6 Hiking Trails Close to Tokyo
No need to go far for great trails, it only takes 90 minutes (or less!) to get to all these hiking spots from central Tokyo. Lace up your boots, and discover six mountain escapes under an hour and a half away from the capital
6 Awesome Day Trips from Kyoto
Although Kyoto has tons to explore on its own, it's also a perfect hub for a day trip into another part of the Kansai region. Read on to find out some of the best places to explore around Kyoto!
7 Easy Hikes Near Tokyo
If you're an outdoor enthusiast and have already hiked Mount Takao—or would like a similarly gentle hike with fewer people—these seven spots near Tokyo are perfect!
The Akiyoshidai Fire Festival
People come to the Akiyoshi Plateau in Yamaguchi Prefecture to watch rolling grasslands burn with strips of open flame, and to explore the famous giant cave and fascinating geology of the Quasi-National Park.
Walk Tohoku's Historic Michinoku Coastal Trail
Michinoku is an old name for the Tohoku region, and means "the end of the road." The Michinoku Coastal Trail in Tohoku is a 1,000+ kilometer walking route along the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Japan's rustic north.
Retreat to Towada-Hachimantai National Park
Retreat to the deep mountain resort home to meditative lakes, fantastical moors, and healing hot springs!
Nanzoin: Discover Fukuoka's Reclined Buddha
Fukuoka has a well-earned reputation as one of Kyushu's culinary hotspots, but it's also home to an incredibly unique temple! Hop on a train from Hakata Station to see the largest reclining bronze Buddha in the world tucked into a Kyushu mountainside!
Japan’s Ocean Paradise
From diving, snorkeling and whale-watching to hiking and visiting historic sites, the Kerama Islands of Kerama-Shoto National Park really offer something for everyone.
13 Budget-Friendly Tokyo Day Trips
When we say budget-friendly, we mean it! All of these trips will cost less than ¥5,000 round-trip on Japan's extensive railway network, and will show off another unique aspect of the country.
An Ode to Oze National Park
Oze National Park is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, one that offers new highlights every season!
A Taste of the Kumanokodo Pilgrimage
Join the runAway Japan team as they take on the Magose Toge Trail, the most popular portion of the UNESCO-recognized Kumanokodo Pilgrimage.
Top 5 Sights in Izu
Whether you like surfing, exploring history, petting capybara or just relaxing in a hot spring, the Izu Peninsula has you covered!
Four Fantastic Things to Do in Kagoshima
Take a trip to Kyushu’s southernmost big city: a land of sunshine, hot springs and spectacular scenery, all watched over by the mighty volcano, Sakurajima!
All About Climbing Mount Fuji
For both short-term visitors and lifelong residents of Japan, Mount Fuji is a peak that many feel called to climb at least once in their lives. We've put together a guide to help make this challenging but beautiful experience as simple as possible.
Top 10 Hidden Spots in Nara
Get off the beaten path and take a look at the top 10 hidden spots in the beautiful city of Nara in Japan, courtesy of Trip101!
Hiking Japan’s Ancient Roads
Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims, samurai and royalty on these historic Japanese highways.
5 More Fantastic Kansai Hikes
Kansai is home to some amazing hiking spots that offer both interesting trails and stunning views. So what are you waiting for? Grab those shoes and get trekking!
Trekking Through the Mosaic
Each year about 38,000 visitors hike through the verdant trails of the Shin-Etsu trail in northwestern Japan.
Yakushima: Island of Thousand-Year-Old Cedars
Registered as a Natural World Heritage Site in 1993, Yakushima’s Yakusugi have flourished for over ten centuries, and the islanders have revered these cedar giants as sacred since ancient times.
Rebun: The Flower Island
Two hours away by ferry from Wakkanai City in Hokkaido, Rebun Island is especially cool and delightful during the summer as hundreds of types of flowers bloom among its mountains and on its shores, and the surrounding sea offers up delectable fare.
