Recommended hiking, trail running and outdoor spots in Japan for foreigners too!

Hello, this time we will introduce some hiking, trail running and outdoor spots that we would like foreign tourists to visit when they come to Japan. We have carefully selected spots where you can enjoy Japan's beautiful nature and rich outdoor experiences.

1. Mount Fuji (Shizuoka Prefecture and Yamanashi Prefecture)

Overview Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan, is a dream destination for mountaineers around the world. Mount Fuji, with an elevation of 3,776 meters, is the highest mountain in Japan, and its beautiful conical shape is unforgettable once you see it.

Recommended points

• Climbing Mount Fuji : During the climbing season from July to September, many climbers aim to reach the summit of Mount Fuji. The course that starts from the fifth station is common, and the mountain trail is well maintained. "Gokou climbing," where people climb at night and watch the sunrise from the peak, is also popular.
• Fuji Five Lakes : The five lakes that spread out at the foot of the mountain (Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, Lake Motosu, and Lake Yamanaka) each have beautiful scenery and offer a variety of activities such as camping, hiking, and kayaking.

Access: It takes about two and a half hours from Tokyo to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji by bus or train.

2. Mount Takao (Tokyo)

Overview Mount Takao is a popular mountain that is easily accessible from central Tokyo and where you can easily enjoy nature. Although it is a low mountain with an elevation of only 599 meters, it is attractive for its abundant nature and diverse hiking trails.

Recommended points

• Trail running : There are many courses perfect for trail running around Mount Takao. There are courses that can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced runners, and you can experience the exhilaration of running through nature.
• Cable cars and chairlifts : If climbing is too difficult for you, you can take a cable car or chairlift to get close to the summit, where the views are spectacular.

Access : Very convenient, just 50 minutes from Shinjuku on the Keio Line.

3. Oze National Park (Gunma Prefecture, Fukushima Prefecture, Niigata Prefecture)

OverviewOze National Park is a natural park with one of the largest marshes in Japan, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons. The flowers are particularly beautiful from spring to summer, and the park is loved by many hikers.

Recommended points

• Hiking : Hiking along the boardwalks of Ozegahara is a course that can be enjoyed by beginners and experienced hikers alike. The trail is flat, so it can be enjoyed safely even with children.
• Nature observation : Oze National Park is known as a habitat for a diverse range of plants and animals. You can enjoy nature observation in the marshes and forests.

Access: It takes about three and a half hours from Tokyo by bullet train and bus.

4. Yakushima (Kagoshima Prefecture)

OverviewYakushima is a subtropical island located in Kagoshima Prefecture and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to mysterious forests filled with ancient cedar trees, including Jomon cedar, and is rich in nature.

Recommended points

• Trekking : Yakushima has a variety of trekking courses for everyone from beginners to advanced hikers. The Jomon Cedar Course is particularly famous, and allows you to feel the ancient history of the area.
• River trekking : River trekking upstream is also popular, allowing you to enjoy an adventure in nature.

Access : Approximately 2 hours by ferry or high-speed boat from Kagoshima mainland. If flying, it takes about 40 minutes from Kagoshima Airport to Yakushima Airport.

5. Northern Alps (Nagano and Gifu Prefectures)

OverviewThe Northern Alps is one of Japan's most representative mountain ranges, with majestic mountains and beautiful scenery. Many climbers from both within Japan and overseas visit the area to enjoy mountain climbing and trekking.

Recommended points

• Mountain climbing : Climbing famous peaks such as Mount Yari and Mount Hotaka offers a full-fledged mountain climbing experience. There are also plenty of courses for beginners, and you can enjoy the beautiful mountain ranges.
• Trail running : There are many trail running courses in the foothills of the Northern Alps. You can experience the exhilaration of running through nature.

Access: From Tokyo, take the Nagano Shinkansen to Nagano Station for about 1.5 hours, then take a bus for about 2 hours.

summary

Japan has many mountain climbing, trail running and outdoor spots that are attractive to foreign tourists. Places such as Mt. Fuji, Mt. Takao, Oze National Park, Yakushima, and the Northern Alps all offer natural beauty and a variety of outdoor experiences. Use our Door Pass rental service to enjoy the outdoors in comfort and safety.