8 Hikes & Treks in Japan to Build a Day Around

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

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

Follow a certified MagicalTrip guide such as Emi, Naru, Hina, or Josh along a roughly 7-kilometer route from Tofukuji to Fushimi Inari. You’ll use forest paths, see a bamboo grove and small shrine, approach the torii gates from the quieter side, and finish at the main shrine.

“After a day in Kyoto, we started to tire of the tourist crowds, so this small group tour was absolutely brilliant. Our guide N. was knowledgeable and ever so nice. The hike was easy and as we approached the Tori gates from the back, we avoided other people right to the end. N was also an expert at taking super arty photos of us esp in the bamboo forest. Can’t recommend the tour enough.”

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2.3-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 quiet back side of Mount Inari. An English-speaking guide leads you along forest paths, through bamboo groves, past small altars, and under the famous torii gates. Expect about 7 kilometers, moderate effort, and a group of up to nine.

“Tour was excellent guide was knowledgeable and engaging, was exactly as promised of route with some people once getting to the more popular areas”

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

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

Join Nana, Michi, Naomi, or another local guide for a three-hour hike from Hiroshima Station through shrine-lined forest paths. Climb about 500 steps to Futabayama Peace Pagoda, take in views of the city, Seto Inland Sea, and Miyajima, then enjoy Nodate tea outdoors at Kinko Inari Shrine.

“Wonderful guided experience off the beaten path of Hiroshima. Of course, a visit to Peace Park is an absolute must, but there is so much more to experience and this guided hike up Mt. Futuba should be high on your list. Michi was a wonderfully kind and knowledgable guide who went above and beyond to make our trip more than just a tour. The physical immersion in the forest combined with the historical and spiritual elements of Kinko Inari Shrine go a long way toward grasping the Japanese sense of the sacred. The tea ceremony overlooking the city was icing on the cake. Thank you, Michi, for an unforgettable experience…”

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

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

Join a small group from Nagoya for an 8 km hike along the old Nakasendo road from Tsumago-juku to Magome-juku. Guides such as Kim, Emily, Paula, and Polly share local history as you pass waterfalls, woodland, and old post towns. Lunch is not included, so bring a bento.

“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.Morning Hiking Tour with Open-air Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 58 reviews · 3 hours · from $106

Start near Hiroshima Station with a small group of up to six. Your English-speaking guide leads you past Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine and Kinko Inari Shrine, up roughly 500 steps to the Peace Pagoda, then prepares matcha outdoors while you enjoy forest bathing and views of Hiroshima, Miyajima, and the Seto Inland Sea.

“everything was amazing . the guide naomi was so nice, adorable and everything she said was really interesting. we did itfor the first time, she showed us everything and before the tea ceremony, in the middle of the forest . relaxation with the nature and was incredible, really calm and relaxing. the tea ceremony was also really good and nice . honestly, we loved everything”

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6.Hike and Hot Springs in Kurama

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 4 hours · from $80

Leave Kyoto by train for a guided hike through Kurama’s cedar forest. Visit Kurama Temple and Kibune Shrine, hear local legends, and finish in Kurama village, where you can eat, stroll, or use the mountain hot spring. Guides speak English or French, with private and small-group options.

“Amazing time with Eric! He was very knowledgeable and a great guy to spend the day with. We would do this trip again in a heartbeat! Beautiful scenery and wonderful area of Kyoto!”

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

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

Walk 8 km from Tsumago to Magome on an old samurai road through forests, past waterfalls, streams, and mountain villages. Your guide, possibly Kim, Mir, Paula, or another multilingual leader, adds useful historical context. Bring lunch, sturdy shoes, and patience for the two-hour bus ride each way.

“We had an incredible day hiking the Nakasendo Trail. It felt like we were taking a step back in time. Our guide was fantastic and the scenery was gorgeous. This was the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.”

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8.Hakone Hachiri: Old Tokaido Highway Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 22 reviews · 7 hours · from $167

Walk a beginner-friendly section of Hakone Hachiri with guide Aki or Akihiro, following Edo-era roads from Hakone-Yumoto toward Mishima. Expect about 8km on forest trails and cobblestones, Mt Fuji views when skies are clear, amasake at a 400-year-old teahouse, local transport, and five to six hours on foot.

“Great hike, nature and history September 2024 A really good experience on the old Taikado route. Had a good hike with a good tour guide, he shows the best spots. Aki explains also the history and culture of Japan, so you feel the real experience of the country. PS he also makes great pictures of you💪😊”

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