Mountain Climbing in Japan: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You
4.90
(158 reviews)
Conquer sleeping Japanese volcanoes with their steep and sacred summits
The wild alpine mountains of Japan have played important parts in forging its centuries-old culture, customs and history. Completely covered in high mountains summits, mountain climbing is a core pull-factor for outdoor adventurers, culminating in the king of the country, Mount Fuji, its highest and most symbolic summit. Visit in the milder months between May and September for ideal mountain climbing conditions.
Top trips | Japan
FAQs: Mountain Climbing in Japan
What should I know about Mountain Climbing Japan?
Located in the far east, the island nation of Japan lies just off the coast of continental Asia. Comprised of approximately 6,852 islands, with most of the population residing on the four largest islands. Most of the terrain is rugged and carpeted in forest, with a liberal sprinkle of volcanoes scattered across the islands. This creates a wonderful natural playground for mountain climbing, and is accessible for all types of climbers.
Why should I choose Japan for my Mountain Climbing adventure?
Natural wonders
Around 70 percent of the archipelago of Japan is dominated by piercing mountains and volcanoes, where snow is permanently sprinkled across its summits. Its natural beauty makes it a fascinating place for mountain climbing, an industry that has flourished as part of its tourism sector. The volcanic eastern treasures are best explored in a couple of days, ideally a weekend, given the extensive terrain.
**Sacred summits **
There are three hugely iconic mountains that make up the three holy summits in Japanese culture. Mount Tate is home to incredible hot springs and clear-blue lakes. Mount Haku is contained with a UNESCO-listed site flush with forests, lakes and snow-capped volcanic peaks. And the great Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776 meters, is the highest peak in the country, and one of the most iconic symbols of Japan.
Cultural delights
Because Japan is dominated by mountains and volcanoes, they play such a prominent role in the culture and traditions of the country. Shinto worshipers regularly take to the sacred slopes on pilgrimages, which is no surprise given the out-of-this-world scenery you surround yourself in during adventures among the mountains. Shrines and gates are common pieces of architecture to discover wherever you are in Japan.
What can I expect from the weather in Japan?
The north of the country receives a humid and continental climate, while the south experiences a subtropical and rainforest climate. And its coastal geography results in a high level of rainfall each year.
Which language is predominantly spoken in Japan?
Japanese.
What currency is accepted in Japan?
Yen.
What’s the country code of Japan?
+81.
What’s the high season for Mountain Climbing in Japan?
Visit in the milder months between May and September for ideal mountain climbing conditions.
What people are saying about Mountain Climbing | Japan
Lukasz
5.00
Chika is a perfect guide!
elizabeth
5.00
Absolutely wonderful!!!! Chikako was absolutely amazing! We had the most amazing time and was one of the highlights of our 3 week trip! Thank you so much for being so wonderful.
Zubin
5.00
The whole trip was well planned in advanced, about 2 months that I started communicating with Chika. There were rapid responses to questions, even before a confirmation/payment was made. As the dates grew closer, good advice on gear and other practical issues were passed. Typhoon Hagibis had just left significant damage, and the weather was quite unpredictable. It was clear that is was safest to delay the climb, and I was lucky the extra day that I had came with excellent weather. Chika was excellent in communicating the reasons for the delay, as safety was paramount. I had done an earlier trip during the usual summer season a few years back, but with light snow up top, this was one of my best treks/climbs so far.
Olivia
5.00
My hike with Junichiro was a highlight of my entire trip to Japan and one of my favorite back country experiences I have ever had. As a solo female traveler I was unsure of how I could safely explore the back country in Japan, this trip was perfect for me. Jun is an excellent guide and shared so much knowledge about the Japanese alps, flora, fauna and Japanese culture in general with me. He spent four years working in the Hodaka range so knows these mountains very well and has many great stories and fond memories from many years spent exploring this range. It was great to experience this region of the world with someone who cherishes it so much! This was the most technical and challenging climb I have completed but I felt safe and confident the entire time. I learned new skills with Jun's guidance and had an awesome time. I hope I can return to Japan very soon and go on another adventure with Junichiro!
Tommie
5.00
Chika is an Incredible guide alongside being an fantastic person. The 1day hike up and down Fuji was great, speedy, with enough rests at different stages. At the top she made us coffee which was very thoughtful. En route home she stopped into a number of shops in order for us to get some food, water and some great recommendations for Sake as gifts home to out friends and family's A fantastic trip was had thanks to Chika and her excellent organisation and communication skills. Not to mention she is lovely and fun to hike alongside. If you are looking to climb Fuji whether it be a 1 or 2 day trip, look no further than Chika as your guide.
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