Yatsugatake Mountains
Trek deep into one of Japan’s greatest wildernesses
The Yatsugatake Mountains are one of Nagano’s most popular hiking and trekking destinations. Located on the border of Nagano and Yamanashi prefectures and with the fascinating Suwa region at its doorstep, these mountains provide a great opportunity to venture deep into nature in upland Japan.
There are many routes up Mt. Yatsugatake and the other peaks in the range, and you’ve also got a choice of day and multi-day options. If you’re into onsen, you may want to hike up to Honzawa Onsen for a mountain-high soak. Along the way, you may even come across some of the creatures that inhabit these mountains.
Don’t Miss
– Hiking the rolling Kirigamine Highland.
– Spotting Japanese wildlife in Yatsugatake’s forests.
– Japan’s highest outdoor bath, Honzawa Onsen.
Mt. Daisen
A mountain paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts
Popular with hikers and a top ski destination, Mt. Daisen is considered one of the most awe-inspiring places in western Japan. The mountain’s form and surrounding unspoiled beech forests see it rival Mt. Fuji.
Don’t Miss
– Gorgeous hiking trails
– One of western Japan’s most popular ski resorts
Where mountain worshippers and mystical ascetics strive for enlightenment
Mt. Yoshino is a stunning mountain in the Omine Renzan mountain range and the natural vistas are beautiful in each season. Visit Mt. Yoshino to discover a place of deep spiritual importance and natural beauty. Whether you like hiking or just want to immerse yourself in nature, Mt. Yoshino will not disappoint.
Don’t Miss
– One of the most sacred spots for Shugendo, a syncretic mix of Buddhism and Shinto.
– See the stunning seasonal changes on the mountain.
– Ride the ropeway to get the best view from the mountain.
Mt. Tsurugi
Worshipped as a god, Shikoku’s second highest peak is a verdant mountain offering a gentle ascent
This iconic peak in the heart of Tokushima is ranked among Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, and is popular for both short trips to the summit as well as longer, more undulating ridge hikes to neighboring mountains.
Quick Facts
– Mt. Tsurugi, meaning “sword mountain,” is the second highest mountain in western Japan.
– The mountain is an important center for Shugendo ascetics.
Shirakami Sanchi (Aomori)
Wilderness primeval, calling to intrepid trekkers and outdoor lovers everywhere
The Shirakami Sanchi mountain range borders two northern prefectures, Akita and Aomori , and encompasses Japan’s largest virgin beech forest, one of Japan’s first two UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites. This hiker’s paradise covers more than 130,000 hectares with an equally impressive array of peaks, lakes, trails, gorges and valleys.
Prime destinations for many travelers to the area include the Juniko lakes, Anmon Falls and Dairakyo Gorge. Any of these will thrill outdoor lovers, as will Aoike, a pond whose palette of blues changes with the weather and the season.
Don’t Miss
– Taking a few of the 12 trails that start at the Shirakami Sanchi Visitor Center.
– The Mother Tree course—an easy trek to a 400-year-old beech tree.
– The Mt. Shirakami Trail and Juniko lake course—for hardcore hikers.
Hiking Mt. Hachimantai
A flattop stratovolcano alive with wildlife and color
Towering at an impressive 1,613 meters high, Mt. Hachimantai is one of the best places to explore the stunning scenery of Iwate and Akita Prefectures, offering a range of great hiking trails.
If you are interested in geology, the mountain is a stratovolcano—also known as a composite volcano—naturally formed from many layers of hardened lava, pumice, and volcanic ash.
Don’t Miss
– Exploring hiking trails of varying levels.
– Hachiman-numa Pond and the surrounding marshland scenery.
– Going for a soak at Toshichi Onsen, a natural hot spring at an elevation 1,400 meters.
Mt. Bandai
Mt. Bandai provides great hiking terrain, ski fields, and dramatic scenery
Known as the Mt. Fuji of Aizu in Fukushima Prefecture , past eruptions of this sacred peak helped form the region’s beautiful landscapes.
Don’t Miss
– Fantastic skiing in several resorts around the mountain.
– The mountain and lake scenery at Lake Inawashiro.
