From mountain tops to deep river filled valleys, here are some of the capital’s most underrated countryside escapes.

Summer in Tokyo can be a little temperamental, but when the sky is clear and the days are long, there’s no time to waste. Although the city offers endless attractions, one of the greatest things about being in Tokyo is its proximity to stunning natural hideaways. No matter your fitness level or trekking style, there’s a hiking route for you, a train ride from the bustling streets of Shinjuku. If you’re looking to beat the crowds, here are some off-the-beaten-track hikes near Tokyo.

Mount Tsukuba This double-peaked mountain offers some pretty incredible views.

If you head west from Tokyo you’ll stumble across the nation’s most famous hiking landmark, the legendary Mount Fuji, but a short trek east, over to Ibaraki Prefecture, is where you’ll find Mount Tsukuba, a slightly more low-key but not less beautiful mountain. Sitting a more manageable 877 meters high — compared to Fuji’s 3,776 meters — Tsukuba-san to the locals is the best place to go if you’re feeling fighting fit but maybe not quite Fuji-ready.

Don’t let its more humble stature fool you, though; this double-peaked mountain offers some pretty incredible views. On a clear day from the top, you’ll get a panoramic view of the Kanto plains, including the densely packed skyline of Tokyo and Mount Fuji. Because, unlike many of the other mountains scattered across Japan’s volcanic landscape, Mount Tsukuba is not a dormant volcano; the soil here is far richer and full of lush, healthy green foliage, perfect for cool, shady strolling on a steamy summer’s day.

To scale the mountain, there are several trails to choose from, suitable for all walking styles. There’s also a ropeway for those who want to take the easy route. Great for beginners, this isn’t a difficult walk per se, but it will take a while, so it’s recommended you put aside an entire day to make the most of it. See details of all Mount Tsukuba hiking courses here.

• Getting there: From Tokyo, catch the Tsukuba Express to Tsukuba station. From there, you’ll find a local bus, which will take you to and from the mountain for about ¥700 each way.
• Distance of hike: 1.5 km-10 km (depends on course)
• Duration of hike: Approximately 1-4 hours (depends on course)

Mount Kumotori Best saved for those looking for a fresh Mount Fuji alternative.

Crawling along the borders of Tokyo, Saitama, and Yamanashi prefectures is where you’ll find Mount Kumotori, officially known as Tokyo’s highest point, towering over the area at 2,017 meters. Given its size, this mountain is best explored over two days, but you don’t have to rough it; there are huts complete with hot meals and bathing facilities available. It is possible to do in a day if your fitness is at peak level and you start very early in the morning.

The most popular way to scale the mountain is to take the northern approach, starting at Mitsumine Shrine in Saitama prefecture, stopping at the hut overnight before getting up early to watch the sun rise over near Fuji and continuing on and descending down the ridge to Okutama, or heading to Kamosawa for the bus back to town.

Given the logistics of getting, staying and climbing this mountain, it’s arguably best saved for those looking for a fresh Fuji alternative, and maybe not the best to take young kids or family if you’re all of different fitness levels.

• Getting there: From Tokyo, catch the Seibu line to Seibu-Chichibu station before hopping on a bus to Mitsumine Shrine. It’s from there you’ll start the journey.
• Distance of hike: (Mitsumine Shrine round-trip) 21 km; (Mitsumine Shrine to Kamosawa) 24 km
• Duration of hike: (Mitsumine Shrine round-trip) Approximately 8 hours, (Mitsumine Shrine to Kamosawa) Recommended for a two-day trip.

Mount Mitake The rock garden features a narrow valley with flowing streams.

Head northeast from Tokyo and you’ll be well on your way to Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, a sprawling national park and home to the picturesque Mount Mitake. Covered in a network of walking trails, dotted with waterfalls and featuring the rather lavish Musashi Mitake Shrine, it’s an easy place to spend the day with so much to see and do beyond the hiking trails.

This tranquil getaway has long been a go-to for city dwellers. The most relaxing way to explore the 929-meter-high mountain is to first take a six-minute cable car ride from Takimoto Station, halfway up the mountain.

At the cable car stop sits a towering red torii (shrine) gate, a symbol of the mountain’s divine spirituality. Here on the mountainside is Oshi-shuraku, also known as the Shrine Priests’ Village, filled with shops; it’s the ideal place to fuel up before making the pilgrimage to the summit to visit Musashi Mitake Shrine.

From the shrine, it’s a bit of a ‘choose your own adventure’ situation, with a number of hiking trails continuing through the mountain’s picturesque surroundings. A popular route is through the rock garden, a narrow valley with flowing streams and a connection to the 1,267-meter Mount Otake for adventure seekers hungry for mountaintop views. 

• Getting there: From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Ome Line to Mitake Station, then take the Mitake cable car. In total, the journey will take about two hours each way.
• Distance of hike: Approximately 8 km (From Mitsumine-guchi station to Otaki Onsen. From there, take a bus back to Mitsumine-guchi station)
• Duration of hike: Approximately 4 hours

Hatonosu Keikoku Valley A little closer to ground level.

For something a little closer to ground level, consider making the easy day trip to Hatonosu Keikoku Valley, a stunning, tree-filled pocket just under two hours from Shinjuku. Running along the Tama River, this valley is an ideal spot for those more interested in taking a leisurely stroll than really testing their altitude limits. The scenic walk from Hatonosu Kobashi suspension bridge to the station will take about an hour in total.

The crystal-clear, blue-tinted water makes it perfect for getting out there and trying to capture the perfect nature shot year-round, while during the long, steamy summer evenings, it’s a hotbed of firefly activity.

• Getting there: From Tokyo, the best way to get to the valley is to take the Chuo Line heading to Ome from Shinjuku, then switch to the Ome Line at Ome Station and get off at Okutama Station. On your way back, walk to Kori station (or other stations along the route) and take the Ome Line.
• Distance of hike: About 7 km (from Okutama Station to Kori Station)
• Duration of hike: Approximately 2-3 hours (if you take it easy)

Tips for Beginner Hikers in Japan Know before you go. Transport

If traveling by public transport, be sure to check the last train and bus times before heading out, as transport out of the city center doesn’t run as often and finishes early. If you plan your journey on Google Maps before departure, you’ll often get an estimate of the cost and timing.

Weather

Summer in Japan may be deceiving. Temperatures get pretty hot, but the humidity can make it feel even hotter. Pack lightly and bring a small towel. Good shoes are important, but for hiking in valleys, sneakers are fine.

Amenities

Like every other corner of the country, there are typically many vending machines en route to making the country’s hiking hot spots. However, the deeper you get the less likely you’ll spot one, so always pack enough food and water. There aren’t many garbage bins around, so be prepared to carry your garbage.

Safety

Although Japan is famously very safe, it’s always paramount to stick to marked hiking trails. There are a number of reasons certain areas are marked off, from unsuitable walking terrain to the more ominous threats of bears, hornets, boars, volcanic activity, poisonous gases and other potential dangers.

A number of hiking trails also have a box known as a tozan posuto box located nearby. Here in the box, you can leave your intended hiking itinerary and details, so if by some unlikely chance events go awry, authorities have a better idea of where you are.

Trail Reviews

Yamareco is like Japan’s TripAdvisor for hikes, with dedicated users regularly submitting useful information, posting pictures, and offering guidance and tips on particular routes. If you’re a keen planner, this is an invaluable resource.

What are some of your favorite hikes near Tokyo? Let us know in the comments!

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