Hiking and Trekking in the Japan Alps and Mount Fuji

Discover Japan’s legendary mountain landscapes on foot, from the soaring 3000m peaks of the North, Central, and South Alps to the iconic summit of Mount Fuji. Hike through dramatic ridgelines, tranquil valleys, and remote alpine scenery, exploring a region where nature and adventure are deeply entwined in local culture.

Most routes are suitable for those with moderate fitness, while the more challenging treks and scrambles are best tackled by experienced hikers. This comprehensive Cicerone guidebook features 13 short treks (2–8 days) and 14 day walks (4–20km/3–15 hours), with clear gradings (1–3) based on distance, ascent, and terrain. All four main ascent routes on Mt Fuji are included, alongside classic peaks such as Shirouma, Tateyama, Hotaka, Yari-ga-take, Norikura, and Kita-dake.

• The Japan Alps are best explored in summer and autumn (July to late October), with some routes and huts open from early May; the Mt Fuji climbing season is limited to July–August.
• The Japan Alps and Mt Fuji routes range from short, accessible day walks to demanding multi-day treks, with clear difficulty ratings based on length, ascent, and exposure.
• Detailed 1:50,000 mapping for every route, with downloadable GPX tracks for navigating the Alps and Mount Fuji.
• Stage-by-stage route descriptions, each introduced by a quick-reference box with distance, ascent/descent, access, waymarks, and special notes, make it easy to know what to expect on your hike in Japan’s Alps.
• Accommodation and facility recommendations for every area include a comprehensive network of mountain huts, hot-spring baths (onsen), and camping options, plus advice on planning, preparation, and essential kit for hiking in Japan.
• Practical information on Japan’s public transport, logistics, and getting around Honshu’s mountain regions, including guidance on rail passes, luggage forwarding, food and drink, and local hiking etiquette.
• Full coverage of all major regions: Northern, Central, and Southern Alps, as well as Mt Fuji, with classic routes and alternatives for custom itineraries.
• Fascinating insights into the region’s geology, flora, fauna, and hiking history, plus a Japanese-English hiking glossary to help you on the trail.

Plan your Japan Alps and Mount Fuji adventure with this essential Cicerone guidebook and immerse yourself in breathtaking alpine scenery, welcoming mountain huts, and the enduring traditions of Japan’s great outdoors.

Tom Fay is the lead author of Walking and Trekking in the Japan Alps and Mt. Fuji. He is a British writer and teacher based in Osaka, and has been living in Japan for well over a decade. Growing up in the hills of North Wales, the mountains of Snowdonia were his first outdoor 'love', and he still returns there year after year. He has since hiked and climbed in many places including Scotland, Iceland, China, South Korea, New Zealand, the Himalayas and throughout every corner of Japan.

Tom writes mainly about travel and the outdoors for a variety of publications and media outlets, and is the author of a popular guidebook called 'Must-See Japan'. He is a member of the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild.

Check out his website www.thomasfay.com for more information.

Wes Lang has been endlessly exploring Japan's mountains since relocating to the country in 2001. In 2008 he became the first American (and one of only a handful of foreigners) to climb the Hyakumeizan, Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. He has since gone on to complete the Kansai Hyakumeizan (100 mountains of the Kansai region) and is currently climbing the highest mountain in each of Japan's 47 Prefectures.

He is the founder of Hiking in Japan – https://japanhike.wordpress.com – a website providing comprehensive hiking information for the Hyakumeizan and beyond. His travels have taken him to the mountains of South Korea, Taiwan, New Zealand and throughout the US.

Wes lives in Osaka with his Japanese wife and young daughter.