Hiking in Japan – An Outdoor Paradise

hikers on Japanese trail

mountain trail in Japan

Mountain Climbing in Japan

Japan is a land steeped in beauty, history and culture. For the outdoor enthusiast, it’s all here. Approximately 73% of the islands landmass in uninhabitable due to the many mountain ranges that stretch in all directions and as far as the eye can see. So, if you are into the gut-busting outdoor life of mountain climbing, take your pick. Many climbers, who place Japan on their list, tend to (attempt) complete the “100 Famous Japanese Mountains”, or Hyakumeizan as they are known locally. Spread throughout the archipelago are many Pilgrimages, the Shikoku Pilgrimage being the most famous of them, dating back many centuries.

Hiking the Tokaido Road in Japan

hikers on Japan's Tokaido Road

Hiking the Tokaido Road

Before the invention of modern transport, which lead to the many motorways and highways that span this nation, anyone who wanted to migrate between regions, did so via old rock and mud roads. The most famous being the Tokaido (road) which, in many places, has been faithfully restored and maintained. Then, if you are like me, get on the internet, log-into “Google Maps” and find somewhere to go and create your own itinerary. Most of my outings are such trips. You never know what is just around the corner; this video is just one such experience I had.

Japanese Paths – Car-free and Carefree in Japan

 

Japan trail hiking

footpath in Japan

Over the years Japan has payed a lot of attention to it’s infrastructure, particularly in the area of roads and public transport. There not many places that are not serviced by a rail line or bus service. Even the most isolated of places is sure to have a bus service, albeit one-or-two buses per day. So, getting-around is no problem.  I am honored to have been asked by Kevin to contribute to his site, “Trailsnet”, on hiking in Japan. Most of my posts will be of paths and hikes I have done in the Kansai Region, which incorporates such famous areas as Osaka, Kyoto and Nara.

Great Outdoors in Japan

Although I am an avid outdoors person, I don’t profess to being an expert, nor do I have a complete knowledge of hiking

hiking trail in Japan

Barry on trail

in Japan. What I do have is respect and appreciation for what we have here. And that is what my posts are about. If you are planning on visiting the Kansai area, touch base with me and, if possible, I will take the time to help you experience the great outdoors of Japan.

photo of Ross Barry Findlayson

Barry – The Outdoorholic

Sayonara

Many thanks to Ross-Barry Finlayson, the Outdoorholic. Barry has been a Trailsnet follower from the beginning and has contributed wonderful Japan hiking and biking blog posts on Trailsnet. And now that Trailsnet has international trails, we can all look forward to Barry’s Japan hiking trail contributions.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2015/03/21/hiking-in-japan-an-outdoor-paradise/

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