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 14 short treks (2–8 days) and 13 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: 14 short treks (2–8 days), 13 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

Mountain safety

Route summary table – walks

Route summary table – treks

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

Trek 1  Mt Shirouma-dake and Hakuba-Yari Onsen

Trek 2  Mt Shirouma-dake via Hakuba Ōike

Trek 3  Mt Goryῡ-dake and Mt Kashimayari-ga-take

Tateyama Area

Walk 1 Mt Tateyama

Walk 2 Mt Oku-dainichi-dake

Trek 4  Mt Tsurugi-dake

Trek 5  North Alps traverse

Hotaka Area

Walk 3 Mt Yake-dake

Walk 4 Mt Nishiho-Doppyō

Trek 6  Mt Oku-Hotaka-dake and Karasawa Cirque

Trek 7  Mt Yari-ga-take

Trek 8  Mt Chō-ga-take and Mt Jōnen-dak

Trek 9  Mt Kasa-ga-take

Norikura Area

Walk 5 Mt Norikura-dake

The Central (Chūō) Alps

Walk 6 Mt Kiso-koma-ga-take

Trek 10            Central Alps traverse

The South (Minami) Alps

North Area

Walk 7 Mt Kai-koma-ga-take

Walk 8 Mt Senjō-ga-take

Trek 11            Mt Kita-dake

Trek 12            Mt Hō-ō

South Area

Trek 13            Mt Arakawa-Higashidake (Mt Warusawa-dake) and Mt Akaishi-dake

Trek 14            South Alps traverse

Mt Fuji

Walk 9 Mt Fuji – Yoshida route

Walk 10           Mt Fuji – Subashiri route

Walk 11           Mt Fuji – Gotemba route

Walk 12           Mt Fuji – Fujinomiya route

Walk 13           Mt Kuro-dake

Appendix A     Accommodation table

Appendix B     Glossary

Appendix C     Useful contacts and further resources

Appendix D     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

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