The Best Outdoor Activities in Japan
Discover the best hiking, camping, backpacking, fitness, and more.
![]()
Explore the Nara Deer Park
Japan / Nara 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.
![]()
Hike the Torii Gates to Mount Inari Peak
Japan / Fuschimi-Inari Shrine, Kyoto, Japan
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.
![]()
Explore the Sagano Bamboo Forest
Japan / 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.
![]()
Hike Kamikochi Valley
Japan / Kamikochi Valley Information Center
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.
![]()
Hike to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Japan / Jigokudani 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.
![]()
Hike to the Source of the Shinano River
Japan / Mt Kobushi
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.
![]()
Explore the Chureito Pagoda
Japan / 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.
![]()
Hike the Choishi-Michi Pilgrimage Trail to Koya-san (町石道)
Japan / Jison-in
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).
![]()
Climb Mt. Buko (武甲山)
Japan / Mt. Buko Parking Lot
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).
![]()
Explore Kakunodate Samurai Town
Japan / Kakunodate
Tucked away in the north of Japan, this quiet town is a perfect slice of Japanese tranquility and history.
