A complete 6-day Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route guide, detailing each stage with distances, elevation, accommodation, and an interactive map for pilgrims.

Track my journey through all 88 temples of the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage. Explore temple details, locations, and insights from my personal visits.

Challenging but rewarding, Mount Tanzawa in Kanagawa offers a full-day hike across three peaks with breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji. Covering 26 km with 1,859 m of elevation gain, this trail takes you through dense forests and open ridges — a perfect adventure for experienced hikers.

Explore the historic Yamanobe no Michi Trail in Nara, Japan — said to be the country’s oldest recorded road. This 16 km hike takes you through peaceful countryside, ancient temples, Shinto shrines, and quiet villages, offering a unique glimpse into Japan’s history and rural life.

Experience the annual Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival in Nara, Japan, where Mount Wakakusa is set ablaze in a breathtaking fire ritual. Explore temple grounds, local streets, and witness one of Japan’s most spectacular winter events.

I hiked Mt. Rokko from Higashi Otafukuyama, enjoying forest paths, a small river crossing, and panoramic views of Kobe and Osaka Bay. A perfect urban-adjacent retreat for a half-day adventure.

I set out for a short walk to Nunobiki Falls, but the trail tempted me higher — all the way up Mt. Maya. With nearly empty trails, steep forested climbs, and panoramic views of Kobe and Osaka Bay, the hike turned into an unexpected urban adventure. A rare moment of solitude at the summit reminded me that even in a bustling city, nature has its hidden surprises.

Hike the Kaze no Michi trail to Mt. Washu for scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea, historic railway remnants, and Kojima’s coastal charm.

A demanding day on the Shikoku Pilgrimage—starting from Konzoji and ending at Iyadaniji. From quiet temples and rabbit statues to steep climbs and cliffside legends, this route through Kagawa captures the heart of both nature and faith in Shikoku.

A peaceful yet rugged section of the Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage through Kagawa, visiting Negoroji, Shiromine, and Tennoji Temples. From forested mountain paths to local legends and quiet moments of reflection, this route blends history, faith, and the kindness of strangers along the trail.

A scenic and spiritual start to my Shikoku Henro journey—climbing Mt. Yashima from Takamatsu to visit Yashima Temple. With its mountain legends, Genpei War history, and views over the Seto Inland Sea, this short pilgrimage walk was both challenging and unforgettable.

Ritsurin Koen in Takamatsu is a stunning Edo-period garden known for its ponds, teahouses, and views of Mt. Shiun. Even in winter, its calm beauty shines through. I explored its vast grounds, collected stamps, watched koi and ducks by the pond, and ended the visit with a small souvenir and a peaceful meal nearby.

Just behind Tokushima Station, the Tokushima Castle Ruins offer panoramic city views and a peaceful walk through historic grounds. I followed an unmarked trail to the hilltop, explored the ruins, and visited the Omotegoten Garden below — a National Historic Site since 1957 — before catching my train.

An overnight ferry from Tokyo to Tokushima became one of the calmest and most refreshing parts of my Japan trip. With an onboard onsen, quiet lounges, sunrise views over the water, and a full digital detox, the journey turned into the perfect break from constant movement. It’s a long ride, but one I’d happily take again.

A train delay set me back this morning, but I still reached Sagamiko Station before 11 a.m. and walked through a quiet alley to the trailhead behind a temple. The climb started stiff and slow, with some muddy sections, but by Myouō Pass I had found my rhythm—and the view of Mt. Fuji was stunning.

At Jinba Peak, I stopped by the large concrete horse statue and the tea house to snap photos and refuel with a quick snack. The descent followed a new trail winding through tree roots, and by the time I reached the bus stop, I noticed a small scrape on my calf—a minor souvenir from a rewarding day on the trail.

Mt. Sengen in Hakone offers a mix of nature and history, from cedar-lined trails and small waterfalls to castle ruins and the Old Hakone Path. I explored multiple trails, including Chisuji and Hiryu Falls, before descending to Motohakone with views of Lake Ashi. A perfect day hike for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Mount Oyama is one of Kanagawa’s most sacred peaks, blending hiking and history. I started from Kawasaki, climbing via the Women’s Trail to the summit and descending toward Hinata Yakushi. The route offered a mix of crowded shrines, quiet forest paths, and panoramic views—an ideal blend of culture and nature.

Although it was a travel day, I squeezed in a hike up Mount Takao and Mount Kobotoke-Shiroyama. Trail 6 led me past streams, viewpoints, and Mt. Fuji panoramas, while Mount Kobotoke-Shiroyama offered peaceful forest trails and a historic fortress site. A quick soba stop and the spiritual waterfall capped off a perfect half-day adventure.

A relaxing day trip from Hanno to Nagatoro, blending cultural stops at Chichibu and Hodosan Shrines with a scenic hike up Mount Hodo and the Nagatoro Alps Trail.

Mount Mitake offers one of Tokyo’s most rewarding day hikes—blending history, mountain temples, and stunning nature. I took the cable car up to Mitakesan Station and hiked to Musashi Mitake Shrine before continuing toward Mount Odake. Along the way, I explored mossy trails, waterfalls, and sweeping mountain views, ending my journey with a well-deserved curry before heading back down.