Our 13 Favourite Japan Trekking Tours

1.Okinawa Jungle Trails & Waterfalls – Private Yanbaru Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · from $69Our pick

Follow a river through Okinawa’s Yanbaru forest with private guide Nik, adjusting the route to your ability. Choose an easy path or a more active walk over shallow water, rocks, and boulders. In summer, stop to swim beneath a waterfall, then return to the meeting point in about two to three hours.

“Nik was very kind and a great guide. Even though I can’t speak English well, he was very patient and understanding. He also picked me up from Nago station, it was very convenient”

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2.Sawanobori River Trekking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · from $140

Walk through Takayama’s clear mountain streams with certified guides from the Japan Mountain Guides Association. Kyohei, Take, and Masaki may lead you through river sections, rope-assisted terrain, and waterfall country, with hand-dripped coffee brewed from spring water, sandwiches, soup, and snacks along the way.

“The most awesome activity I’ve done in Takayama!!”

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3.Private Local Hiking to enjoy the nature and culture of Mt.Fuji

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $131

Spend five to six hours exploring Mt. Fuji’s quieter foothills with Yuki, a certified mountain guide and local hunter. Visit Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine, Saiko Lake, Aokigahara Forest, and a sacred lava cave, then hike about two hours round trip to Sankodai for views of Fuji, the forest, and the lake. Finish with Yoshida Udon and optional matcha in a Japanese garden. Pickup is limited to Kawaguchiko and Fujiyoshida.

“We were picked up at our hotel then taken to a great vista point by the lake to see Mt Fuji before going to the hiking area where we first checked out a lava cave, then hiked up to see a great view of the tallest mountains in Japan as well as a breathtaking view of Mt Fuji as well. The hike took about 2 hours round trip with a break at the top.”

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4.Frozen fall trekking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · from $180

Meet your guide near Hida-Osaka Station and spend about eight hours walking through a snow-covered forest to a frozen waterfall. Your guide chooses a route to suit your ability. Reiko, Osamu, Jun, and other local guides have led this outing, which includes equipment and can serve groups of up to seven. Bring strong fitness, warm clothing, and a taste for serious winter conditions.

“The frozen waterfall snow hike was undoubtedly the highlight of our entire trip! Even in -12°C weather, trekking through the endless white landscapes with our snow shoes was a blast. Thanks to the heavy snowfall from the previous days, we Read more”

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5.3hours Primeval Forest and Stunning Views of Cliff Trekking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · from $53

Spend about three hours walking through Shiretoko National Park with a small group of up to eight. Guides such as Makoto, Yuki, Kato, and Yusuke explain the forest, wildlife, and bear country in English and Japanese. Rental rainwear, rubber boots, and binoculars are included, with deer, birds, bear tracks, and dramatic sea cliffs possible along the way.

“Did this tour with Mak (Makoto), an excellent guide and walking companion, and it was a lot of fun tapping into his knowledge of the region and the local wildlife. The scenery here, at the end of Japan, is quite unlike anything else I've seeRead more”

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6.Mt. Inunaki Trekking and Goma Prayer Experience in Osaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $146

Meet at Izumisano Station at 8:45 am for a private, guide-led hike through Mt. Inunaki’s ancient forest. You’ll visit Shipporyuji Temple, take part in a Goma fire prayer, and finish with a soak at Inunaki Hot Spring. Guides such as Ryusuke and Yuko explain local customs, mountain practice, plants, and wildlife along the way.

“We spent a wonderful day, hiking up the beautiful serene mountain, and experiencing a spiritual moment with the monk. I highly recommend this!”

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7.Iriomote’s Adventure: Pinaisara Falls Canoe and Trekking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $110

Start at Uehara Port at 9:00 am for a six-hour canoe and forest trek to Pinaisara Falls. Guides such as Hiro and Uno explain Iriomote’s plants, animals, and local setting as you visit both the waterfall’s base and summit. Groups are limited to seven, with pickup available.

“It was an Awsome tour. We had a great time. Tour guid was well freindley, good care and explain well.”

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8.Shizuoka : Mt Fuji Secret Canyon River Trekking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 4 hours · from $119

Meet guide Tetsuya at Shin-Fuji Station for a four-hour river trek through a lava canyon near Mt. Fuji. You will swim, walk, climb, and possibly jump or slide through natural pools, with equipment, insurance, photos, lockers, and spa entry included. The activity suits children from age nine.

“It was awesome, gorgeous and beautiful views, if there more that 5 starts, I will give it. Everything was well prepared and organized by the tour guy. This activity is a must do when you visit Japan. It will clear your mind.”

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9.Ninja Trekking half-day tour at Mt.Daimonji Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $347

Join Izo and the NINJA DOJO and STORE team for a private 7.5-kilometer trek from Keage near Nanzenji to Mt. Daimonji, then down toward Ginkakuji. You’ll learn breathing, efficient walking, body control, meditation, and Kuji-in practices along a steady mountain route. Plan on four to five hours, moderate fitness, and bringing your own water and medication.

“Izo was great, interesting, friendly and knowledgeable! The hike was strenuous, but not too long, and he gave us some great tips on breathing and efficiency of movement. A very enjoyable experience.”

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10.Matt Canyon River Trekking Nishiwaga Town, Iwate Prefecture

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $49Best value

Join guide Segawa Zen of Nebiraki for a three-hour private river trek through Mato Canyon in Nishiwaga. From July to October, the falling water level of Nishikishu Lake reveals a valley, old bridges, and riverbed wildlife normally hidden beneath the reservoir. Expect mostly knee-deep walking, with one section reaching waist height. The tour returns to its starting point.

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11.Mt. Inunaki Trekking and Hot Springs in Izumisano, Osaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $143

Meet at Izumisano Station at 8:45 am for a guided hike through Mt. Inunaki’s primeval forest to Shipporyuji Temple. Yoshimoto, Masa, or Ken may lead your private group. After the walk, enjoy seasonal kaiseki in a private room and choose between two hot spring baths at Fudoguchikan. The full experience takes about seven hours.

“It was a beautiful hike! Not bad at all, about an hour or so. Was very doable! Then had an 11 course meal after followed with the private onsen. Such a nice experience! Yoshimoto, Masa, and Ken were all very nice and helpful!”

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12.Trekking Tour to Faith, Ancient Paths and the Falls from Hitachi

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $833

Spend two days walking Ibaraki’s forest trails and old village routes with a private guide. Visit Oiwa Shrine and Gyokurenji, sleep at an onsen inn with dinner and breakfast, hike to Fukuroda Falls, then ride the local train from Hitachi-Daigo to Mito. The route covers 10.5 km with 759 meters of ascent, so moderate fitness is needed.

“A healing trip to Ibaraki, the scene is spectacular, all those great views give my body and soul unbelievable peace, and don't forget our hiking buddy Miyuki, she is so nice and energetic, her hot tea melted my heart on the snow peak of the Read more”

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13.Relax and refresh in Karuizawa Forest! Shinanoji down trekking around two people

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 2 reviews · from $67

You’ll meet at Mine no Chaya and follow a mostly downhill section of Karuizawa’s Shinanoji Nature Trail with your private group. The roughly 3 to 4 hour walk passes colorful trees, larch forest, Shiraito Falls, and Ryugaeshi no Taki. The route suits many ages and fitness levels, but you should still expect a long walk of up to about 10 kilometers.

“As often there are a lot of people, entry into the park is paid, the road is quite good by car then 10 minutes on foot. An original place because the earth exudes this flowing water but a little disappointing as the only objective. Let's say that it takes a lot of time to finally seRead more”

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