Discover Japan’s legendary mountain landscapes on foot, from the soaring 3000m peaks of the North, Central, and South Alps to the iconic summit of Mount Fuji. Hike through dramatic ridgelines, tranquil valleys, and remote alpine scenery, exploring a region where nature and adventure are deeply entwined in local culture.

Most routes are suitable for those with moderate fitness, while the more challenging treks and scrambles are best tackled by experienced hikers. This comprehensive Cicerone guidebook features 13 short treks (2–8 days) and 14 day walks (4–20km/3–15 hours), with clear gradings (1–3) based on distance, ascent, and terrain. All four main ascent routes on Mt Fuji are included, alongside classic peaks such as Shirouma, Tateyama, Hotaka, Yari-ga-take, Norikura, and Kita-dake.

• The Japan Alps are best explored in summer and autumn (July to late October), with some routes and huts open from early May; the Mt Fuji climbing season is limited to July–August.
• The Japan Alps and Mt Fuji routes range from short, accessible day walks to demanding multi-day treks, with clear difficulty ratings based on length, ascent, and exposure.
• Detailed 1:50,000 mapping for every route, with downloadable GPX tracks for navigating the Alps and Mount Fuji.
• Stage-by-stage route descriptions, each introduced by a quick-reference box with distance, ascent/descent, access, waymarks, and special notes, make it easy to know what to expect on your hike in Japan’s Alps.
• Accommodation and facility recommendations for every area include a comprehensive network of mountain huts, hot-spring baths (onsen), and camping options, plus advice on planning, preparation, and essential kit for hiking in Japan.
• Practical information on Japan’s public transport, logistics, and getting around Honshu’s mountain regions, including guidance on rail passes, luggage forwarding, food and drink, and local hiking etiquette.
• Full coverage of all major regions: Northern, Central, and Southern Alps, as well as Mt Fuji, with classic routes and alternatives for custom itineraries.
• Fascinating insights into the region’s geology, flora, fauna, and hiking history, plus a Japanese-English hiking glossary to help you on the trail.

Plan your Japan Alps and Mount Fuji adventure with this essential Cicerone guidebook and immerse yourself in breathtaking alpine scenery, welcoming mountain huts, and the enduring traditions of Japan’s great outdoors.

Japan Alps & Mount Fuji – Quick Facts

Location: Honshu, Japan – North, Central, and South Alps, plus Mt Fuji
Routes covered: 13 short treks (2–8 days), 14 day walks (4–20km/3–15 hours), including all four main ascent routes on Mt Fuji
Typical trek length: Day walks (4–20km) and multi-day treks (up to 8 days)
Trail type: Well-marked mountain trails, ridgelines, scrambles, and classic summit routes (single and multi-day options)
Terrain: Alpine ridges, rocky peaks, forested valleys, exposed sections, occasional scrambling, and snow traverses
Accommodation: Extensive network of mountain huts, hot-spring baths (onsen), camping options, and local guesthouses
Navigation & mapping: 1:50,000 mapping for each route; downloadable GPX files
Best season: Summer and autumn (July–late October); some routes and huts open from early May; Mt Fuji climbing season is July–August
Highlights: Towering 3000m peaks, panoramic mountain vistas, welcoming mountain huts, steaming onsen, challenging scrambles, and Japan’s most iconic summit

Author Highlight

“The huge mountain ranges which cut across Japan’s main island from north to south are collectively referred to as the Japan Alps, and they offer a wealth of hiking and camping opportunities among some of Japan’s most spectacular scenery, ranging from easy day-hikes to challenging multi-day treks. An extensive network of mountain huts service all of the trails, and with excellent bus and train links to most of the trailheads it has never been easier for visitors to explore Japan’s most ruggedly beautiful regions."

- Tom Fay and Wes Lang, authors of Hiking and Trekking in the Japan Alps and Mount Fuji

Map key
Overview map

Introduction

Preparations and practicalities
When to go
Getting to Japan
Getting around Japan
Rail passes
Accommodation
Mountain huts and camping
Food and drink
Hot springs
Money
Communications
Language
Tourist information offices
What to take
Luggage forwarding
Maps and GPS
Waymarking
The typical hiking day
Mountain etiquette
Health and safety
Emergencies
Using this guide

All about the Japan Alps and Mt Fuji
Location and climate
Geology and landscape
Plants and wildlife
History of hiking in Japan

The North (Kita) Alps

Hakuba Area
Walk 1    Mt Shirouma-dake
Trek 1    Mt Shirouma-dake and Hakuba-Yari Onsen

Tateyama Area
Walk 2    Mt Tateyama
Walk 3    Mt Oku-dainichi-dake
Trek 2    Mt Tsurugi-dake
Trek 3    North Alps traverse

Hotaka Area
Walk 4    Mt Yake-dake
Walk 5    Mt Nishiho-Doppyō
Trek 4    Mt Oku-Hotaka-dake and Karasawa Cirque
Trek 5    Mt Yari-ga-take
Trek 6    Mt Chō-ga-take and Mt Jōnen-dake
Trek 7    Mt Kasa-ga-take

Norikura Area
Walk 6    Mt Norikura-dake

The Central (Chūō) Alps
Walk 7    Mt Kiso-koma-ga-take
Trek 8    Central Alps traverse

The South (Minami) Alps

North Area
Walk 8    Mt Kai-koma-ga-take
Walk 9    Mt Senjō-ga-take
Trek 9    Mt Kita-dake
Trek 10    Mt Hō-ō

South Area
Trek 11    Mt Arakawa-Higashidake (Mt Warusawa) and Mt Akaishi-dake
Trek 12    Mt Kamikōchi-dake and Mt Hijiri-dake
Trek 13    South Alps traverse

Mt Fuji
Walk 10    Mt Fuji – Yoshida route
Walk 11    Mt Fuji – Subashiri route
Walk 12    Mt Fuji – Gotemba route
Walk 13    Mt Fuji – Fujinomiya route
Walk 14    Mt Kuro-dake

Appendix A    Route summary table – walks
Appendix B    Route summary table – treks
Appendix C    Mountain huts
Appendix D    Glossary
Appendix E    Useful contacts and further resources
Appendix F    Further reading
 

Seasons

Mostly summer and autumn routes (from July until late October), with a handful of spring and year-round walks.

Centres

Hakuba, Murodō and Kamikōchi (North Alps), Komagane (Central Alps), Hirogawara and Sawarajima (South Alps), Kawaguchiko and Mt Fuji area

Difficulty

Routes range from short and easy walks to long, tough treks and committing, steep scrambles. No specialist equipment is required, although crampons are recommended for snow fields.

Must See

Yari-ga-take, Shirouma, Hotaka, Tateyama, Norikura, Kita-dake and the iconic Mt. Fuji; the alpine hubs of Kamikōchi and Murodō

November 2019

Route updates included in 2020 reprint

Free Royal Mail 48 postage on UK orders. European postage is £3.50 per item. Worldwide postage is £5.50 per item. If you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, we'll give you a full refund.