A peaceful escape in Vancouver’s west side, Pacific Spirit Regional Park offers a relatively flat trail surrounded by lush coastal forest and ocean views. Perfect for an easy day hike, this 7.6 km loop takes you through shaded trails, Arcadia Beach, and interesting forest sights — ideal even if you’re recovering from an injury or want a gentle outdoor walk.

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.

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 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.

A relaxed day hike through Hanno’s Mount Tenran and Mount Tonosu. From peaceful shrine paths to Atsuma Gorge’s cool riverside trail, this route blends local charm with quiet nature.

Just 35 minutes from Sendai, Rairaikyo Gorge is a peaceful spot lined with mossy rocks and a flowing river. The short 1 km trail winds right below onsen hotels and busy roads, yet feels completely quiet once you descend into the gorge. A quick, refreshing nature escape before heading back to the city.

What began as a quick visit to the Michinoku Coastal Trail Center turned into a reflective winter walk through Natori’s quiet farmlands and coastline. This stretch of the trail, shaped by the 2011 tsunami, offers a humbling glimpse into nature’s recovery and the strength of the communities that rebuilt along its path.

A morning in Kesennuma: hike Mount Anba, visit Osugi Shrine, stroll the fish market, and enjoy panoramic city and bay views before heading back to Sendai.

This stretch of the Michinoku Coastal Trail follows the breathtaking Goishi Coast, where rugged cliffs and black “go” stones meet quiet fishing villages. Beyond its beauty, the trail tells a deeper story of resilience—walking here is both a scenic journey and a reminder of nature and community healing after the 2011 tsunami.

To kick off the new year, I hiked from Kesennuma to Oshima Island along the Michinoku Coastal Trail. The walk followed quiet coastal roads and crossed the impressive Kesennuma–Oshima Ohashi Bridge—a powerful symbol of the region’s recovery after the 2011 tsunami. Despite strong winds and a limited New Year’s schedule, it was a memorable start to the year surrounded by sea views and quiet resilience.

A peaceful coastal trek from Ichinowatari to Jodogahama Beach, blending ocean views, quiet forests, and glimpses of recovery along Iwate’s Sanriku coast. This section of the Michinoku Coastal Trail captures the region’s enduring beauty and spirit.

A challenging but memorable day along the Michinoku Coastal Trail, from Shintaro to Ichinowatari. I passed tsunami memorials, coastal cliffs, and a few unexpected detours—including a sketchy scramble up a leaf-covered slope. A true test of patience and persistence on Japan’s northern coast.