10 Hikes in Japan to Plan a Trip Around

1.Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,750 reviews · from $63Our pick

Follow a certified MagicalTrip guide from Tofukuji through forest trails, bamboo, small shrines, and the upper paths of Fushimi Inari. The 3-hour, roughly 7-kilometer hike approaches the torii gates from a quieter side, with guides such as Naru, Hina, Yuko, and Matt sharing local history and taking photos. Good shoes, water, and moderate fitness are essential.

“Hina was so fun and knowledgeable, she knew the area very well and guided us through the bamboo forest and behind the scenes to get the highlights before most others. We did this as a family from the U.S. and would highly recommend it and it was a good four miles round trip. Beauty everywhere.”

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2.Kyoto: 3-Hour Fushimi Inari Shrine Hidden Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 270 reviews · 3 hours · from $72

Start near Tofukuji Station and approach Fushimi Inari from the quieter back side of Mount Inari. Your English-speaking guide leads a small group through bamboo groves, forest paths, old altars, and thousands of torii gates before finishing at the main shrine. Expect about 7 kilometers of uphill and downhill walking, plus guide-taken photos.

“My group was nice and small, only three guests and the guide. The hike was great and doing the shrine in the opposite direction was ideal because the climb was much less intense! Our guide Nina was awesome and took photos for each person at various scenic points. Highly recommend!”

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3.Hiroshima Local guided Hiking Tour&Open-air Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 213 reviews · from $109

Start at Hiroshima Station and follow a guide such as Nana, Michi, or Naomi through shrine paths on Mt. Futaba. Climb about 500 steps, visit Hiroshima Toshogu and Kinko Inari, pause for forest bathing, then enjoy a Nodate tea ceremony near the mountaintop with views toward Hiroshima, the Seto Inland Sea, and Miyajima. The small group is limited to six people.

“This is a unique way to experience a Japanese tea ceremony that my dad and I won’t forget anytime soon. Our guide Naomi was very welcoming and made us feel right at home. Definitely a highlight of our trip.”

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4.Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail [1 Day Tour from Nagoya]

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 104 reviews · from $210

Leave Nagoya for an 8 km guided hike from Tsumago-juku to Magome-juku, two beautifully preserved Edo-era post towns. Guides such as Kim, Emily, Paula, and Polly bring the route to life, while private transport keeps the day simple. Expect forest paths, waterfalls, hills, limited lunch choices, and about three hours on foot.

“This was tons of fun and exceeded my expectations. Our guide was so knowledgeable and patient. I would definitely do this again.”

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5.Full Day Hiking Tour at Mt.Takao including Hot Spring

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · from $118

Meet your private guide at Takaosanguchi Station for a 5-hour-30-minute Mt. Takao hike. Choose an easier or harder trail, visit Yakuo-in Temple, and reach the summit before descending to Takaosan Onsen. Guides such as Hiroko, Rie, Keita, and Takeshi have helped visitors adjust the pace and learn about local culture. A return cable-car or lift ticket is included.

“Just a great experience hiking with Yumi. Loved the views from the top and the nature trail along the river.”

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6.Hike Japan Heritage Hakone Hachiri with certified mountain guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 46 reviews · from $158

Walk about 8km across Hakone Hachiri, an old Edo-period route linking Hakone, Lake Ashi, and Mishima. Guide Aki, also known as Akihiro, leads a small group of up to six through cedar avenues, Yamanaka Castle Ruins, and quiet mountain paths. Expect about seven hours, local buses, lunch at your own cost, and Mt Fuji views when the weather cooperates.

“This was a really great tour! Aki is so knowledgeable about the history and area it really was a great tour! Would definitely recommend doing this!”

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7.1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 34 reviews · 8 hours · from $189

Travel from Nagoya to Tsumago, explore its preserved Edo-era streets, then hike 8 km through forests, streams, waterfalls, and mountain villages to Magome. Guides such as Kim, Mir, and Paula have led this outing, which includes a comfortable bus, groups of up to 14, and English, French, or Spanish service. Bring lunch and sturdy shoes.

“I would highly recommend this tour! The postal towns were absolutely stunning - very quiet and like stepping back in time. Kim, our guide, was welcoming and knowledgeable and offered lots of historic facts and local recommendations, and our driver was incredibly warm and friendly. The company was also very accommodating and responsive when we had to adapt the tour last minute owing to an ankle injury, and offered more time in Tsumago and Magome and a traditional Japanese lunch. This was definitely a highlight of our trip to Japan!”

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8.From Matsumoto/Nagano: Nakasendo Trail Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 33 reviews · 1 day · from $189

Join an English-speaking guide for an 8-km walk from Tsumago to Magome, two preserved post towns on Japan’s old Nakasendo route. Guides such as Shawn, Kim, Joyce, and Sijung have led groups at a comfortable pace, with time for waterfalls, teahouses, snacks, and local sights. Transport from Matsumoto or Nagano is included, but expect a long day and several hours on the bus.

“Our family group consisted of a 76 yr old, a 69 yr old, a 36 yr old & a 33 yr old. We thoroughly enjoyed our day and could not speak more highly of Shawn, our friendly tour guide, and of our excellent coach captain who transported us safely. It was so nice to be out of the cities and in picturesque, natural surroundings The hike is a little challenging but so worth the effort. Shawn ensures everyone moves at a comfortable pace, briefing us re points of interest and ensuring we made the most of the day. When we were dropped back to Matsumoto & realised our forward travel…”

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9.Explore Kiso Valley : Magome – Tsumago Mountain Trail Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · from $171

Walk 9 kilometers of the old Nakasendo Trail from Magome to Tsumago with a private English-speaking guide. You’ll visit the Magome Observatory, Odaki-Medaki Waterfalls, preserved post towns, and the Nagiso Museum. Guides such as Ryo, Kazuo, and Harumoto bring local history and culture to life.

“Our guide Ryo was awesome! He was very knowledgeable about the area (he grew up in the area of the Nakasendo Trail). Great attitude and very enthusiastic. Highly recommended!”

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10.Morning Hiking Tour: Mt. Futaba & Hiroshima’s History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · from $157

Start at Hiroshima Station with a guide such as Michi, Naomi, Michiyo, Kota, or Lisa, then walk uphill through Hiroshima Toshogu, Kinko Inari Shrine, and more than 100 red torii gates to Mt. Futaba’s peace pagoda. Enjoy city and Seto Inland Sea views, a local bento breakfast, forest bathing, and a Japanese nodate tea ceremony. The private group is limited to six people.

“This was a great tour. Our guide Naomi was so wonderful. 🙏 She included lots of details about the religion which was so informative. 👍”

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