Take a look at these year-round mountainous destinations outside of Fuji.
The main objective of Mountain Day is to provide you an opportunity to admire Japan’s mountain ranges. What better way to commemorate the event than by taking a trek up one of the most spectacular mountains in the country?
Of course, there’s Mt. Fuji, but it’s a loss of a trip to Japan if you just managed to summit Fuji. There are hundreds of other mountains that offer breathtaking views, are easier to reach, and are only a short drive away, regardless of which prefecture you’re in. Take five of these as a starting point.
Here are five of Japan’s most stunning mountains for a climb.
1. Mount Daibosatsu, Yamanashi
From Tokyo, this is a simple day excursion with a modest trek. On a clear day, the vista from Daibosatsu of Mt. Fuji is unmatched. Depending on the route you walk up or down the mountain, the hike might take anywhere from two to four hours. For your peace of mind, ride the bus all the way to the beginning point. Katsunuma, Japan’s wine country, is the closest and most convenient area to stay nearby. This location combines three of Japan’s greatest pleasures: onsen, wine, and the outdoors.
2. Kumamoto’s Mount Aso
Mt. Aso, Japan’s and the world’s biggest active volcano, is a must-see for visitors to Kumamoto. It has five towering peaks, one magnificent caldera, and rises to a height of 1,592 metres above sea level. You may go trekking, horseback riding, or soak at hot springs near Aso City, Aso Takamori-cho, and Southern Aso Village.
3. Gunma’s Mount Shibutsu
Mt. Shibutsu, about one hour outside of Tokyo, is a beautiful and tough place to trek. In Gunma Prefecture’s Oze National Park, you’ll find Shibutsu, one of Japan’s top 100 mountains.
Oze, a Kanto nature resort, has protected marshland sections with crystal-clear streams and wooded walking pathways that visitors may explore. This park, which spans approximately 400 kilometres, offers numerous more peaks that you might visit for a short trip. Spend the night in a mountain inn nearby and get an early start on your climb; however, carry enough of water with you because it can take up to five hours to complete it.
4. Kyoto’s Mount Kurama
Mt. Kurama is well-known for being the home of reiki, a tranquil onsen retreat, and an abundance of natural beauty. Visit Kurama-dera, the mountain’s largest temple complex and a repository of national significance. A trip up by cable car or a long trek will reward you with a stunning vista no matter what time of year it is you go.
5. Tokyo’s Mount Takao
Mt. Takao, which is only a three-hour drive from Shinjuku, has a path for every level of hiker. Takaosanguchi Station is a short walk from the midway cable car or ropeway station for those who aren’t athletically inclined. The majority of the hikes take 90 minutes or less to complete.
Clear days offer spectacular panoramas of the surrounding area, including Mt. Fuji. Visit the Trick Art Museum or take a last plunge in the onsen near the station to round up your trip.
Have you found any inspiration yet?
This is only a fragment of the beautiful country, Japan.
