walking shoes, you can enjoy this mountain without any special equipment, so why not visit during Golden Week as a trekking trip while you're on vacation?
10. Mount Nokogiri (Chiba Prefecture)
Nokogiriyama (329m above sea level), a low mountain on the Boso Peninsula with a unique landscape and easy access from the city center, is a good choice for beginners. As its name suggests, the mountain is characterized by its jagged shape resembling a saw blade, and it has a history as a stone quarry from the Edo period to the Meiji period. There are several climbing routes, but the most popular is the Kanto Fureai no Michi route, which starts from JR Hamakanaya Station and climbs gentle mountain paths and stairs to the summit. Along the way, there are many tourist attractions, including the Great Buddha of Nokogiriyama Nihonji Temple and the Hyakushaku Kannon. The observation deck "Hell's View" just below the peak is a thrilling spot with a spectacular view overlooking Tokyo Bay.
Those who are not accustomed to mountain climbing can take the ropeway from the base to near the summit and start their walk from there. Even if you walk the whole way, it's only about an hour each way, and beginners will be pleased that it feels more like a hike than a climb. However, there are many stairs to go up and down, so it is better to wear shoes with cushioning and a good grip rather than sneakers. The summit area has some parts along the cliffs, but there are fences installed, so you can enjoy the view safely. It's an easy mountain that families and people who don't usually exercise much can feel a sense of accomplishment, so why not choose it as a leisure activity for Golden Week?
summary
Above, we have introduced 10 hiking and trail running spots for beginners that are perfect for Golden Week. Although all of these spots are safe for beginners to try, they still involve nature. Even though they are for beginners, you should still be cautious, and by taking all necessary advance preparations and safety precautions, you will be able to create even more enjoyable mountain hiking memories. Fortunately, many of the courses introduced here are well-maintained with signposts and facilities, and there will be many other climbers during Golden Week. This is an environment where people are willing to help each other out if they are in trouble, so please enjoy the mountain air to your heart's content while following proper etiquette.
The mountain world, where fresh greenery and refreshing breezes await, is sure to refresh you. This Golden Week, take on the challenge of mountain climbing or trail running, with safety as your number one priority, and enjoy the charms of nature to the fullest. If you are prepared, even beginners can be sure to get off to a great start on your mountain trip. Be sure to enjoy the mountains, step by step, at your own pace.