Tag Archives: Hiking in Japan

Lake Toya (Toyako)

Lake Toya (洞爺湖) is one of the best hot spring towns in Japan for budget travelers. The combination of many free hot spring facilities, cheap bus routes and some super cheap accommodation makes the place stand out from the others. It’s also a hotspot for modern art. Budget travel tips Make sure you get toContinue reading “Lake Toya (Toyako)”

Sounkyo Onsen

Sounkyo Onsen (層雲峡温泉) is a famous hot spring town in the Daisetsuzan National Park in central Hokkaido. Better equipped for budget tourists than Asahidake, it’s also a great place to start a hike into the unspoiled mountains. Budget travel tips Stay at a mountain hut or camp site to save on costs. Ask at theContinue reading “Sounkyo Onsen”

Asahidake Mountain and Hot Spring

Asahidake (旭岳) is one of the most famous mountains in Japan, and often on tourists itineraries if coming in summer or autumns. Asahidake Onsen (旭岳温泉) is a small hot spring town at the bottom of Asahidake mountain, which provides a great place to start or relax at the end of a hike. Budget travel tips Stay at aContinue reading “Asahidake Mountain and Hot Spring”

Mount Oyama

Along with Mount Takao, Mount Oyama (大山) is one of the best, and cheapest mountains to access near Tokyo. There are multiple routes available, so this would suit any kind of hiker. There is also a cable car for those who just want to get to the top and check out the views. Trails takeContinue reading “Mount Oyama”

Chichibu

Chichibu is a quiet town in the mountains to the west of Tokyo, best known for it’s festivals. During other times of the year there is not much going on, but it’s a great place to go hiking. Budget travel tips Best to come here only during a festival or for a day or twoContinue reading “Chichibu”

Kamikochi

Kamikochi is a famous river and hiking spot in the Japanese Alps, between Takayama and Matsumoto.  It offers hiking routes for any type of person, as well as hot springs and camping sites. It’s a truly beautiful place, comparable to the Swiss Alps. Budget travel tips Get of the bus at the Kamikochi Bus Terminal, then pick upContinue reading “Kamikochi”

Miyajima

Miyajima is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site near Osaka and Hiroshima.  It’s often near the top of the list for most travelers, and offers and easy to access and peaceful rest from the big city. Budget travel tips Everywhere is within walking distance of each other, so you probably don’t need to worry about buses. Things to do OtoriiContinue reading “Miyajima”

Koyasan

Koyasan will really take your breath away. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a town of Buddhist temples in the mountains south of Osaka.  Even if you have seen many temples before, Koyasan will really seem like it’s in another league with it’s huge structures and massive graveyard.  English support, maps and signs are great. Budget travel tips AlthoughContinue reading “Koyasan”

Hakone

Hakone (箱根) is the most popular Tokyo side trip.  There is something for everyone here, such as hiking, walking, volcano viewing and hot springs.  Maps and signs are all in English as well, so it’s very easy to get around. Budget travel tips Get the Hakone Free Pass.  This provides free travel to and around Hakone,Continue reading “Hakone”

Mount Takao

The cheapest and easiest to access mountain in Tokyo.  It really is a  great deal, as the 1 hour train ride only costs 380 yen.  Mount Takao is a truly beautiful mountain to visit anytime of the year. There are various trails to take, depending on how much time you want to spend and how muchContinue reading “Mount Takao”