Japan · HIKING & TREKKING

15 Hikes & Treks in Japan to Build a Day Around

25 tours  ·  from $53

The 15 best hikes & treks you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available) - Starting near Tofukuji
Hiking & Trekking, Kyoto Tours, Private, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Tours

Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available)

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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Kyoto: 3-Hour Fushimi Inari Shrine Hidden Hiking Tour - From Tofukuji Station to the mountain
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Kyoto: 3-Hour Fushimi Inari Shrine Hidden Hiking Tour

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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Hiroshima Local guided Hiking Tour&Open-air Tea Ceremony - Kinko Inari Shrine and the 500-step climb
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Hiroshima Local guided Hiking Tour&Open-air Tea Ceremony

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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Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail [1 Day Tour from Nagoya] - Tsumago-juku gives you the right start
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Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail [1 Day Tour from Nagoya]

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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Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune - Yuki Shrine and the old cedar tree
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Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune

5.Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 75 reviews · from $191

Spend about eight hours hiking from Kurama to Kibune with a private English-speaking guide such as Mariko, Yuki, or Yoji. Visit Yuki Shrine, Kurama-dera, Okunoin Maoden, and Kifune Shrine, with hotel pickup, temple admission, and photos included. Expect stairs, uneven ground, and a rewarding mountain day.

“Our guide Akari was so helpful and very knowledgeable of the history of Kibune-Kirama. Overall effort is a high - if you’re looking for a nice stroll in the park, this would be very difficult for you - consider another option. That being said, the views from the top is breathtaking. If you’re lucky enough to see these views in Autumn as our group did - even better! I would like to emphasize how helpful Akari was during our tour, she is very considerate and ensuring everyone gets to the top as safe as possible. Not only did we all make it to the top and back safely, we receive…”

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Hiroshima: Morning Hiking Tour with Open-air Tea Ceremony - Meeting the guide at Hiroshima Station
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Hiroshima: Morning Hiking Tour with Open-air Tea Ceremony

6.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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Full Day Hiking Tour at Mt.Takao including Hot Spring - A private guide makes the mountain easier to read
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Full Day Hiking Tour at Mt.Takao including Hot Spring

7.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 flexible Mt. Takao hike through temple grounds, forest trails, and scenic viewpoints. Guides such as Hiroko, Keita, Rie, and Takeshi tailor the pace, explain local beliefs, and teach onsen manners before your soak at Gokurakuyu.

“Not worth it. Better to do it alone. Going to the mountain just consists of taking a train and going up the trail is easy to navigate.”

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Kyoto: Hike and Hot Springs in Kurama - Meeting at Demachiyanagi and riding into the mountains
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Kyoto: Hike and Hot Springs in Kurama

8.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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Hike Hakone Hachiri - Lake Ashi, the red torii, and lunch plans
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Hike Hakone Hachiri

9.Hike Hakone Hachiri

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · from $231

Spend about nine hours hiking the historic Hakone Hachiri route with Tony, a fluent Japanese-speaking guide. Visit the 13th-generation Amazake Chaya, walk beneath 400-year-old cedars, explore Yamanaka Castle Ruins, and finish in Mishima. Bring sturdy shoes and plan to buy your own lunch.

“Wonderful guide, great history! This was a great day. We went in the rain and Tony was commicative and happy to change things a bit to account for some terrible weather. It was a great day with a moderate hike over stones. Bring sturdy comfy shoes!”

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Hike Japan Heritage Hakone Hachiri with certified mountain guide - Lake Ashi, Heiwa no Torii, and the cedar avenue
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Hike Japan Heritage Hakone Hachiri with certified mountain guide

10.Hike Japan Heritage Hakone Hachiri with certified mountain guide

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

Follow the old Tokaido route from Hakone-Yumoto to Mishima with Aki or Akihiro, a certified guide with wilderness first-aid training. Walk about 8 km through cedar groves, Lake Ashi, Yamanaka Castle ruins, and historic villages, using local buses where the trail is closed.

“The tour included hiking on quiet trails and then exploring the region by bus and by foot. It was a very rewarding experience. Akihiro was very kind and good natured and knowledgeable about history and nature, and he took us to places we wouldn’t have even know about. We had a fabulous time.”

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Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Trail Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide - The forest walk between the post towns
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Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Trail Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide

11.Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Trail Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 38 reviews · from $155

Walk about 5 miles from sloping Magome to preserved Tsumago in roughly six hours with a licensed English-speaking guide. Hiroshi, Matt, Yumi, Elvis, and other guides have led this private outing, adding history, route help, soba or bento stops, and visits to old inns. Public transport, meals, and entrance fees cost extra.

“Hiroshi-San was an excellent guide. Gave us a history of Japan before we started the walk so we have understanding of the Nakasendo walk history. He was a gentleman and speaks English well as he lived in USA for a long time. He was atteRead more”

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1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail - Meeting at Nagoya Station and settling into the bus
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1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail

12.1-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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Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Hidden Hike (Private) - Meeting near Tofukuji at 8:30 am
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Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Hidden Hike (Private)

13.Fushimi Inari Hidden Hike (Private)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · from $62

Start near Tofukuji at 8:30 am with a private English-speaking guide, then hike quiet Mt. Inari trails toward Fushimi Inari Taisha. Louis guides the route, explains Shinto traditions, points out Tofukuji and Fushimi Momoyama Castle, and sends complimentary DSLR photos after the tour.

“Louis was a great tour leader on this walking excursion in April 2025. His route allowed us to have a quiet hike through some beautiful places on the way to the bustling peaks and torii passages. Louis explained some of the history and mythRead more”

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Traverse Outer Rim of Hakone Caldera and Enjoy Onsen Hiking Tour - The 90-minute climb from Sengokuhara
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Traverse Outer Rim of Hakone Caldera and Enjoy Onsen Hiking Tour

14.Traverse Outer Rim of Hakone Caldera and Enjoy Onsen Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · from $158

Start at Hakone-Yumoto and take a taxi to the trailhead for an 8 to 9 km hike along Hakone’s outer caldera rim. Expect a 500-meter climb, ridge views, bamboo, seasonal scenery, local lunch, and an onsen. A nationally certified guide leads groups of up to six.

“This was a great day's hike. Good views and a very interesting and patient guide. I think it's best for active families or individuals and there is uneven terrain but it was delightful day. We are glad we did the hike even though it was foggy and we couldn't see Fuji.”

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Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Hiking Tour（Hidden Temples） - Starting at Saga-Arashiyama Station
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Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Hiking Tour（Hidden Temples）

15.Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Hiking Tour（Hidden Temples）

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · from $52Best value

Meet your English-speaking guide at Saga-Arashiyama Station for a three-hour walk through the bamboo forest, up mountain trails, and to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji. Guides such as Daizen and Taira lead small groups of up to five, with time for views, village paths, and 8,000 Buddhist statues.

“This was such a great tour, it was like 3 different activities in one! We started at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Walk and because it was not the main path and still early we avoided the crowds and still enjoyed the bamboo views. The hiking pRead more”

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