Japan Hiking and Trekking Tour Travel Packages - Best Adventure Trips with Itinerary Cost

Japan Hiking and Trekking Tour Overview

Japan is a haven for hikers. From Hokkaido’s snowy mountains to Okinawa’s tropical trails, the country’s geographical diversity makes Japan hiking trips popular among tourists across the globe. Iconic routes like the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails and Mount Fuji’s slopes, serene temples, ancient shrines, and picturesque villages, make Japan the wonder that it is. Whether exploring the Japanese Alps or strolling through Kyoto’s bamboo forests, Japan offers a unique trekking experience.

• Japan Visitor Insights

  • Continent: Asia

  • Country: Japan (Nihon-koku or Nippon-koku)

  • Capital: Tokyo

  • Time-Zone: Japan Standard Time (JST) - UTC+09:00

  • Language: Japanese, Ryukyuan and Ainu dialects, English

• Currencies Accepted in Japan

The legal tender of Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). No other foreign currency is not accepted in Japan. You can exchange currency at all international airports and money exchange service providers. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted. 

Major Attractions in Japan for Hiking and Trekking

• Niseko

Niseko, in Hokkaido, is an area that offers diverse hiking experiences amidst spectacular landscapes. Mount Niseko-Annupuri’s 3.8-mile-long (6.2 km) trail rewards hikers with panoramic views, including Mount Yotei. For a gentler walk, the 1.5 mile (2.5 km) Shinsen-Numa Marsh Trail showcases serene wetlands. Known for its vibrant wildflowers in summer and winter skiing, Niseko is a year-round outdoor destination.

• Mount Fuji

Japan’s tallest and most iconic peak, Mount Fuji, standing at a height of 12388 feet (3776 mt) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Yoshida Trail here, a 9-mile-long (14.5 km) round trip path, typically takes 5–7 hours up and 3–5 hours down, culminating in breathtaking sunrise views from the summit. Open during the climbing season (July–September), if you’re taking a hiking trip in Japan, Mount Fuji is a must-do. 

• Kumano Kodo (Multiple Routes)

A network of ancient pilgrimage trails in the Kii Peninsula, Kumano Kodo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Nakahechi route spans 23.6 miles (38 km) and takes 2–4 days to explore through dense forests and sacred shrines. The multiple trails vary from gentle paths to steep ascents.

• Japanese Alps (Up to 3,190 meters)

Spanning the Northern, Central, and Southern Alps, these mountain ranges feature peaks and untouched landscapes. Popular hikes include the Kamikochi to Mount Yarigatake trail stretching over 15.5 miles (25 km), lasting 2–3 days, and shorter routes such as Tateyama-Kurobe. Alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and panoramic views are the treat that the Japanese Alps offer. 

• Daisetsuzan National Park 

Hokkaido’s largest national park is a haven for wilderness lovers. Asahidake 7516 feet (2,291 mt), the highest peak, has a 7.4 mile (1 km) round trip trail, taking 6–8 hours. The park offers multi-day treks, such as the 31+ mile-long (50+ km) Grand Traverse, through volcanic landscapes, flowery meadows, and hot springs.

• Yakushima Island 

This subtropical island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its mystical cedar forests and biodiversity. The Jomon Sugi trek covers  13.2 miles (21.4 km) round trip, taking 8–10 hours to reach a 7,000-year-old cedar tree. Shiratani Unsuikyo offers shorter, but equally captivating trails with moss-covered paths and cascading waterfalls.

• Nikko National Park 

Famous for its historic shrines and stunning landscapes, Nikko offers hikes like the 3.7-mile-long (6 km) Senjogahara Plateau Nature Trail, taking 2–3 hours through wetlands and forests. Mount Nantai 8156 feet (2,486 mt) features a 4.3-mile (7-km) round trip hike, taking 6–7 hours, with views of Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls.

Best Time to Visit Japan for Hiking and Trekking

The two best times to visit Japan are March-May and September–November when the weather is warm and dry.

• March–May (Spring): Peak tourist season with mild weather. Temperatures range between 50–68°F (10–20°C). There are cherry blossoms and clear skies. Perfect for sightseeing and festivals, but prices are higher because of the tourist crowd. 

• June–August (Summer): Hot and humid. Temperatures range between 77–95 °F (25–35°C), with the rainy season in June. Ideal for hiking in cooler mountain areas like the Japanese Alps or Hokkaido. Prices dip in June but rise during school holidays in late July and August.

• September–November (Autumn): Mild and pleasant. Temperatures range between 50–68°F (10–20°C), with vibrant autumn foliage, making it another peak season. Crowds gather for seasonal views, but prices are moderate. Accessibility remains excellent, and festivals add cultural appeal

• December–February (Winter): It gets as cold as 32–50°F (0–10°C) with snow in northern regions. Perfect for skiing in Hokkaido or exploring onsen towns. A low season for most tourist spots, offering lower prices and fewer crowds, except at ski resorts during holidays.

Essential Advice and Tips for Japan Hiking and Trekking Tours 

• Rail Pass: Purchase a Japan Rail Pass before arrival for unlimited train travel, including the Shinkansen. It’s cost-effective and simplifies transportation.

• Maps: Have offline maps ready for exploring remote areas where connectivity might be limited. Apps like Maps.me are great for this.

• Local Etiquette: Learn basic customs like queuing for trains, being quiet on public transport, and avoiding eating while walking.

• IC (Integrated Circuit) Card: Get an IC card like Suica or Pasmo for seamless payments on public transport and even at vending machines or convenience stores.

Cost of the Japan Hiking and Trekking Tour

On average, a 10-day budget Japan hiking and trekking tour can start at about $2,000 per person. While a mid-range tour can start at $4,000, the starting estimate for a luxury trip is $7,000. 

AdventureTripr offers several affordable Japan tour packages to suit your budget and requirements. 

Japan Accommodation

• Ryokan: Traditional Japanese inns offering tatami mat rooms, futon bedding, and onsen baths. Known for their hospitality, multi-course kaiseki meals, and an authentic cultural experience.

• Hotels: From budget chains to luxury international brands, and business hotels, Japan offers all kinds. Modern amenities, Western-style rooms, and convenience.

• Capsule Hotels: Affordable, space-efficient accommodations featuring individual sleeping pods. Ideal for solo travelers seeking a unique, no-frills stay. Often located near train stations in urban areas.

• Guesthouses: Homely and budget-friendly, guesthouses offer dormitories or private rooms. Often feature shared kitchens and common areas. 

• Minshuku: Family-run bed-and-breakfasts providing simple, traditional stays. Expect tatami rooms, homemade meals, and a glimpse into Japanese family life, usually in rural or scenic areas.

• Onsen Resorts: Accommodations built around hot springs, offering luxurious baths, serene environments, and traditional rooms. 

• Temple Lodgings (Shukubo): Buddhist temples with tatami rooms and vegetarian meals. Guests can participate in meditation or morning prayers for a spiritual experience.

The kind of accommodation you choose affects the overall cost of your Japan hiking trip package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Do I need a visa for a hiking trip to Japan?

Answer 1: American nationals do not need a visa to visit Japan for short-term stays of up to 90 days for tourism or visiting friends and family.

Question 2: Is English widely spoken in Japan?

Answer 2: English is not widely spoken, especially in rural areas. However, signage in cities and public transport often includes English. Learning basic Japanese phrases can be helpful through your Japan travel.