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Hakkodasan or Mount HakkodaLocation: Aomori PrefectureAltitude: 5,200 feetApprox. time: 5 hoursLevel: beginnersDescription: Mount Hakkoda is Included among Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. It is known for its panoramic view with wonderful fertile volcanic cones and spectacular marshlands. There are some hot springs around the area.
Iwakisan or Mount IwakiLocation: Aomori PrefectureAltitude: 5,331 feetApprox time: 6 hoursLevel: advanced - expertDescription: Mount Iwaki is often called “Tsugaru Fuji” means northern Japan’s Mount Fuji. It was once worshiped as a holy mountain and had a pilgrimages to the shrine at the top. Senninburo, Sugayu hot spring, Oirase Kokusai Hotel
Tanigawadake or Mount TanigawaLocation: Gunma and Niigata PrefectureAltitude: 6,486 feetAverage time: 5 hoursDifficulty: advanced - expertDescription: There are several water falls on the trail. You can also take a Tanigawadake Ropeway for those who want to enjoy the mountain’s views without hiking. Tanigawadake is also famous for its beautiful fall foliage as the leave changes during September through October.
Takaosan or Mount TakaoLocation: TokyoAltitude: 1,965 feetAverage time: 5 hoursDifficulty: beginnerDescription: Even though it takes only 50 minutes by JR Chuo Line from Shinjyuku, it offers great nature hiking trails and beautiful scenery.
Mount FujiThere are several starting place to climb Mount Fuji.Yoshida-guchi (Yamanashi Prefecture)Open: July 1 to September 14Starting altitude: 7562 feetAverage hiking time: up 6 hours, down 3 hours and half
Subashiri-guch (Shizuoka)Open: July 10 to September 10Starting altitude: 6561 feetAverage hiking time: up 5 hours 40 mins, down 2 hours and half
Fujinomiya-guchi (Shizuoka)Open: July 10 to September 10Starting altitude: 7874 feetAverage hiking time: up 5 hours, down 2 hours and 40 mins
Gotemba guchi (Shizuoka)Open: July 10 to September 10Starting altitude: 4724 feetAverage hiking time: up 7 hours and half, down 3 hours and 10 mins
Note: Average time does not include a break time. Add a couple hours for breaks when you plan.
Akadake or Mount AkaLocation: Nagano PrefectureAltitude: 9,511 feetAverage time: 9 hoursDifficulty: expertDescription: My favorite hiking mountain is Akadake in Yatsugatake or 8 peaks. Yatsugatake is a volcanic mountain range nestled on the border of Nagano & Yamanashi prefectures, which are very popular among hikers. I recommend you to stay over-night in a mountain shack on the top and see the stars and sunrise. On a clear day, the views are unbelievable gorgeous.
Mikuradake or Mount MikuraLocation: Hiroshima PrefectureAltitude: 2,303 feetAverage time: 5 hours and halfDifficulty: advancedDescription: Large parking area, nice camping site and beautiful nature trails make this mountain very popular hiking spot in this area. The panoramic view from any of those three peaks is simply breathtaking.
Kujyusan or Mount KujyuLocation: Kumamoto and Oita PrefectureAltitude: 5,863 feetAverage time: 4 hours and halfDifficulty: advancedDescription: Mount Kujyu is one of the central peaks of Kujyu mountain ranges. The beautiful trails offers majestic volcanic wonderland view with beautiful lakes. Don’t miss to dip yourself in outside hot-springs in the area.
Yonahadake or Mount YonahaLocation: Okinawa PrefectureAltitude: 1,650 feetAverage time: 2 hoursDifficulty: beginnerDescription: Mount Yonaha is the highest mountains in Okinawa main land. On the top of the mountain, you will enjoy a stunning panoramic view of northern Okinawa. The best season to hike is fall and winter season because it gets very humid during the summer. Be careful for habu snake.
CHECKLIST
Before you go …
1. Make a hiking planMake a schedule. Plan with your hiking buddies. Use a map to familiarize yourselves with the area with map prior to hiking.
2. Prep your equipmentIt is very important to prepare in any emergency. Don’t forget food, water proof wear, jacket, headlamp, water bottle, map and compass, first aid kit and a fully charged mobile phone.
3. Consider your physical conditionDon’t push yourself and know your limits.
4. Learn the basicsLearn how to read the weather. Practice how to use a compass. Understand how to read a map, how to properly hike in the mountains.
5. Study emergency responseIn the event that you or another hiker is injured or gets sick, knowing basic emergency response techniques is advisable. Consider taking a First Aid / CPR training course.
6. Know what causes of accidentsFalling, getting lost and sliding from elevated areas are the main causes of accidents. Keep that mind when hiking.
7. Never leave trashTake everything that you bring with you into the mountains with you when you leave.
– Japan Mountaineering Association
