A humid, overcast hike up Mount Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) offers glimpses of Taipei 101 and sweeping city views. Navigate mossy stairs, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and take in the urban landscape from one of Taipei’s most popular trails.

Hike Mt. Tomi in Chiba to explore the sacred Fusehime Rouketsu cave, scramble rugged trails, and enjoy panoramic views from the summit platform. A rewarding adventure for hikers seeking history, culture, and nature.

Hike Mt. Nokogiri in Chiba to explore a historic quarry, climb the Sharikimichi trail once used by women hauling stone, and discover the massive Buddha and Kannon carvings at Nihon-ji Temple. Stunning views of Tokyo Bay and the unique blend of nature and history make this a must-visit hike.

Hike through sacred forests to Oiwa Shrine and Mt. Oiwa in Ibaraki Prefecture, enjoying ancient trees, panoramic views of the Hitachi Alps, and a glimpse into one of Japan’s oldest Shinto sites.

Experience the frozen beauty of Fukuroda Falls in Ibaraki, Japan, and hike to the summit of Mt. Tsukiore for panoramic views. This winter adventure offers icy cascades, forested trails, and a glimpse of castle ruins, making it a unique and scenic escape.

Experience Mount Omuro, a perfectly conical dormant volcano on the Izu Peninsula. Take the chairlift to the summit for breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, the Izu Seven Islands, and Sagami Bay. A short visit makes it ideal to combine with nearby attractions.

Explore the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls on Shizuoka’s Izu Peninsula, a short, shaded trail linking seven scenic cascades. Easy paths, lush greenery, and quick access from Kawazu Station make this an ideal stop for a half-day adventure.

Hike the Jogasaki Coast for dramatic cliffs, suspension bridges, and sweeping Pacific views. Trails are well-marked and accessible, with quieter stretches offering breathtaking scenery and centuries-old temples along the way.

Mount Yokoyama is an easy hike in Shima, Japan, offering stunning views of Ago Bay’s islands and coastline. With a visitor centre, multiple viewpoints, and peaceful trails, it’s ideal for a scenic half-day excursion.

An easy yet rewarding hike up Mt. Asamagatake offers panoramic views of the Ise-Shima islands, a temple midway along the trail, and a peaceful mountaintop with teahouses and a foot bath. Perfect for travellers seeking a mix of nature, culture, and coastal scenery.

A journey through Yoshino’s temples, shrines, and sacred peaks. From Kinpusenji’s towering wooden hall to the Sky Gate of Kinpu Shrine, this hike offers a glimpse of Nara’s spiritual heart—magnificent even without the cherry blossoms.

A spontaneous decision led me from Tsubosaka-dera Temple to the mountaintop ruins of Takatori Castle—one of Japan’s Three Great Mountain Castles. The hike offered centuries of history, quiet forest paths, and sweeping views that made this unplanned detour a highlight of my Nara trip.

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.

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.

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.

A peaceful autumn hike through the forests above Lake Kawaguchi, connecting Koyodai, Sankodai, and Mount Ashiwadayama for stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding lakes.

Mount Coot-tha offers one of the best viewpoints over Brisbane and an easy downhill walk that connects the summit lookout with the Botanic Gardens and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. A scenic, budget-friendly half-day escape only 40 minutes from the city.