Best places: Hiking areas in Japan

Tranquil hiking trails in thick woods, with streams, valley views & abundant flora & fauna.

Small lake on the ridge trail to Mt. Karamatsu, with reflections of surrounding peaks on clear days.

Buddhist temple founded in the 8th century, featuring more than 1,200 stone heads on its grounds.

Hiking destination of trails through mountain wetlands, popular for spring flowers & fall foliage.

👍👍 When I came and saw it, I was a little surprised to see that it was quite a gorgeous waterfall, unlike the delicate image I had from photos. When you come to the bridge that crosses to "Shomyo Takimidai Enchi", you will get very wet from the spray! As expected, the drop is so great that it is diffi...

👍👍 I went here during the rainy season. It was not as beautiful as sakura season but i was not disappointed. It was still very green, the sound of stream and clean. The stream is so clean that there are fish crabs and ducks in it. There are 7-8 monasteries on the way and I recommend walking from ginka...

Guided kayaking & trekking tours journey to this sizable, scenic waterfall cascading in the jungle.

Waterfall over 70 m. high, with an observatory platform that enables visitors to get a good view.

Historic Buddhist temple set on a mountainside, with access via a cable car or up hundreds of steps.

Surrounded by woods & mountains, this placid lake area features hiking, boating & scenic lookouts.

Overlook park with panoramic vistas, lit at night by luminous paths made with fluorescent materials.

Elegant 1970s beacon set on a dramatic coastline, with a platform overlooking the East China Sea.

Picturesque attraction featuring a series of volcano-formed lakes known for their changing colors.

Tranquil, grass-covered plateau with paths & views of Mt. Aso, Japan’s largest active volcano.

Vividly colored pool at the summit of an active volcano, reached by road, hiking trail or ski lift.

Kyushu island's southernmost point, with a Shinto shrine, observation deck & coastal walkway.

Elevated mountain road featuring windmills, a restaurant, a natural trail & sweeping views.

👍👍 Relatively easy 1 hr hike up. Wakakusayama is 100% worth hiking if you’re able to. The views are spectacular and you get a much more intimate experience with the deer than you would down in the park.

Hiking trails through dense forest & along mossy streams, with wooden walkways & bridges.