I’ve done my fair share of hiking all over the world, but there are a few unique traits of Japan’s hiking routes that I want to highlight.
Hiking in Japan is one of those experiences that just does it for me, but I’ve been pondering recently why that is the case. Thus, I’ve put together this quick article highlighting some of the aspects of this country’s natural environment and cultural heritage that make hiking a truly unique experience.
Mountainous Terrain
Firstly, Japan is a mountainous island country, and the vast majority of its hiking trails are a constant reminder of this (especially the exhausting uphills!). While this isn’t an exclusively Japanese phenomenon as far as hiking trails go, there is a unique look about Japan’s mountainous terrain, which is covered in thick green forests and stretches as far as the eye can see. Some of my favorite mountain hikes in Japan are Kyoto’s Mt. Hiei, Kitakyushu’s Mt. Komonji, and Sapporo’s Mt. Moiwa.
Heritage Sites
It’s quite common to find things like torii gates and vermilion lamp posts when hiking in Japan. In fact, the Mt. Hiei hike in Kyoto features a UNESCO World Heritage Site called Enryaku-ji Temple along the way up to the summit. You also have the famous Fushimi Inari-Taisha and the Kurama to Kibune hikes which features classic Japanese cultural architecture all throughout the journey.
The Black Bear Phenomenon
Lastly, the phenomenon of black bears in the wild is a common concern for hikers in Japan, though all hiking trails around the world are bound to have the risk of potentially dangerous animals appearing.
You’ll often find warning signs for wild bears on hiking trails in Japan, and there is typically a phone number to report any bear sightings.
It’s recommended to carry a bell with you when you hike in Japan, and you’ll often hear the sound of ringing bells from other hikers as a means to scare off bears.
I’m fortunate to say I’ve never encountered a bear in my 2–3 years of hiking in Japan despite never carrying a bell, but for extra peace of mind you might consider bringing one for your hike!
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!