Japan
With the deepest and lightest powder snow in the world, bamboo forest adventures, towering volcano peaks, and cities that host an astounding juxtaposition of ancient tradition and funky modern style, Japan is a traveler's dream. And of course, SUSHI!
Top Adventures in Japan
Hike the Torii Gates to Mount Inari Peak
Starting at the Fushimi Inari-taisha, the head shrine of the Inari, the hike to the top of Mount Inari is a refreshing yet surprisingly demanding hike within Kyoto, Japan. The Torii gates, thousands upon thousands of them in a row, provide a gorge...
4.9 miles
750 ft gain
Explore the Sagano Bamboo Forest
Stepping into the bamboo forest in Arashiyama, Japan is a surreal moment. Thousands upon thousands of bamboo trees line a trail which cuts right through the center of the forest. With 30 yards of bamboo on either side of you, the bamboo seems to e...
Explore the Nara Deer Park
There are many ways to get to Nara, but if you're a tourist, you'd likely arrive on public transportation via train or bus. Most will drop you near the city center, and if so, wander east, following any of the major roads, and you'll eventually ru...
Hike to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
This is a short hike in the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park to see the Snow Monkeys - they're actually Japanese Macaques, native to northern Japan. The 1.6km (one-way) track leads gradually uphill in a forest before opening out in the valley, where a ...
2 miles
Hike Kamikochi Valley
This hidden gem lies close to Matsumoto. Very conveniently connected with public transport, it should be easy for you to get here from any bigger town.A welcome variation from urban Japan, this valley lies deep in the Japanese Alps. Only the begin...
6.2 miles
Explore the Chureito Pagoda
Exploring this classic Five-Storied Pagoda overlooking Fujiyoshida City and Mount Fuji does take some effort due to its distance from major metropolitan areas of Japan. Yet exploring the pagoda is a great day trip from Tokyo. There are a variety o...
2 miles
500 ft gain
Hike to the Source of the Shinano River
A trickle that springs forth from the deepest bowels of Mt Kobushi winds down the string of rocky shelves and slabs to eventually become what is the longest and largest river in Japan. 367km (228mi) long, Shinano River is the lifeblood of Central ...
3.7 miles
8120.1 ft gain
Explore Kakunodate Samurai Town
Tucked away in the north of Japan, this quiet town is a perfect slice of Japanese tranquility and history. The samurai town boasts beautifully preserved residences dating back to the 17th Century, six of which are open to the public. The largest o...
Climb Mt. Buko (武甲山)
Mt. Buko is about two hours drive from Tokyo. Alternatively, you could take the train to Chichibu's Yokoze Station 横瀬駅 and take a longer walk to the foot of the mountain (we drove from Tokyo). From the Mt. Buko parking lot the route is very simple...
6.2 miles
2578.7 ft gain
Hike the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route
The Kumano Kodo's Nakahechi route is the most common way to travel. It follows the original Imperial Route as the best marked of all the variations. It also never wanders too far from civilization allowing frequent snack and drink stops, and lodgi...
47.8 miles
8530.2 ft gain
Hike the Choishi-Michi Pilgrimage Trail to Koya-san (町石道)
Starting from the Kudoyama Train station, you walk just under 2k through town to begin the trail at the Jison-in Ji (慈尊院). The Jison-in temple is a great place to pick up a map of the trail which is available in several different languages. The fi...
15.5 miles
4826.1 ft gain
Fushimi-Inari Shrine
This place is absolutely A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
From Kyoto, you want to jump on the JR train line towards the ancient capital of Japan, Nara. You will only ride the train for about 10 - 15 minutes before you get off at the Fushimiinari stop. From the trai...
