Hiking trails

WESTERN JAPAN

4. Uradome Coast Hike (Tottori)

Stichworte: 3 km Wanderweg, Klippen, Höhlen, leuchtende Tintenfisch-Boote, Sonnenuntergänge
Erlebnis: Entlang einer dramatischen Küstenlinie mit Klippen und Meereshöhlen verläuft ein gut ausgebauter Pfad mit herrlichen Ausblicken. Besonders im Sommer ein Highlight – durch leuchtende Boote und atemberaubende Sonnenuntergänge.
Wanderdauer: 1–2 Std
Eignung: Familien, gemütliche Spaziergänger

CENTRAL JAPAN

5. Ozegahara Marsh (Gunma, Niigata)

Keywords: Japan’s largest mountain marsh, boardwalks, rare alpine flora, well-developed, beginner-friendly
Experience: A flat boardwalk leads through Japan’s largest high-altitude marsh, surrounded by flowering plants and mountain views. Rare alpine flowers bloom in summer. Shuttle buses make it easily accessible—ideal for less experienced hikers.
Hiking duration: 2–4 hours
Recommended for: Beginners, photographers, relaxation seekers

SOUTH JAPAN

1. Uzunomichi Walkway (Tokushima, Shikoku)

Keywords: Onaruto Bridge, Uzunomichi Walkway (450 m), 45 m above sea, Naruto whirlpools, spectacular view, tide-dependent, viewing timetable, Shikoku–Honshu connection, nature meets engineering
Experience: Walk 450 meters along the Uzunomichi Walkway on the Onaruto Bridge, 45 meters above the sea, for a unique view of the famous Naruto whirlpools.
Duration: Approx. 1 hour
Recommended for: Nature and engineering enthusiasts, families, photographers
Tip: Best whirlpool views at high tide – check the “Viewing Timetable” in advance!

2. Yoshino-Kumano National Park (Mie, Nara, Wakayama)

Keywords: UNESCO World Heritage, Kumano Kodo, pilgrimage trail, cherry blossoms, rental car tip
Experience: The Kumano Kodo is a historic pilgrimage route through sacred forests leading to three holy shrines. Especially scenic in spring when Mt. Yoshino is covered in cherry blossoms. Don’t miss the section from Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha (approx. 7 km, 2–3 hours).
Hiking duration: 2–3 hours to multi-day
Recommended for: Cultural hikers, pilgrims

3. Izawa Shrine Loop Trail (Toba, Mie)

Keywords: bamboo forest, coastal path, shrine visit, 3 km loop, sea view, tranquil atmosphere, limited parking, beach showers from June
Experience: This peaceful walk leads through a dense bamboo forest to the Izawa Shrine. The 3 km loop follows the coastline and offers a quiet, spiritual retreat in nature.
Hiking duration: Approx. 1 hour
Recommended for: Tranquility seekers, walkers, campers
Tip: Limited parking nearby; public beach showers available from June.

NORTHERN JAPAN

6. Michinoku Coastal Trail (Fukushima to Aomori)

Keywords: 1000 km, fishing villages, rugged coastline, grasslands, section hikes, coastal towns for breaks
Experience: A long-distance trail along Japan’s northeastern coast, featuring varied scenery with ocean views, forests, and small villages. Best enjoyed in sections; some parts are challenging.
Hiking duration: Flexible (1–30+ days)
Recommended for: Long-distance hikers, independent travelers

7. Furepe-no-Taki Trail (Shiretoko, Hokkaido)

Keywords: Furepe Waterfall, Sea of Okhotsk, nature path, viewing platform
Experience: A short nature trail through untouched landscape leading to a viewing platform overlooking the waterfall that flows directly into the sea. Perfect for a brief but scenic outing.
Hiking duration: 20–30 minutes
Recommended for: Families, beginners