Japan
Beschrijving
Japan is an exciting country for hiking. Walking comes in all flavors: volcanoes, pilgrimages, trails thousands of kilometers long, alpine hikes and climbs. Main difficulty is the language. Information in English is hard to find. You might get the impression that hiking in Japan is no option. Totally wrong - read on!
Let's do a little research first: what's the geography like? Japan is about the size of Germany, a bit larger, but the population is 1,5 times as large. 127-million people are crammed together on 35% of the land surface, 65% being rugged mountain area. You've got the opportunities, right?
The country counts four large islands and countless smaller ones. These main islands are, from northeast to southwest:
- Hokkaidō, the mountainous island in the north. This island tips the Russian Island of Sakhalin
- Honshū, the main island in the middle, including Osaka and Tokyo
- Kyūshū, the westernmost island
- Shikoku, the island that squeezes in between Honshū and Kyūshū
These islands span some 20 degrees in longitude, from the chilly north to the subtropical south! Nature imposes itself mercilessly. On the one hand, Japan exists thanks to the collision of continental shelves. This means, on the other hand, exploding volcanoes and earthquakes. Also, in everyday life Japanese have to cope with typhoons and tsunamis. Nature has enjoyments to offer as well: exuberant colors in autumn, blossoming in spring, wild animals like bears, wild fruits and vegetables...
Politically Japan is divided into 9 regions and 47 prefectures. Let's have a closer look at them. In the centre of the country lies Tokyo, on the main island of Honshu. The Greater Tokyo Area houses 35-million people. This region, Kanto, is rather flat, but even here hiking trails can be found. To the west of Kanto lies the Chubu region, not far from the population centers. This is the region with the highest and wildest mountains, known in the West as the Japanese Alps. Mountains do not rise up higher than 4.000 m in Japan, but their often volcanic origins makes them wild and varied. Not far south of the capital is famous Mount Fuji – Fuji-san, 3776 m – Japan's highest. To the north of the country's mountainous centre lies Tohoku region and finally the island of Hokkaido, the second largest island. Its relatively cool and dry climate, quiet and mountainous, makes it interesting for hiking. To the south of Tokyo and the Chubu region, the main Honshu island continues for a while, less mountainous though. Then we reach the island of Shikoku, island of pilgrimages, half enclosed by Honshu. And in the far west is the island of Kyushu, again mountainous, the elements from below causing havoc (and nice hot springs!). This makes for good hiking, but with a warm and humid climate.
Talking about the climate: the north of the country and the mountains are snow covered in winter. Hiking in this season is still feasible in the south. In summer, Hokkaido in the north is pleasant and not too wet, whereas the rest of Japan is hot and humid. Between June and July, a monsoon works its way from south to north. In large parts of Japan, spring and autumn are best for hiking. Summer is best for the mountains.
Hiking comes in different shapes in Japan. Let's start with the traditional pilgrimages and old imperial roads. These are popular with foreigners. The two months hike on Shikoku, passing 88 temples, is well known, as is the old highway between Kyoto and Tokyo, the Nakasendo Trail. Tour operators will offer their services like luggage transportation and hotel reservations.
But don't forget: the country has an extensive system of long distance trails, the so called Nature Trails, 自然歩道. Popular with Japanese, hardly known abroad, there are nine of them, totaling to 26.000 km. The system was an initiative of the central government dating from around 1970, with the purpose of providing a means for experiencing nature and culture in a healthy and safe manner. The prefectures are upkeeping the trails and providing hiking maps. Usually, the Japanese use Nature Trails for day trips, picking out sections, often around 15 km. These sections are situated in such a way that they can be reached by public transport. The different sections do not always form a continuous trail. On the contrary, in places the system looks more like a fragmented chromosome. Completing all the sections is an honorable goal, rewarded with a medal if proper proof is submitted to the prefecture. The trails are well marked, but mainly in Japanese of course. Hiking the Nature Trails is a perfect way to explore all the corners and backyards of the country, cities and mountains alike.
Mountain tramping is popular with the Japanese and foreign visitors. Main focus is reaching the top. The Japanese variant of peak bagging is very popular indeed: the 100 Famous Mountains - Hyukameizan 百名山. To check them all, and possibly fast, is a major achievement. Should you run out of mountains, there is always a list of 200 and even 300 famous mountains. Hiking maps are available in the larger bookstores (see below) Many mountain huts are at your service. Generally these are private huts, not cheap, but good, offering linen (blankets) and dinner. They might be crowded, but not full. The day starts early in these huts. Breakfast sometimes as early as 4.30 am and dinner at 5.00 pm.
Talking about accommodation, it's time to mention some other options for the night. The long distance hiker often uses the Minshuku, a kind of private accommodation, like B&B with often dinner included. Another popular choice is the Ryokan, the traditional Japanese hotel. Popular, especially on the pilgrimage ways, are the temple lodges, Shuboku, offering good value. In any case, do make reservations in advance! Your host will appreciate this very much. Remember dinner is normally included and will be prepared unless explicitly agreed otherwise.
A strategy guide for hiking in the mountains
If you are amidst the noise and chaos of Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, it is hard to fancy how to ever get out into the countryside. Information in English on hiking in the Japanese mountains is scarce and the people around you will speak little if any English. So, how to get started ? Just try the following strategy:
- First, determine where you want to go, which island, which mountain area. Use Traildino for a rough idea, or consult the excellent Lonely Planet Guide for Hiking in Japan. The hikes described in the Lonely Planet are a small selection of the many possible trails in the mountains. Mountain areas have a network of trails, like in the European Alps.
- Now, buy the 1:50.000 map of the area of your choice. Best known are maps of Mapple (http://yamachizu.mapple.net/) and you will find them in the larger bookshops of the larger cities, who usually have the complete series on stock. Sometimes you can also find the 1:25.000 topographical maps, but even if they show more detail, they do not provide any specific hiking information.
- Run into the nearest Starbucks and relax while giving the map a thorough study. These maps are great: trails are marked, hiking times are indicated, huts are marked, difficult passages are indicated. Now, try to imagine your own multi day tramp.
- With this rough idea of your hike - your destination, the time you will spent there, your trailhead - you have to figure out how to get there, and get out in the end. The area overview on the back of the 1:50.000 maps will come in handy. Somebody has to help you now, and this somebody is of course the helpful Tourist Information Centre. You will find these great English speaking people in most cities, often also in a railway station, and they love to help you. Ask them how to get to your destination, whether there are any connecting buses, how much time the journey will take. If you need a stop halfway your starting point, the TIC is glad to arrange your hotel. Also ask them whether the huts are open (they will Google it for you) and maybe they will contact the first hut as well (always a good idea).
- Things can't go wrong now. So rush into the green ticket window of Japan Railways and buy your ticket. If there are more traveling options, the counterman will help you out.
- Last but not least: take lots of cash with you. You will spend more than 10.000 Yen (100 euro, 115 dollar) per person every day in the mountains, because the huts are expensive.
- Just some last advice. Compile a neat table for your own use. On the left side, write down your complete itinerary, including huts, lakes, mountains you will pass etc. On the right site, put down the same information in Japanese (that is: Kanji characters). You can do it using internet, copying and pasting the Japanese names into some text document. This list will come in handy if you need to ask someone the right way, if you want to explain where you're going or if you like to understand the signs on the trail. Once in the mountains, you will find all kind of brochures and information in the huts themselves, including opening times, ski lifts, etc. etc.
Strategy guide for Nature Trails
Hiking in the Japanes mountains is something you will be able to figure out in the end, because people will understand what you want. However, if you rather hike some parts of the Nature Trails system, information is harder to get. Basically, the problem is that foreigners never take these trails, and people will not understand your intentions. Nonetheless, the Nature Trails will be a fine alternative in winter and spring, when mountains are snow covered, or any time of the year if you like to become acquainted with a different Japan.
So, how to get started on the Nature Trails?
- It is pretty useless to inquire in bookshops or the Tourist Information Centre on these Nature Trails. The probability they will understand you, is low. A better idea is to make a print of the website of the Ministry of Environment on these nature trails (http://www.env.go.jp/nature/nats/shizenhodo). This makes communication much easier.
- Be aware that the maps of the Nature Trails are the responsibility of each individual Perfecture. So, if you want to hike near Tokyo, the place to find the maps is the administration of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area.
- But better not go there straight away. You run the risk that nobody will understand you. Better you find someone to help you contacting the Prefecture administration. And this someone of course is the Tourist Information Centre. Armed with the website printout, ask the TIC if they will contact the administration and ask for the department responsible for the Nature Trails and the publication of the maps. Most likely, this introduction will be sufficient to get entry to the right department and right person, who will collect the necessary maps for you.
- Since the maps are in Japanese only, you will need a good deal of fantasy to figure out what all the symbols mean, how to interpret the distances, how to recognise the waymarking. Part of the fun.
- But in the end, once you've got a basic visualisation of your hike, you will need help again. So return to the kind people of the TIC, and ask them to contact the hotels en route, and let them make reservations. It's unwise to just knock on the door of your night address on arrival, without notice.
We will be delighted to get feedback from you on this issue, to make this page even better.
Beoordelingen

- Muresco September 2011
- Beoordeling 10
- Positief I liked the Variety , the people we met & the friendly nature of JApan
- Negatief September was very hot & at times wet.
Kaart
Paden
Regios
- Akan
- Aso Kuju
- Bandai Asahi
- Chichibu Tama Kai
- Chubu
- Chubu Sangaku
- Chugoku
- Chuo Alps
- Haku-san
- Hidaka Sanmyaku
- Hokkaido
- Hokuriku
- Ishikari Sanchi
- Ishizuchi
- Joshinetsu Kogen
- Kansai
- Kanto
- Kirishima Yaku
- Kita Alps
- Kurikoma
- Kyushu
- Kyushu Chuo Sanchi
- Minami Alps
- Nikko
- Shikoku
- Shikotsu Toya
- Shiretiko Hanto
- Shokanbetsu Teuri Yagishiri
- Sobo Katamuki
- Tohoku
- Towada Hachimantai
- Tsurungu-san
- Yaba Hita Hiko-san
- Yoshima Kumano
- Yubari Sanchi
- Zao
Bergen
Links
Feiten
- GPSwalking(GPSウォーキング)はGPSを使ってウォーキングや山登りを楽しむサイトです (Japanese)
GPS oriented website devoted to tramping the Japanese mountains, hiking the long distance trails, and also ski mountaineering. This website is a good source of information.
- Hiking in Japan
A comprehensive website for Hiking throughout Japan. Great website with general information and hikes by region.
- HIKINGinJAPANESE
Guides for foreigners how to use Japanese sources about hiking (www, maps, TV) + guide to a 38 day Coast-to-Coast walk.
- Japan Hiking
A great source of information. Listing of the Hyakumeizan (100 Famous Mountains), but also the 200 and 300 Famous Mountains. huts and routes.
- Japanese Nature Trails (Japanese)
This is the Government website for the 8 Nature Trails. It links to the different prefectures that often have their own web page for their share of the trail.
- Outdoor Japan - OJ - Your guide to travel and the outdoors in Japan
- Yuuko Yamaguchi's Climbing Page
Yuuko Yamaguchi's Climbing Page. Links to many other pages in Japan. Terrific source.
- Marchan-hp
Some Mountaineering Advice for foreigners in Japan.
- Nature Trails in Japan (Japanese)
Introduction to the system of Nature Trails in Japan.
- Nature Trails in Japan | Wikipedia (Japanese)
- Partnership for the National Trails System
Origins and state of the Natural Trail System are explained in this helpful article.
- Peter Leupold's little Hiking Japan Guide
Peter writes: “the vast majority of literature on the topic is written in Japanese. This page is intended to share some of the information gathered with other people who want to hike in Japan and are looking for information in English.”. Not much to find yet...
Verslagen
- i, cjw ~.::.~ hiking and climbing in japan
Blog and impressive climb list. Fantastic photography!!
- Japan walking stories
You will find quite a few walking stories located in Japan here. There is also a general section with backgrounds on walking in Japan.
- One Hundred Mountains
In this blog the author rewalks Fukada Kyūya's Hyakumeizan
- One Man Walking — leaving a trail across Japan
In 2008 Craig Stanton walked across Japan from Cape Sata to Cape Soya. This is the blog he kept.
- Outdoor Japan - OJ - Nature Trails - Travel / Destinations -
Some columns about the Nature Trails.
- Seashore Trail, Rebun Island, Hokkaido, Japan
Hiking report from Rebun Island, northwest of Hokkaido.
Gidsen en kaarten
- Japanese Government Cartographic Department (Japanese)
Topographical maps online!
- Online topographical maps (Japanese)
This first looks like a kind of Google Map edition, but when zooming in, topographical details will be visible.
Overnachting
Organisaties
- IOC Kansai | International Outdoor Club Kansai
The International Outdoor Club is a group of people of different nationalities who regularly participate in a wide variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, weekend backpacking, mountain biking, cycling, skiing, and take part in running events. All of the activities are organized by the members themselves.
- Japan Mountaineering Association (Japanese)
- Japanese Alpine Club 社団法人日本山岳会 -トップページ-
Home page (English version) of the 6.000 member Japanese Alpine Club.
- International Adventure Club - Tokyo
The IAC-Tokyo is an all-volunteer group of folks from the Tokyo area who enjoy outdoor activities together. Please visit our website and check us out! Visitors are welcome!
- Japanese Walking Association (Japanese)
Homepage of the Japanes hiking sport organisation.
- Welcome to NHC homepage. (Japanese)
Tokyo based Japanese Hiking Club
Reisorganisaties
- JRailPass
Vendor of all types of JR Pass (unlimited train pass for Japan and the Japanese alps), Pocket Wi-Fi and Japanese SIM Card.
GPS
Anders
- Excite Translation (Japanese)
Enter the URL of the Japanese Webpage, and it will be translated into English (other languages are available too).
- Hyperdia | Timetable and Route Search in Japan.
This travel service works very well. It brings you to every corner of the country.
- Japan Meteorological Agency
Daily and weekly forecasts, tsunami warnings, earthquake information, volcanic ash - Japanese people have something to worry about...
- Japan National Tourism Organization Web Site
Multi-lingual website, information for your travels in Japan.
- Japan Rail
The Japanese railway system is extensive. Tourists can purchase the Japan Railway Pass.
- Japanese phrasebook - Wikitravel
Of course you can pull the entire Japanese webspace through Google Translate and put the words in a logic order yourself, but some basic Japanese is not beyond knowledge when studying these pages.
- Kochi University Weather Home
Current weather satellite images.
- The Climbing Dictionary (Japanese version)
Very useful and comprehensive list of mountaineering and hiking words, with there japanese equivalent.
- Use Rikai.com to learn Japanese Kanji or as a Japanese Dictionary
Very useful translation service. Enter the url of the Japanese website, Go, and have every word translated.
- 中古の225/40R18タイヤを最も安く購入 (Japanese)
すべての用途に適した最高品質の 225/40r18 中古タイヤを探しましょう。 車や家の装飾のために必要かどうか、どの様な目的であれ、それは何年も目的を果たします。 万が一、パフォーマンスや耐久性に不安がある場合は、パンク、空気漏れなどの欠陥についての専門家によって確認されているので心配ありません。 この商品は、送料を除くと最高の価格で提供されています
- Japanese map symbols - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This list of map symbols comes in handy when deciphering Japanese maps
Boeken

Netherlands
2019
- Reisgids Te gast in Japan | Informatie Verre Reizen
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Netherlands
2017
- Reisgids Insight Guide Japan | Cambium
- Een rijk geillustreerde reisgids met diepgaande teksten: één van de beste reisgidsen die er bestaan. Eerste deel bestaat uit een beschrijving van de unieke aspecten van de regio, daarna een deel echte reisgids en als afsluiting een deel met praktische informatie. De uitstekende informatie wordt vergezeld van prachtige foto's en heldere kaarten.... Read more

Netherlands
2015
- Reisgids Hiroshima and Nagasaki | Odyssey
- Deze gids combineert geschiedenis, cultuur en reisinformatie in één. Voornamelijk geschikt als je meer te weten wilt komen over de rijke historie van deze twee steden. De reisinformatie beperkt zich tot ongeveer 40 pagina's. An ambitious blend of history ancient and modern, literature and poetry, photography and art,... yet still also a travel... Read more

Netherlands
2018
- Reisgids Japan (Engels) | Marco Polo
- Handige en overzichtelijke, kleine reisgids voor een eerste kennismaking met Japan. Globale uitklapkaart achterin, makkelijk binnenzakformaat. Explore Japan with this handy, pocket-sized, authoritative guide, packed with Insider Tips. Discover boutique hotels, authentic restaurants, the country's trendiest places, and get tips on shopping and... Read more

Netherlands
2018
- Reisgids Trotter Japan | Lannoo
- Trotter Japan is een originele reisgids met een eigen mening en persoonlijkheid. Trotter houdt geen cliché's in stand, maar biedt de individuele reiziger een persoonlijke visie. De traditionele trekpleisters worden verfrissend beschreven en ongekende schatten worden geopenbaard. De selectie van hotels en restaurants is uniek en de hoeveelheid... Read more

Netherlands
2019
- Reisgids Eyewitness Travel Japan | Dorling Kindersley
- DK Eyewitness travel guides: award-winning guidebooksDiscover Japan with this essential travel guide, designed to help you create your own unique trip and to transport you to this fascinating country before you`ve even packed your case - catch the buzz of futuristic Tokyo, step back in time in Kyoto, hike in mountainous Hokkaido or snorkel in... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom

United Kingdom
2019
- DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Japan
- DK Eyewitness travel guides: award-winning guidebooksDiscover Japan with this essential travel guide, designed to help you create your own unique trip and to transport you to this fascinating country before you`ve even packed your case - catch the buzz of futuristic Tokyo, step back in time in Kyoto, hike in mountainous Hokkaido or snorkel in... Read more
Kaarten

Netherlands
- Wegenkaart - landkaart Japan | Nelles Verlag
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2019
- Wegenkaart - landkaart Japan | ITMB
- Japan 1 : 1 100 000 ab 10.49 EURO Waterproof International Travel Map ITM. 8th edition Read more

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- Wegenkaart - landkaart Japan | Freytag & Berndt
- Japan, Autokarte 1:1.000.000 ab 10.9 EURO Touristische Informationen, Entfernungen in km, Fähren Freytag & Berndt Autokarte. Neuauflage. Laufzeit bis 2017 Read more

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- Wandelkaart Asahi - Dake, the heart of Daisetsuzan National Park | Gecko Maps
- Recently, Japan welcomes rapidly increasing number of international tourists from all over the world. Daisetsuzan National Park, the largest mountain national park in Japan, located in the center of Hokkaido, northern part of Japan, is not the exception. There are increasing numbers of international tourists, hikers, climbers and skiers. On the... Read more
Walking holidays
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- Japan - Wandel- en Cultuurrondreis
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- Wandel naar de top van Mount Mitsutoge en geniet van Mount Fuji. Het merengebied rondom deze iconische berg in Japan is de opmaat voor uitdagende wandelingen in de Kiso vallei en op het Kii-schiereiland. Verken de mooiste etappes van de Nakasendo-trail, een oude handelsroute tussen Kyoto en Tokio waaraan nog steeds een paar verstilde dorpjes... Read more
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