The Best Hikes Near Tokyo
Overview
Tokyo is possibly the most convenient city for accessing all areas of Japan, including the mountains. The vast network of trains and highway buses provide a highly efficient system for reaching some truly incredible hiking destinations. Although Tokyo has numerous easy-access day hikes, this list emphasizes truly amazing destinations that offer unique a experience within Japan's diverse landscape, even if they require extra travel time. We've included a mix of day hikes and overnight hikes with a focus on some of the best hikes in Japan, making sure the travel time and transport cost are worth the effort.
Links to the complete hiking pages will be included for each hike on this list, these pages provide extra info such as access details, photo galleries, hike data, trail information, maps, useful links, and weather details.
The 10 Best Hikes Near Tokyo
Kamikochi
Trail Summary
Kamikochi is the most famous hiking destination in Japan, with the exception of Mt. Fuji. Although it's not actually "near" Tokyo, the public transport options make access somewhat straightforward. There are multiple highway buses running daily that will take you right into the famous valley surrounded by staggering mountains. A faster and more comfortable option is taking the train to Matsumoto on a Friday night and then catching an early direct bus on Saturday morning.
Kamikochi offers hikes and walks for all ages and skill levels, and a vast collection of mountain huts, camping options, and onsen. Although the weekend crowds can be a bit intense during summer and autumn, it's easy to escape the crowds if you head for one of the numerous peaks surrounding the valley. Check out our comprehensive guide for all the hikes in Kamikochi to help plan your next trip.
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Mt. Kisokoma & Mt. Utsugi
Trail Summary
Mt. Kisokoma is considered to be the crown jewel of the central Alps, conveniently serviced by Japan's highest ropeway. This makes it perfect for both day trips and weekend trips, and the long travel time is not a problem with two comfortable trains departing from Shinjuku station.
Mt. Kisokoma really shines as an easy-access option for sleeping on dramatic peaks at nearly 3000m elevation. There's a humble hotel at the top of the ropeway, plus a couple of mountain huts that can be reached with just 2 hours of hiking. The hiking options include an easy stroll for sightseeing, a moderate 4-hour roundtrip hike, or an 8-hour roundtrip hike. The town of Komagane is also quite nice, with some onsen, hotels, and guesthouses, making it a popular option for Friday night before setting off for the ropeway the next morning.
For those seeking something a bit more difficult, the Mt. Utsugi to Kisokoma traverse is an incredible and overlooked trail covering the two best peaks in the central Alps. It's a 2-3 day hike with unique terrain and incredible views.
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Mt. Karamatsu & The Happo Pond
Trail Summary
Mt. Karamatsu is one of the most famous hiking destinations in Hakuba, thanks to the famous reflections of the Happo Pond. Mt. Karamatsu and the Happo Pond are accessed using the Happo Gondola and chair lifts, so it's suitable for all ages and skill levels. Hakuba is indeed quite far from Tokyo, but there's a single train that will comfortably take you all the way there from Shinjuku station, making weekend trips easy and stress free. It gets super busy on weekends but most of the visitors only hike to the pond and don't make it all the way to Mt. Karamatsu, which is a shame because reaching the peak is a far superior experience. It can be done as a single-day hike if you arrive early enough, however, spending a night on the mountain in the Karamatsu mountain hut is worthwhile - the views from the peak provide a stunning sunset and sunrise.
For experienced hikers, the Mt. Karamatsu to Mt. Goryu traverse is an amazing 2-3 day hike, further details are provided in our Karamatsu guide.
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Mt. Tanigawa
Trail Summary
Mt. Tanigawa is possibly the easiest-access high mountain near Tokyo, thanks to the Daoi train station that runs all the way to Tokyo. Oh, and of course there's a ropeway too lol. But much like the other hikes on this list, the ropeway only takes you so far, in this case you still have a 5-6 hour roundtrip hike in order to reach the peak. Daoi station is also a sort-of mini attraction, it's the deepest underground train station in Japan, and there's no escalator installed here, so the hiking truly begins when you get off the train.
Mt. Tanigawa is the highest peak of an incredibly beautiful mountain range, it can be completed as either a day hike or an overnight hike.
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Oze National Park
Trail Summary
Oze National Park is a vast wetland of marshes, old natural forests, and beautiful mountains. Oze is famous for its lakes and boardwalks that are scattered across the marshland, connecting the various mountains. The two most popular hikes are Mt. Hiuchi, which is the highest peak, and Mt. Shibutsu, which is located on the edge of the park. If you have a car then a day trip is possible, or you can catch one of the direct buses that run from Tokyo and spend a night within the park. A couple of mountain huts are located between the two peaks, perfect for experiencing both hikes over a long weekend.
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Akagi & Haruna
Trail Summary
Mt. Akagi and Mt. Haruna are not ideal for public transport, but if you have a car then they make for an awesome weekend trip from Tokyo. Akagi and Haruna are both dormant volcanoes in Gunma featuring beautiful caldera lakes surrounded by small peaks. Mt. Akagi is a 4 hour round-trip hike and Mt. Haruna offers a variety of smaller 1-2 hour hikes. Mt. Haruna is also connected to Ikaho Onsen which is a gorgeous hot spring town known for its stunning streets and guesthouses, perfect for spending the night after a day of hiking and sightseeing.
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Nikko National Park
Trail Summary
Nikko National Park is an amazing destination easily accessed by train from Tokyo. It's renowned for its UNESCO-listed temples, stunning scenery, and beautiful mountains. The most popular hike is Mt. Nantai, a magnificent volcano rising up from Lake Chuzenji. It's worth booking a couple of night's accommodation in Nikko and spending a few days exploring the area as there is so much to do and see. With all the incredible lakes, waterfalls, temples, shrines, and onsen, you won't want to leave.
Along with Mt. Nantai, some of the most notable attractions include the incredible Kegon Waterfall, the lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine, and the Mt. Hangetsu Observation Deck.
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Kitadake
Public Transport
3.5 hours
Driving
N/A
Best Time
July - October
Trails
1
Accommodation
Huts & Campsites
Trail Summary
Kitadake is the second-highest mountain in Japan and relatively easy to access from Tokyo. A 90-minute train from Shinjuku takes you to Kofu station where an old bus awaits to bring hikers up a narrow bumpy road that provides the only access to the trailhead, the bus takes nearly 2 hours and private cars are not allowed due to the size of the road.
The hike itself is two full days of hiking with a mountain hut located about 40 mins from the peak. At 3193m, people often say it provides some of the best views of Mt. Fuji in all of Japan, especially during the sunrise. There is no technical terrain, so it's suitable for anyone fit enough for 2 days of solid hiking.
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Mt. Kaikoma
Trail Summary
Mt. Kaikoma is without a doubt the most impressive peak in the Southern Alps, with a prominent pyramid structure composed of beautiful granite rock. The two trail options both include a variety of chains and ladders with heaps of ridgeline hiking, giving you a constant panorama of stunning views as you climb up the mountain.
On a clear day the view from the peak is quite spectacular, you'll be able to see Mt. Fuji, Yatsugatake, the Central Alps, the Northern Alps, and Kitadake. The mountain also features some interesting shrines as it was the subject of Shinto worship during the 18th and 19th century.
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Mt. Kinpu & Mt. Mizugaki
Trail Summary
Mt. Kinpu and Mt. Mizugaki are two stunning mountains near Kofu that are known for having some of the best rock climbing in Japan, and some of the best hiking in Japan. They're connected by a nice campground that serves as the perfect base for exploring both peaks without having to carry all of your camping gear. The terrain is full of variety, including massive boulders, beautiful forests, and amazing views.
If you're relying on public transport, just note that the bus only runs on weekends and holidays from April to October.
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