Japan may be best known for its lightning-fast trains and ultra-efficient public transport, but don’t overlook the country’s natural side, especially if you prefer your adventures on foot. TimeOut recently named two of Japan’s hiking routes among the world’s best, spotlighting just how much the country has to offer for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Nakahechi Route, Kumano Kodo (Ranked #4 in the world)
Tucked into the misty Kii Peninsula south of Osaka, the Nakahechi Route is part of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network—often thought of as Japan’s answer to Spain’s Camino de Santiago. This multi-day trek (typically 3 to 5 days) winds through mossy cedar forests, across mountain passes, and past some of the country’s most revered Shinto and Buddhist shrines.
With a spiritual legacy spanning over a millennium, the journey leads to the majestic Kumano Hongu Taisha, home to Japan’s tallest torii gate. As for timing, the route is especially beautiful in spring (March to April) for cherry blossoms or in autumn (October to November) when the mountains blaze with color. If you're considering the pilgrimage, our travel agency team can help you plan the experience.
Gotemba Trail, Mount Fuji (Ranked #11 in the world)
While Mt. Fuji needs no introduction, the Gotemba Trail offers a lesser-trodden path up Japan’s most iconic peak. Unlike the more popular Yoshida route, this 19.4 km round-trip trail from the Gotemba 5th Station is more rugged and far less crowded.
The hike typically takes 8–10 hours (or split over two days with an overnight hut stay) and brings trekkers up through a dramatic landscape of volcanic ash, boulder fields, and eventually, jaw-dropping summit views. Fuji season runs from early July to mid-September, when weather conditions are safest. For more information about planning a hike up the mountain, please visit our guide here.
