JAPAN TREKKING TOURS
Good japan trekking tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 13 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Explore Okinawa’s Yanbaru jungle by river, find waterfalls, swim in summer, and enjoy a private, flexible trek with guide Nik.
“Nik was very kind and a great guide. Even though I can’t speak English well, he was very patient and understanding. He also picked me up from Nago station, it was very convenient”
Trek Takayama’s mountain streams, climb beside waterfalls, and enjoy barista coffee, lunch, and expert guidance for $140.
“After spending a couple years in Japan and numerous months traveling, I can confidently say this is one of the best and refined travel experiences I’ve had the opportunity to partake in. Does a great job tying in local knowledge to curate a beautiful afternoon hike. If you come across this and there is space available, it’s a must.”
Hike Mt. Fuji’s forests, shrine, lava cave, and lakes with local guide Yuki, then enjoy Yoshida Udon and matcha in a private half-day tour.
“We love the contact with nature and our tour guide was great, he was patient and even spent more time with us than the time alloted for the tour. He even bring us coffee, chocolate and snacks.”
Trek through snowy Hida-Osaka forest to a frozen waterfall on a private, guided snowshoe adventure from Gero, Japan.
“Our family of 6 from Australia (including kids aged 13,12,10,8) absolutely loved our tour with Reiko and Osamu. Reiko spoke great English and she was extremely friendly and great with the kids but she also had a broad knowledge of JapaRead more”
Explore Shiretoko’s primeval forest, wildlife tracks, 100-meter cliffs, and waterfall with gear, guides, and small groups included.
“Did this tour with Mak (Makoto), an excellent guide and walking companion, and it was a lot of fun tapping into his knowledge of the region and the local wildlife. The scenery here, at the end of Japan, is quite unlike anything else I've seeRead more”
Hike sacred Mt. Inunaki, join a Buddhist Goma fire prayer, and relax in a hot spring near Osaka on this private seven-hour tour.
“We spent a wonderful day, hiking up the beautiful serene mountain, and experiencing a spiritual moment with the monk. I highly recommend this!”
Review of Iriomote’s Pinaisara Falls canoe and trekking tour, with practical details on price, timing, guides, hiking, value, and who should book.
“The tour is fantastic, I absolutely recommend! The guide was very friendly, patient and knew a lot about the flora and fauna of Iriomote. The view from the top of the waterfall was stunning!”
Trek a secret lava canyon near Mt. Fuji with waterfalls, rock jumps, free photos, and a relaxing spa visit afterward.
“It was awesome, gorgeous and beautiful views, if there more that 5 starts, I will give it. Everything was well prepared and organized by the tour guy. This activity is a must do when you visit Japan. It will clear your mind.”
Learn breathing, movement, and mountain skills on a 7.5 km private ninja trek from Nanzenji to Mt. Daimonji in Kyoto.
“my visit to the ninja dojo left me with an indescribable good heart energetically but also mystically. not only training in the dojo, but also an amazing performance, a trek to Mount DAIMONJI in Kyoto. As a long-term practitioner of martial artRead more”
Walk the seasonal riverbed of Mato Canyon in Iwate, passing old bridges, wildlife, and shallow water on a private three-hour trek.
Hike autumn-colored Mt. Inunaki to Shipporyuji Temple, then enjoy kaiseki cuisine and a private hot spring near Osaka.
“Our day was mostly rainy, but we still enjoyed the walk to the temple. Beautiful scenery. Guide shared several local stories. The lunch was an unexpected treat - more than 30 dishes with seasonal vegetables. Hot springs with open air view were serene, relaxing, very clean.”
Explore Ibaraki on a private two-day hike from Hitachi to Mito, with Oiwa Shrine, Fukuroda Falls, an onsen stay, meals, and local trains.
“A healing trip to Ibaraki, the scene is spectacular, all those great views give my body and soul unbelievable peace, and don't forget our hiking buddy Miyuki, she is so nice and energetic, her hot tea melted my heart on the snow peak of the Read more”
Review of Karuizawa’s downhill Shinanoji trek, with Shiraito Falls, Ryugaeshi Falls, practical tips, pricing, and who should book.
“As often there are a lot of people, entry into the park is paid, the road is quite good by car then 10 minutes on foot. An original place because the earth exudes this flowing water but a little disappointing as the only objective. Let's say that it takes a lot of time to finally seRead more”
A morning, a night out, or a fortnight at altitude.
