A rain-soaked walk across Cape Toi revealed wild horses, a historic lighthouse, and a windswept shrine perched between cliffs and sea.

Hiking Mount Eboshi offers a unique opportunity to experience Mount Aso’s dramatic volcanic landscape up close. From the steaming Nakadake Crater to the sweeping views over Kusasenrigahama, this loop hike combines geology, open grasslands, and panoramic mountain scenery in the heart of Kumamoto Prefecture.

The Kurume Korasan Course of the Kyushu Olle Trail combines ancient shrines, forest paths, and city views, offering a hike where history and nature intersect on the slopes of Mt. Kora.

A scenic island hike on the Kyushu Olle Munakata Oshima Course, combining coastal landscapes, UNESCO-listed shrines, and centuries-old maritime traditions rooted in Japanese mythology.

Shimonoseki offers a scenic mix of coastal history, light hiking, and one of Japan’s most unique pedestrian experiences. From historic shrines overlooking the Kanmon Straits to walking beneath the sea into Kyushu, this route blends culture, views, and quiet adventure.

Chomonkyo Gorge in Yamaguchi offers a tranquil riverside hike through dramatic rock formations, seasonal scenery, and one of Japan’s earliest designated scenic landscapes.

A quiet walk through a preserved castle town, expansive ruins by the sea, and an unexpected climb to panoramic views over Hagi—proof that even a short stop can leave a lasting impression.

Motonosumi Shrine in Yamaguchi is famous for its dramatic line of vermilion torii gates overlooking the Sea of Japan, but reaching it without a car can become an adventure of its own.

Tachikue Gorge is a short but atmospheric trail in Shimane, where dramatic rock formations, Buddhist statues, and spiritual history line the banks of the Kando River.

A hike to Japan’s only surviving mountaintop castle, Bitchu-Matsuyama in Okayama, offered more than history—it brought misty mountain views, quiet castle town streets, and a meeting with Sanjuro, the resident “Cat Lord.”

A quiet countryside walk, a steep forest climb, and 270 stone steps lead to the Sky View Torii Gate of Takaya Shrine—an unforgettable mountaintop view overlooking Kanonji and the Seto Inland Sea.

Mount Shiude offers sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea, seasonal flowers, and quiet summit paths, making it a rewarding hike even outside peak cherry blossom season.

Nakatsu Gorge offers a serene escape along the Niyodo River, where hikers can enjoy clear blue waters, lush forests, and the picturesque Uryu no Taki waterfall—a hidden gem in Kochi.

A scenic walk through Naruko Gorge reveals dramatic cliffs, a winding river, and one of Tohoku’s most photogenic landscapes. Despite tricky transit and limited time, the gorge’s autumn colours, onsen culture, and quiet forest trails made the journey well worth the effort.

Goshikinuma Ponds in Fukushima feature vividly coloured volcanic lakes formed after Mount Bandai’s eruption, with an easy trail showcasing constantly changing hues.

Chasing viewpoints instead of trains, I explored the Tadami River’s most scenic spots—quiet villages, hidden lookouts, and one fleeting moment as the train crossed the valley.

A cancelled train, fallen trees, and a race against time—Day 2 in Kurobe Gorge didn’t go as planned, but it still delivered one unforgettable journey through Japan’s most scenic railway.

Togakushi Shrine in Nagano is a sacred complex of five shrines linked by forest trails and ancient mythology. I hiked from the upper to lower shrines, passing towering cedars, quiet lakes, and centuries-old temples along the way. Between the legends of Amaterasu and encounters with kind locals, it became one of my most memorable hikes in Japan.

A gentle waterfall hike in Nagano’s Tateshina Highlands, the Yokoyakyo Gorge trail weaves past cascading falls, onsen ryokans, and the reflective beauty of Mishaka Pond—an ideal half-day escape surrounded by autumn colours.

Panoramadai offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes. This quiet, less-traveled trail near Lake Shoji is perfect for those seeking sweeping scenery, seasonal colour, and a more peaceful side of Fujikawaguchiko.