If you are contemplating traveling the Silk Road with kids, Uzbekistan should be the first destination on your list.
21.07.2023 - 08:21 / roughguides.com
Few countries in Asia boast such dramatic natural diversity and such a range of hiking opportunities as Japan. Mountains make up two-thirds of the country, with beaches fringing the coast and the balmy southern islands. Japan is well set up for hikers, with the ultra-efficient rail network making getting around the country a breeze. Here are ten of our favourite places to go hiking in Japan.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Japan , your essential guide for visiting Japan .
This is an essential pilgrimage for those with an interest in the roles that tradition and religion play within Japanese culture. This place for hiking in Japan is both a fascinating physical and spiritual journey, which is undertaken by many religiously-minded Japanese, as well as overseas hikers.
You will need plenty of time on the smallest of Japan’s main islands, Shikoku. If you want to conquer the whole route – taking in a whopping 88 temples in the process – you are going to have to hike for over 1000km. You can do it in just over a month, but most devotees allow closer to two. Savvy hikers and pilgrims alike can use public transport to cut out some of the sections and skip a few temples too.
Explore accommodation options to stay on Shikoku Island.
Shikoku Henro, Japan © worldroadtrip/Shutterstock
Another pilgrimage route, the Kumano Kodō is so highly rated that its temples have been placed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Battling across the thickly wooded slopes in the Kii Peninsula on Japan’s main island of Honshū was a task emperor themselves used to often undertake.
There are three main routes, all are challenging but rewarding. A large part of the fun is staying in traditional ryokans (inns) en route where your nightly feast will be preceded by an onsen (communal hot spring bath).
From Tokyo to Osaka, this tailor-made Japan trip features fantastic experiences. View a sumo session, visit ancient temples, and climb the Tokyo Skytree Tower. Explore the resort town of Hakone in Mt Fuji’s shadow, savour a tea ceremony in Kyoto, and see cherry blossoms, in season, to complete a wonderful trip.
Kumano Kodo old pilgrim route, Japan © Shutterstock
One of the most famous places for hiking in Japan does not disappoint. It is Japan’s most iconic peak, unmissable on any bullet train trip south of Tokyo. It is a 3776m-high volcanic monster, famous for often being capped with a dusting of snow, which isn't ideal for hikers – note that it's only open for trekking between July and mid-September.
Fuji can be tackled in a day trip, though altitude sickness can be an issue even when you do an overnight in the area, so going easy on your body is advised.
Find more accommodation options to stay near Mount Fuji.
If you are contemplating traveling the Silk Road with kids, Uzbekistan should be the first destination on your list.
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