Hiking and Trekking in the Japan Alps and Mount Fuji

Discover Japan's legendary mountain landscapes on foot, from the soaring 3000m peaks of the North, Central, and South Alps to the iconic summit of Mount Fuji. Hike through dramatic ridgelines, tranquil valleys, and remote alpine scenery, exploring a region where nature and adventure are deeply entwined in local culture. Most routes are suitable for those with moderate fitness, while the more challenging treks and scrambles are best tackled by experienced hikers. This comprehensive Cicerone guidebook features 13 short treks (2–8 days) and 14 day walks (4–20km/3–15 hours), with clear gradings (1–3) based on distance, ascent, and terrain. All four main ascent routes on Mt Fuji are included, alongside classic peaks such as Shirouma, Tateyama, Hotaka, Yari-ga-take, Norikura, and Kita-dake. - The Japan Alps are best explored in summer and autumn (July to late October), with some routes and huts open from early May; the Mt Fuji climbing season is limited to July–August. - The Japan Alps and Mt Fuji routes range from short, accessible day walks to demanding multi-day treks, with clear difficulty ratings based on length, ascent, and exposure. - Detailed 1:50,000 mapping for every route, with downloadable GPX tracks for navigating the Alps and Mount Fuji. - Stage-by-stage route descriptions, each introduced by a quick-reference box with distance, ascent/descent, access, waymarks, and special notes, make it easy to know what to expect on your hike in Japan's Alps. - Accommodation and facility recommendations for every area include a comprehensive network of mountain huts, hot-spring baths (onsen), and camping options, plus advice on planning, preparation, and essential kit for hiking in Japan. - Practical information on Japan's public transport, logistics, and getting around Honshu's mountain regions, including guidance on rail passes, luggage forwarding, food and drink, and local hiking etiquette. - Full coverage of all major regions: Northern, Central, and Southern Alps, as well as Mt Fuji, with classic routes and alternatives for custom itineraries. - Fascinating insights into the region's geology, flora, fauna, and hiking history, plus a Japanese-English hiking glossary to help you on the trail. Plan your Japan Alps and Mount Fuji adventure with this essential Cicerone guidebook and immerse yourself in breathtaking alpine scenery, welcoming mountain huts, and the enduring traditions of Japan's great outdoors.

Tom Fay is a British writer and teacher based in Osaka, and has been living in Japan for well over a decade. He writes about travel and the outdoors for a variety of publications and media outlets, and has hiked and climbed extensively throughout Japan. Wes Lang has been exploring Japan's mountains since relocating to the country in 2001. In 2008 he became the first American (and one of only a handful of foreigners) to climb the Hyakumeizan, Japan's 100 Famous Mountains.

Map key Overview map Introduction Preparations and practicalities When to go Getting to Japan Getting around Japan Rail passes Accommodation Mountain huts and camping Food and drink Hot springs Money Communications Language Tourist information offices What to take Luggage forwarding Maps and GPS Waymarking The typical hiking day Mountain etiquette Health and safety Emergencies Using this guide All about the Japan Alps and Mt Fuji Location and climate Geology and landscape Plants and wildlife History of hiking in Japan The North (Kita) Alps Hakuba Area Walk 1 Mt Shirouma-dake Trek 1 Mt Shirouma-dake and Hakuba-Yari Onsen Tateyama Area Walk 2 Mt Tateyama Walk 3 Mt Oku-dainichi-dake Trek 2 Mt Tsurugi-dake Trek 3 North Alps traverse Hotaka Area Walk 4 Mt Yake-dake Walk 5 Mt Nishiho-Doppyo Trek 4 Mt Oku-Hotaka-dake and Karasawa Cirque Trek 5 Mt Yari-ga-take Trek 6 Mt Cho-ga-take and Mt Jonen-dake Trek 7 Mt Kasa-ga-take Norikura Area Walk 6 Mt Norikura-dake The Central (Chuo) Alps Walk 7 Mt Kiso-koma-ga-take Trek 8 Central Alps traverse The South (Minami) Alps North Area Walk 8 Mt Kai-koma-ga-take Walk 9 Mt Senjo-ga-take Trek 9 Mt Kita-dake Trek 10 Mt Ho-o South Area Trek 11 Mt Arakawa-Higashidake (Mt Warusawa) and Mt Akaishi-dake Trek 12 Mt Kamikochi-dake and Mt Hijiri-dake Trek 13 South Alps traverse Mt Fuji Walk 10 Mt Fuji - Yoshida route Walk 11 Mt Fuji - Subashiri route Walk 12 Mt Fuji - Gotemba route Walk 13 Mt Fuji - Fujinomiya route Walk 14 Mt Kuro-dake Appendix A Route summary table - walks Appendix B Route summary table - treks Appendix C Mountain huts Appendix D Glossary Appendix E Useful contacts and further resources Appendix F Further reading