7 Must-See Hiking Trails in Kanto for Nature Lovers

I’ve discovered seven must-see hiking trails in Kanto that’ll take your breath away. Mount Takao’s eight diverse paths lead you through ancient temples and pristine forests, while Mt. Tsukuba’s twin peaks offer stunning Tokyo skyline views.

For a challenging adventure, tackle Mount Jinba’s four-peak traverse or Mount Buko’s demanding 15.2km trail. Don’t miss the peaceful Numappara Marshland’s boardwalk, especially stunning when dwarf daylilies bloom.

The Fujinomiya Trail and Mt. Ogusu’s hidden paths round out these natural wonders, each offering unique encounters with Japan’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Let’s explore what makes each trail uniquely spectacular.

1) The Famous Mount Takao

Mount Takao stands as Tokyo’s hiking gateway, located just 50 kilometers west of the bustling metropolis in Hachioji City.

You’ll find it’s surprisingly accessible – just hop on the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station, and you’ll reach Takaosanguchi Station in about 50 minutes.

Like autumn in Osaka, spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking this trail.

I love recommending this mountain because it offers something for every hiker.

You can choose from eight distinct trails, from the popular Omotesando Trail to the challenging Mount Takao/Mount Jinba trek.

What’s truly remarkable is the mountain’s biodiversity: you’ll encounter over 1,200 species of plants and animals as you climb.

On clear days, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Tokyo’s skyline and Mount Fuji from the 599-meter summit, while the historic Yakuoin Temple adds a cultural dimension to your adventure.

The mountain serves as an excellent warmup for those planning to tackle Mount Fuji trails later in their journey.

2) Mt. Tsukuba’s Scenic Double Peaks

What makes Mt. Tsukuba stand out is its distinctive double peaks – Mt. Nyotai and Mt. Nantai – which rise majestically above the Kanto Plain like a pair of watchful guardians.

Like Kyushu’s active volcanic peaks, Mt. Tsukuba’s rugged terrain offers hikers dramatic landscapes carved by ancient volcanic activity.

I’ve found that there’s a trail here for everyone, from the challenging Miyukigahara Course to the gentler Otatsu-ishi route that’ll have you at the top in just 40 minutes.

When you reach either summit, you’ll be treated to some of the most spectacular views in the region. On clear days, I can spot everything from Tokyo’s gleaming skyline to the iconic silhouette of Mt. Fuji.

Don’t miss the fall foliage displays around Miyawaki Station, and if you’re visiting in November, stick around for the enchanting evening light-ups of the maple trees.

Remember to pack plenty of water and reward yourself with local Tsukuba Udon at the top.

The must-explore hiking trails in Japan offer unique experiences throughout all four seasons, making Mt. Tsukuba a year-round destination.

3) Mount Jinba’s Mountain Adventure

While Mt. Tsukuba offers a classic double-peak experience, I’ll introduce you to an even more ambitious adventure: the four-peak traverse starting at Mt. Jinba.

You’ll conquer 14-17km of scenic trails, enjoying breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and Tokyo’s skyline along the way. Senior-friendly rest areas make this route accessible for experienced hikers of all ages.

For those seeking luxury accommodations, several high-end ryokans near Takao offer post-hike relaxation.

Start from Shinjuku, taking the Chuo Line to Takao Station, then catch a bus to Jinba kogen shita.

The full journey takes about eight hours, but you’ll find rest stops and eateries at each peak.

4) Discovering Mount Buko

Seeking a challenging hike with unique geological features? Let me introduce you to Mount Buko, a fascinating peak in Chichibu that’ll reward your efforts with its distinctive ridged face and rich biodiversity.

I’ve found the 15.2-kilometer trail to be a solid day’s adventure, taking about 6-7 hours as you climb over 1,000 meters in elevation.

You’ll appreciate the well-marked path, with stone markers every 100 meters keeping you on track. While the Tohoku region boasts abundant snowfall in winter, Mount Buko remains accessible year-round with proper equipment.

While the journey from Tokyo takes about two hours, I’d recommend catching a train to Yokoze Station and taking a taxi to the trailhead. As you ascend, you’ll encounter everything from the rare Chichibu primula to the historic Ontake Shrine at the summit.

Don’t forget to rest under the massive cedar tree and fill your water bottle at the 2-kilometer stream.

The hike offers clear views of Mount Fuji’s peak on cloudless days, making it popular among photography enthusiasts.

5) Peaceful Numappara Marshland Trails

After Mount Buko’s rugged terrain, you’ll find a gentler hiking experience at Numappara Marshland, nestled 1,230 meters up in Tochigi Prefecture’s Nasu mountain range.

I love how the well-maintained boardwalk trail lets you explore this serene ecosystem without disturbing its delicate balance.

You’ll want to time your visit right – the trail’s closed from early December through late April, but I’d recommend coming in early summer when the dwarf daylilies paint the landscape, or fall when the marsh grasses burst with color.

While you’re wandering through stands of elegant Erman’s birch, keep your eyes peeled for some of the 180 bird species that call this place home.

The region’s culinary traditions rival its natural beauty, with Shikoku’s signature dishes offering a perfect post-hike reward.

Just remember to stay alert – you might spot anything from a Japanese Serow to an Asian black bear sharing these peaceful paths with you.

Consider exploring the area with budget-friendly hostels nearby to maximize your time on the trails.

6) Conquering The Fujinomiya Trail

For experienced hikers looking to summit Mount Fuji, the Fujinomiya Trail offers one of the most direct routes to the peak, starting at 2,400 meters on the mountain’s southwestern face.

I’ve found this challenging 4.3km ascent demands proper preparation and respect for the mountain’s mighty presence, especially as you’ll encounter steep rocky terrain and dramatic elevation changes.

Proper hiking gear and weather-appropriate clothing are absolutely essential for a safe climb.

Before you tackle this trail, consider these essential factors for a successful climb:

1. Time your ascent carefully – peak traffic occurs between 9-11 am, 3-5 pm, or 11 pm-1 am at the eighth station
2. Make advance reservations for mountain huts, as they fill quickly during the July-August climbing season
3. Watch for the rope-lined paths and directional arrows when fog rolls in, which happens frequently along this route

The climbing season typically runs from early July through early September, offering the most stable weather conditions for reaching the summit.

7) Hidden Gems at Mt. Ogusu

Tucked away in Yokotsuka City, Mt. Ogusu offers you a surprisingly rich 2-hour adventure that I’ve come to love for its blend of natural wonders and scenic rewards.

You’ll start your journey along the peaceful Maeda River Promenade, where stone-hopping across the river adds a touch of playful challenge to your trek.

As you wind your way up through the forest trails, you’re in for a treat: seasonal displays of cherry and plum blossoms, plus spectacular views of Tokyo Bay and the Miura Peninsula from multiple observation towers.

Just like the Japan Alps region, proper hiking gear and weather-appropriate clothing are essential for a safe trek.

I’d recommend tackling this 241-meter peak in dry weather, as the clay ground and rooty sections can get slippery.

Don’t miss the charming plum orchard near the summit – it’s one of those hidden gems that makes this trail truly special.

The hiking experience here rivals the natural beauty found at Lake Kawaguchiko, though on a more intimate scale.

Last Word

The Kanto region unfolds like a treasure map of natural wonders, each trail offering its own unique adventure. I’ve shared these seven gems with you because they’ve captured my heart and continue to amaze me with every visit.

Whether you’re scaling Mount Takao‘s well-worn steps or discovering the untouched beauty of Numappara’s marshlands, you’ll find your own piece of wilderness to cherish.

Let these paths become your gateway to Japan’s natural splendor.