The 15 most popular hiking & trekking tours in Japan. What each one is really like, who runs it, and what you will pay.
Skip the crowds on a 3-hour Fushimi Inari hidden hike. Bamboo trails, a secret shrine, and Fushimi-Momoyama castle views for $63.
“Great tour very interesting and beautiful area. We missed all the crowds until the end. Josh was very informative.”
A small-group hike from Tofukuji to Fushimi Inari using forest trails and bamboo groves, with photo stops and torii etiquette.
“Amazing tour! Shun was so friendly and knowledgeable. We had a great time.”
A small-group morning hike to Mt. Futaba shrines, forest bathing, and an open-air Nodate tea ceremony with big Hiroshima views.
“Unforgettable adventure in Hiroshima. Naomi went above and beyond to make the day special. We visited a sacred shrine, had a forest meditation,, and enjoyed a tea ceremony. Naomi was kind, knowledgeable, and fun. We highly recommend this tour.”
![Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail [1 Day Tour from Nagoya] - Starting Point in Nagoya: Private Transport That Saves Your Morning](https://images.thejapantraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/hiking-the-historic-nakasendo-trail-1-day-tour-from-nagoya.jpg)
Hike the historic Nakasendo trail from Tsumago to Magome with a small group, English guide, and round-trip transport from Nagoya.
“One of the best if not the best tour I've taken in Japan. The tour is designed for small groups - in our case it was only myself, another solo traveler and our guide Kim. We were driven from Nagoya station by Umemetsu-san who also did a gRead more”
Kyoto hiking tour to Kurama and Kibune with a private guide, hotel pickup, and temple/shrine admissions included. Expect steps and great stories.
“We had an amazing day hiking in the Kumara mountain. Our guide Miki was fantastic and made the day an extremely memorable experience. Her knowledge, passion and style was perfect throughout the day. The train ride to the start of tRead more”
Hike Futaba Mountain at sunrise, enjoy shrine stops, then relax with forest bathing and an outdoor tea ceremony with big Hiroshima views.
“Stephanie was a super friendly, informative and fun guide, making this a great experience. It was very special to spend time in nature away from the crowds, and also to gain a different perspective on Hiroshima. The climb took in a number of shrines through beautiful woodland, and it was great to appreciate the volunteer…”
Full-day Mt. Takao hike with a temple stop and onsen soak. Choose trail difficulty, learn onsen rules, and return for dinner.
“Visiting Mt. Takao was definitely the touch of nature i wanted to try and experience while in Japan. Because i stayed in Tokyo primarily, this was one of the closer chances to get away from the city. My guide, Rie-san, was patient and definiteRead more”
Hike to Kurama Temple from Kyoto via Kibune, then cool down with mountain hot springs. Train ride, shrines, views, 4 hours.
“Philippe did an amazing job with us. by luck we ended up being the only folks on the tour, and he was able to customize it a bit for us. we got to spend lots of time at Kurama, and even got to see the crypt and maze underneath the temple. He shared lots of…”
A guided hike along Japan’s old Tokaido route in Hakone, with a family amazake tea stop, cedar avenue, Lake Ashi, and more.
“Tony was an excellent guide. I HIGHLY recommend him! His knowledge of history is on point and he made the hike absolutely the best!! Prepare yourself for fantastic views, a history lesson, and so many memories on this trip!! I will advise this hike every time!!! 5/5 stars for Tony!!!”
Hike the Hakone Hachiri Edo trail with a certified guide, walking 8 km, hitting Lake Ashi and Mishima with Fuji views if weather allows.
“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!”
Walk the Nakasendo Trail from Magome to Tsumago on an 8 km day hike with a government-licensed English guide, Edo-era streets, and great photo stops.
“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”
Hike Japan’s Nakasendo from Tsumago to Magome on a small-group day trip from Nagoya, with time in preserved post towns and history-led stops.
“We had a wonderful experience hiking a section of the Nakasendo trail with Mir as our guide and Iwasaki-san as our driver. The weather was perfect for hiking, and the trail offered stunning views — lush forest paths, small waterfalls, and peaceful mountain scenery. No black bears (thanks to all the bells!), but the calm…”
Private 3-hour hike at Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari. Quiet Mount Inari trails, Shinto commentary, DSLR photos included. Small-group feel.
“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”
Small-group hike in Arashiyama with a guide through bamboo, a climb for Kyoto views, and a temple stop at Adashino with 8,000 statues.
“Great hiking tour with a knowledgeable guide for the entire experience. It was great to see both bamboo Forrest and climb the hills.”
Takayama river trekking with hand-dripped mountain coffee, lunch, and certified guides. Small group, gear included, water-focused day.
“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…”
