
Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Hachiōji, Tōkyō, Japan
1. Takao Sanzan
Mount Takao offers three peaks with a cable car to reach the highest. Enjoy temples, shrines and beautiful views.
- Easy Accessibility: Cable car access makes it suitable for hikers of all levels.
- Rich Cultural Experience: Visit Yakuo-in Temple, a famous Buddhist temple at the summit.
- Close Proximity to Tokyo: Easily reachable by train from central Tokyo in just over an hour.
2. Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park
Hike through diverse landscapes including valleys, forests and alpine zones.
- Biodiversity: Discover a rich ecosystem with over 3,000 species of flora.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy stunning autumn foliage and cherry blossoms in spring.
- Remote and Quiet: Escape the crowds of Tokyo for a peaceful hiking experience.
3. Okutama Trail
A challenging trail offering breathtaking views and waterfalls.
- Challenging Terrain: Steep slopes and rocky paths make it ideal for experienced hikers.
- Natural Hot Springs: Relax in hot springs at the end of your hike in Okutama town.
- Abundant Wildlife: Spot deer, monkeys and birds while on the trail.
4. Nakojima Island Trail
Hike around this beautiful island in the Tama River with stunning views of Mount Takao.
- Accessible by Ferry: Reach Nakojima Island via a short ferry ride from Takeda Pier.
- Historical Sites: Discover the Edo Period remnants such as the Ojinjo Temple ruins.
- Island Wildlife: Spot herons, egrets and other waterbirds while hiking.
5. Kayabuki no Taki Trail
Hike to the picturesque Kayabuki no Taki waterfall in Okutama.
- Reward at End: Experience the stunning sight of the waterfall after a challenging hike.
- Natural Beauty: Enjoy the pristine forest and river scenery along the trail.
- Remote Destination: Get off-the-beaten-path for a unique hiking experience.
6. Norikura Trail
Hike through alpine landscapes with the highest peak in the Kiso-volcano range.
- Scenic Vistas: Take in panoramic views from the mountain peaks.
- Challenging Climate: Prepare for cold and unpredictable weather conditions.
- Alpine Flora and Fauna: Explore the unique alpine plants and wildlife in the area.
7. Tanzawa Mountain Range Trails
Experience various trails offering diverse landscapes from forests to alpine zones.
- Diverse Landscapes: Hike through valleys, forests and alpine areas within the range.
- Wildlife Observation: Spot black bears, deer and various bird species in the area.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains from various peaks.
8. Mt. Mitake Trail
Hike to the summit of Mt. Mitake, a sacred mountain with numerous shrines.
- Spiritual Experience: Visit several temples and shrines on the way up.
- Summer Lightning Festival: Witness a unique natural phenomenon called 'Namahage' where lightning strikes the mountain peak.
- Accessible by Cable Car: Take a cable car to reach the trailhead and reduce hiking time.
9. Mt. Okusawa Trail
Hike through beautiful beech forests on Mt. Okusawa in the Koboyama Mountains.
- Beech Forest Beauty: Enjoy the beauty of the beech forest, which turns red in autumn.
- Remote Destination: Get off-the-beaten-path for a unique hiking experience.
- Challenging Terrain: Steep slopes and rocky paths make it ideal for experienced hikers.
10. Ozora Trail
Hike through the picturesque Oku-Chichibu area with breathtaking views.
- Scenic Vistas: Take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains from various peaks.
- Biodiversity: Discover a rich ecosystem with over 3,000 species of flora.
- Remote Destination: Get off-the-beaten-path for a unique hiking experience.
11. Takayama Trail
Hike through beautiful forests and past temples in the Hachijo Islands.
- Rich Cultural Experience: Visit temples along the trail such as Fukuzenji Temple.
- Island Wildlife: Spot herons, egrets and other waterbirds while hiking.
- Remote Destination: Get off-the-beaten-path for a unique hiking experience.
12. Kumotori Ridge Trail
Hike along the Kumotori ridge with stunning views of Mt. Fuji and surrounding mountains.
- Scenic Vistas: Take in breathtaking panoramic views from various viewpoints.
- Challenging Terrain: Steep slopes and rocky paths make it ideal for experienced hikers.
- Mt. Fuji Views: Enjoy close-up views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day.
13. Koboyama Range Trails
Hike through the beautiful Koboyama Mountains with diverse landscapes and breathtaking views.
- Diverse Landscapes: Hike through valleys, forests and alpine areas within the range.
- Wildlife Observation: Spot black bears, deer and various bird species in the area.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains from various peaks.
14. Mt. Takao Connector Trail
Connect Mt. Takao and Oku-Chichibu area with a challenging trail offering stunning views.
- Scenic Vistas: Take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains from various viewpoints.
- Challenging Terrain: Steep slopes and rocky paths make it ideal for experienced hikers.
- Rich Cultural Experience: Visit temples along the trail such as Fukuzenji Temple.
15. Kujiraoka Trail
Hike to a beautiful plateau with panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and surrounding mountains.
- Scenic Vistas: Take in breathtaking panoramic views from the plateau.
- Mt. Fuji Views: Enjoy close-up views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day.
- Challenging Terrain: Steep slopes and rocky paths make it ideal for experienced hikers.