Japan’s ancient trails offer more than just natural beauty – they’re a step back in time. From sacred pilgrimage routes walked by emperors and monks to quiet countryside paths through centuries-old villages, these hikes are a unique way to experience the country’s culture, spirituality, and rural charm.
The Shin-etsu Trail, Nagano & Niigata Prefectures
Running along the Sekida Mountain Range, the 110km Shin-etsu Trail wanders through traditional villages and farmland, inviting travellers to see rural Japanese life firsthand including communities where day-to-day life has remained relatively untouched, and sustainable living is a way of life rather than a catchphrase. Hikers can discover Japan’s unique ‘satoyama’ landscapes, where communities use traditional practices to care for the land and achieve balance and sustainability.
Hiking season runs from June to November, with peak months in September and October for autumn colours. The trail is divided into sections and takes about 10 days to complete. Section 10 is the toughest, with rocky slopes and a 2000m climb, while sections seven to nine explore picturesque villages like Sakae and Akiyamago.
Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime & Kagawa Prefectures
This legendary 1200km pilgrimage circles Shikoku Island, taking in scenic coastlines, peaceful forests and 88 sacred temples. Walked for centuries by monks, samurai, and travellers in search of spiritual growth, the full looptakes 30 to 60 days on foot, beginning and ending at Ryozenji Temple in Tokushima.
Many now complete the route by car, bike, or on shorter segments like Ohechi-michi, which offers ocean views, or Iyadani-michi, surrounded by forest and mountains.
Pilgrims follow rituals at each temple, including washing, lighting incense, offering money, chanting sutras, collecting calligraphy stamps, and receiving certificates as treasured keepsakes.
Michinoku Coastal Trail, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi & Fukishima Prefectures
Unlike some of Japan’s ancient hiking trails, the Michinoku Coastal Trail is a new, less well-trodden trail beginning in Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture and ending in Soma in Fukushima Prefecture.
Spanning around 1000km through the Tohoku region, the trail passes through fishing villages, forests, and along dramatic coastlines, offering views of the sea and access to peaceful onsen.
Created after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the trail represents regional recovery and offers visitors the chance to experience clifftop walks, quiet beaches, and stay in ryokan and boutique hotels.
The Kumano Kodo, Wakayama Prefecture
A sacred pilgrimage for emperors in eras past, the Kumano Kodo is a network of historic routes centred around Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine in mountainous Wakayama, offering a window into rural Japanese life. The coastal town of Kii-Tanabe is the main gateway for hikers and the most popular 38km Nakahechi route from the Takijiri trailhead to the shrine at Hongu is typically undertaken over three days. A further three-day hike takes explorers to Kumano Nachi Taisha.
Highlights include the Tainai Meguri rocks (which can be walked through or around), the scenic village of Takahara and its shrine, the old teahouse at Tsugizakura-oji Shrine, and the villages between Hosshinmon-oji and Hongu. Relax at Yunomine Onsen, including the UNESCO-listed Tsuboyu bath, or cook eggs in the Yuzutsu – a public hot spring cooking basin.
Mount Daisen Hiking Trail, Tottori Prefecture
The highest peak in the Chugoku region, Mount Daisen’s holy mountain trails were notable pilgrimage routes in Japanese history.
The 8km Natsuyama Trail passes Daisenji Temple (dating to the 7th century), where warrior monks trained, and continues through beech forest to Ogamiyama-jinga Okumiya Shrine, then on a boardwalk through Japan’s largest dwarf Japanese yew community to Misen Peak, offering sweeping views of the Sea of Japan and Shimane Peninsula. Wrap up your hike with a soak in Daisen Hinokami Goen Yin hot spring.
Mt Mitoku, Tottori Prefecture
The jewel in Tottori’s mountainous crown, Mt Mitoku (named after the three Buddhist virtues: wisdom, renunciation, and judgment) is one of only three sacred asceticism sites in Japan. Prepare with good shoes or borrow traditional waraji sandals, gloves, and a ceremonial sash. Travelling solo? You’ll need to wait to join other adventurers as hikers must explore in groups of two or more.
The 1.5km round-trip to Nageiredo Temple, the highest temple in the Sanbutsuji complex, is said to purify the six roots of perception. Cross Yadoiribashi Bridge into ancient forest, then climb rugged stone paths (some with chains), pass bamboo groves and Monjudo Hall (with valley views), ring the two-tonne bell, and ascend to the stunning cliffside temple – a Heian-era architectural marvel.
Aizu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, Fukushima Prefecture
One for hikers who enjoy getting off the beaten track, the Aizu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage connects 33 statues of the Kannon goddess of mercy. Seen equally as a leisurely hike and a spiritual experience, this uncrowded trail showcases a simpler style of temple and is surrounded by magnificent scenery including lakes, beech forests and onsen towns.
