15 Mountain Trail Days in Japan Sorted by Hour and Price

1.Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,750 reviews · from $63Our pick

This three-hour, small-group hike takes you from Tofukuji toward Fushimi Inari through forest paths, bamboo, and lesser-seen shrines before reaching the famous torii gates from above. Guides such as Naru, Hina, Yuko, and Josh explain local customs and help with photos. Expect about 7 kilometers, stairs, hills, bugs, and slippery ground.

“After a day in Kyoto, we started to tire of the tourist crowds, so this small group tour was absolutely brilliant. Our guide N. was knowledgeable and ever so nice. The hike was easy and as we approached the Tori gates from the back, we avoided other people right to the end. N was also an expert at taking super arty photos of us esp in the bamboo forest. Can’t recommend the tour enough.”

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2.3-Hour Fushimi Inari Shrine Hidden Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 270 reviews · 3 hours · from $72

Join an English-speaking guide such as Hina, Naru, Shiori, or Yuto for a three-hour, small-group hike from Tofukuji Station to Fushimi Inari. You will walk forest trails, visit quiet altars and bamboo groves, climb Mount Inari, learn shrine customs, and get photos along the way.

“Wonderful hike up the back of Mt. Inari, avoiding the crowds. Our guide was wonderful and our small tour group was delightful. Highly recommend - but you should be in reasonable physical condition.”

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3.Hiroshima Local guided Hiking Tour&Open-air Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 213 reviews · from $109

Start at Hiroshima Station and follow guides such as Nana, Michi, or Naomi through the Futaba Mountains. Visit Hiroshima Toshogu, Kinko Inari Shrine, and the Futabayama Peace Pagoda, climbing about 500 steps along the way. At the summit, enjoy forest bathing, city and Miyajima views, and a Nodate tea ceremony outdoors. Groups are limited to six.

“Micchi! Such a competent, friendly and knowledgable guide! We wanted a break from the usual touring and chose this tour to get away from the city and enjoy a little nature. We so enjoyed every minute of what we saw and did. The climbing was a bit strenuous, but good for us! And, the view at the top is quite fantastic. Don’t want to spoil too much for any readers, but the time in the forest and tea ceremony were quite special because these are things you don’t do on other tours. It felt more personal.”

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4.Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail [1 Day Tour from Nagoya]

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 104 reviews · from $210

Trade Nagoya’s city streets for an 8 km walk through rural Japan on the old Nakasendo road. With an English-speaking guide such as Kim, Emily, Paula, or Polly, you’ll explore Tsumago-juku, pass waterfalls and mountain scenery, and finish in Magome-juku. Round-trip private transport and a non-hiking option are available.

“It's a really good hike! There's elevation, make sure you bring good shoes and are rested and hydrated. Beautiful scenery! In addition, our guide Kimberly told us quite a bit about the area and the post towns we visited. Well worth the excursion. I'd do it again.”

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5.Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 75 reviews · from $191

Spend about eight hours exploring Mount Kurama and Kifune with a private English-speaking guide. You’ll visit Yuki Shrine, Kurama-dera, Okunoin Maoden, and Kifune Shrine, with hotel pickup and temple admission included. Expect forest paths, many stairs, uneven ground, local legends, and time for lunch at your own expense.

“Lovely day hiking in the hills and mountain temples near Kyoto with our guide Yoji. Yoji was very knowledgeable and we had a great time, thank you!”

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6.Hiroshima: Morning Hiking Tour with Open-air Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 58 reviews · 3 hours · from $106

Start near Hiroshima Station with a small group of up to six and hike Futaba Mountain with an English or Japanese guide. Visit Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine and Kinko Inari Shrine, climb about 500 steps to the Peace Pagoda, then slow down with forest bathing and a matcha tea ceremony overlooking Hiroshima.

“Nana was my guide and I had an enjoyable tour of a local Shrine and tea ceremony with an excellent view of the city. I thought the bathing ceremony was a swim after a hike but was instead a sensory meditation session, which was a pleasant experience if you give it a go. I had a few questions that couldn't be answered about the Shrine or worship habits, which could benefit having a priest or Shrine worker help with. I enjoyed the hike and it wasn't too hard. It was a pleasant morning with a few spots for great photo opportunities. I would recommend giving this a go.”

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7.Hike and Hot Springs in Kurama

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 4 hours · from $80

Travel by train from Kyoto to northern Kyoto’s cedar forests, then climb Mount Kurama with an English or French-speaking guide. Visit Kibune Shrine, Kurama Temple, sacred forest sites and a mountaintop power spot before ending in Kurama village. Lunch, the train back and the optional hot spring bath are separate costs.

“This tour was incredible! Nature was on our side with some light snow on a sunny day. We even saw two deer on our way up. Our guide Philippe was great and so knowledgeable. We learned so much, and Philippe took us to some lesser known spots on the mountain, which made for an unforgettable tour. Would highly recommend!”

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8.Hike Hakone Hachiri

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · from $231

Join guide Tony for a private, full-day hike along Hakone Hachiri, a 12-kilometer section of the old Tokaido Highway. Visit the 13th-generation Amazake Chaya, walk beneath 400-year-old cedars, see Lake Ashi and Yamanaka Castle Ruins, and finish in Mishima. Expect history, stone paths, changing weather, and a demanding but rewarding day outdoors.

“The hike was beautiful, with waterfalls and huge trees! Exactly the workout we wanted away from the crowds of tourist! Tony was funny and very experienced! I highly recommend him!!”

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9.Hike Japan Heritage Hakone Hachiri with certified mountain guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 46 reviews · from $158

Follow the Edo-period Hachiri route from Hakone Yumoto to Mishima with guide Aki, also known as Akihiro. This seven-hour, 8-kilometer outing combines forest trails, Lake Ashi, the old cedar avenue, Hakone Checkpoint, Yamanaka Castle Ruins, and Genbe River. Expect local buses, a shared taxi, lunch at your own cost, and possible Mt Fuji views.

“Aki was knowledgeable, kind, and a wonderful host. He also took many photos of us as a family. The best!!”

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10.Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Trail Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 38 reviews · from $155

Spend about six hours walking the 8-kilometer Nakasendo Trail between Magome and Tsumago with a government-licensed English-speaking guide. Guides such as Hiroshi, Matt, Yumi, and Elvis bring the route’s history to life, arrange optional soba or bento stops, and help with navigation. Public transport, meals, and entry fees cost extra.

“This was such a beautiful way to see the countryside of Japan. Although we saw many travelers guiding themselves, I’m very happy that I booked this experience with a guide as Elvis was a great person to navigate us through the hike and prRead more”

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11.1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 34 reviews · 8 hours · from $189

Leave Nagoya by small-group bus for Tsumago, one of Japan’s best-preserved post towns. With an English, Spanish, or French-speaking guide, walk 8 km through forests, past waterfalls and streams, to Magome. Guides such as Kim and Mir are praised for clear historical context. Bring lunch, sturdy shoes, and patience for a long day.

“The tour guide is friendly, knowledgeable to explain along the trail. She makes it so fun and enjoyable. The drive is very good too.”

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12.Fushimi Inari Hidden Hike (Private)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · from $62

Start near Tofukuji at 8:30 am and hike quieter Mt. Inari paths with a private English-speaking guide. You’ll pass bamboo groves, vermilion torii, and the Senbon Torii before ending at Fushimi Inari’s Romon Gate. Louis, a Kyoto-based guide, also takes complimentary DSLR photos and explains Japanese history, culture, and Shinto beliefs.

“Louis was a great tour leader on this walking excursion in April 2025. His route allowed us to have a quiet hike through some beautiful places on the way to the bustling peaks and torii passages. Louis explained some of the history and mythRead more”

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13.Traverse Outer Rim of Hakone Caldera and Enjoy Onsen Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · from $158

You’ll hike 8 to 9 km along Hakone’s outer caldera rim with a nationally certified guide, climbing 500 meters before a scenic ridge walk. Expect bamboo, birds, seasonal color, and possible Mount Fuji views. After descending to Sengokuhara, enjoy a Japanese lunch and a relaxing onsen. The hike requires strong fitness.

“This was a great day's hike. Good views and a very interesting and patient guide. I think it's best for active families or individuals and there is uneven terrain but it was delightful day. We are glad we did the hike even though it was foggy and we couldn't see Fuji.”

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14.Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Hiking Tour（Hidden Temples）

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · from $52Best value

Meet your English-speaking guide at Saga-Arashiyama Station for a three-hour walk through the bamboo forest, up mountain trails, and to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, home to 8,000 Buddhist statues. Guides such as Taira and Daizen are praised for friendly, clear guidance. Bring water and good walking shoes: this is a real hike, not just a forest stroll.

“This was such a great tour, it was like 3 different activities in one! We started at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Walk and because it was not the main path and still early we avoided the crowds and still enjoyed the bamboo views. The hiking pRead more”

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15.Hakone Hachiri: Old Tokaido Highway Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 22 reviews · 7 hours · from $167

Walk about 8km of the historic Hakone Hachiri route with a certified mountain guide, usually Aki or Akihiro. You’ll follow forest paths and Edo-era cobbles, stop at Lake Ashi, the Hakone Checkpoint, Yamanaka Castle Ruins, Mishima Taisha, and Genbe River. The pace suits beginners, but expect 5 to 6 hours on foot.

“I liked the guide. He was informative and talked about the history of the old Tokaido highway he was flexible to adjust the tour to adapt to the bad weather we found on the day of the tour”

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