6.1
km
return
3
hrs
One of the 100 famous mountains in Japan, Mt. Aso is truly epic. Being one of Japan's most active volcanoes, it is to be feared as it constantly plumes sulfuric gas that can be deadly. But thanks to its volcanic activity, Mt. Aso has scenery unlike anywhere else in Japan except maybe Mt. Kuju. Filled with lushious green fields, black volcanic deserts and boiling lakes. Mt. Aso is worth the trip. Some would describe this hike as A.S.O too much volcano or even danger volcano.
4.8
km
return
5
hrs
Mt. Atago is the tallest mountain in Kyoto city. It is the best proper hike near Kyoto city within easy access of Arashiyama.
3.7
km
return
2
hrs
Mt. Chausuyama is the tallest mountain in Aichi prefecture, part of a Quasi-national park. It is very easy and can be smashed out with the neighbouring mountain in probably less than two hours. There are some good mountain biking opportunities if you are of that persuasion, maybe good for trail running as well. In winter, the mountain becomes a ski field.
4
km
return
2
hrs
Easy hike in central Kyoto. Can see Kyoto and Osaka off into the distance, keen eyed hikers may also spot bear claw marks.
8.2
km
return
6
hrs
Stunning coastal and mountain views. One of the best hikes in Japan in terms of effort to view ratio.
6
km
return
3
hrs
Futatsumoriyama is out in the sticks of Gifu Prefecture. Summit has 360 views of the surrounding mountains. It's not the best nor the worst mountain.
3
km
return
90
mins
A short walk up (or down) one of the Dewa Sanzan (one of the three holy mountains of Yamagata).
7
km
return
6
hrs
A challenging walk out in the sticks of Aichi with hardly any views to speak of.
6
km
return
2
hrs
Houraiji is an ancient temple that was founded somewhere around 700 AD. It was secluded in the mountains and became a place for serious aesetics to learn about esoteric Buddhism. Because of its heritage of being an important Buddist temple, the surrounding forest was not destroyed in the great purge of forests conducted by the Japanese government. It is a rare example of ancient trees. It is very biodiverse which is a great change from the usual monoculture of trees you find on Japanese mountains.
11
km
return
5
hrs
Mount Ibuki, located in Maibara near Lake Biwa is one of Japan's 100 famous mountains. It has great views over the surrounding mountains and lake. Unfortunately the summit has undergone a lot of development and is more akin to a shopping centre. There is a road that leads to the summit and it isn't rare to find women knocking about in high heels and fashion not suitable for climbing mountains. There are also lots of abandoned buildings on the mountain such as omiyage gift shops and a gondola station which housed the old ski lift. If you are adventurous you can explore the abandoned buildings.