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Hiking In Japan
Maps Most of Japan's popular hiking areas are well-mapped, and there are two good series of maps published specifically for hikers. Shobunsha publish a 'yama to kogen chizu' (Mountain and highland) series, all 1:40,000 and priced at ¥714 each without tax. Zenrin publish a similar series, 'tozan haikingu' (Mountain climbing and hiking), also priced at ¥714, but slightly smaller scale at 1:50,000. All these maps are in Japanese only, so it is worth familiarizing yourself with the names of mountains and symbols such as water before heading out. Probably the best resources for outdoor pursuits in Japan is 'Hiking in Japan' published by Lonely Planet. Another book by the same title is 'Hiking in Japan,' published by Kodansha and written by Paul Hunt. They both describes each region in Japan, and gives descriptions of hikes throughout the country as well as useful background information.
Needless to say, if you can read Japanese, there are armfuls of guides to walking, climbing, kayaking, cycling, and just about every outdoor pursuit you can think of. Another way of becoming familiar with hiking conditions, and seeing what hikes are available in your area is by joining a local club or group. In the Kansai area both Kansai Ramblers and IOC organize hikes often on Sundays with a mixture of foreign and Japanese members. Kansai Time Out magazine usually has them listed. In Tokyo the IAC organize walks in the surrounding mountains with some longer trips occasionally. Walks organized by Japanese clubs are often in very large groups (I counted 80 hikers in one group I met!). Several foreign tour operators offer seasonal guided walks in Japan, and they might be a good alternative to organizing it yourself if you are coming from abroad. If you live in the Kansai area, and speak some Japanese, the Kintetsu railway line have a special program for hikers which include route maps and descriptions, and rewards for walks completed. Equipment For many day hikes near large cities you need nothing
more than comfortable shoes and clothes, and a small backpack to carry
the essentials. In the summer months when Japan is very hot and humid,
make sure you have light clothing such as cotton, and carry plenty of
liquid. Water is the best, and be careful about beer and even tea or
coffee, which can dehydrate you. Areas for Hiking
In Kansai, head south to the Kii Peninsula. There
are several different mountain ranges, and the area is remote and steeped
in history. You can tour the area, hiking different peaks, and soak
yourself in some of the abundant hot springs. The Chubu region is home to Japan's highest peaks, and there is a huge variety of hiking here, from simple forest walks to serious mountain climbing. The main ranges are Japan Alps, divided into the Minami, Chuo, and Kita ranges. Practically every prefecture in the region has high mountain terrain, but you should be well-prepared (and have suitable experience) for any of the serious stuff. Due to its popularity, the area has extensive facilities and accommodation, and there are telecabins to save you much of the grinding ascent. Mount Fuji must surely be Japan's most famous mountain, and offers a unique hiking opportunity. It is climbed by thousands of people each year, and is not a difficult hike, but is physically demanding. In season, it is usually so crowded that there is a long line of people snaking its way upwards. Beautiful though it may be from afar, up close the beauty disappears, and most people who have climbed it say they are glad they have done it, but didn't particularly enjoy the experience. Tokyoites escape from the city by hiking in the
hills to the west at places such as Okutama, but is also possible to
visit Nikko and its wonderful national park in a long day trip (though
you should really stay a few nights). Heading north, the Tohoku region
has several mountain ranges, though none as high as the Japan Alps. Seasons for hiking Summers can be uncomfortably hot in most of Japan
(except parts of Tohoku and Hokkaido), and strenuous activity is the
last thing on many people's minds. However, the mountains, particularly
where forested (most of the time) are usually cooler, and often quite
pleasant even in August. The opportunity to dip in cool mountain streams
adds to the attraction. Spring and autumn are fine in most parts of
the country, but except in the south, mountains over 1500 metres will
usually be covered in snow until April. In Tohoku and Hokkaido the season
is shorter, and high mountains (over 3000 metres) in the Japan Alps
only have a short summer season (and hence the crowds).
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It
doesn't take anyone long to realize that Japan is a mountainous country.
In fact, 75% of the country is mountainous forest, with plentiful national
parks. There are established hiking trails in nearly every corner of
the country, and hiking is popular amongst middle-aged Japanese, though
curiously less so amongst the young. Most cities in Japan have some
hiking within easy reach, making a day trip very possible. For multi-day
hikes, it's best to travel to one of the national parks. Most of the
hiking in Japan is fairly strenuous, because of the nature of the terrain,
but it is possible to find something for every ability. In some regions,
such as the Kii Peninsula (south of Osaka), and Nikko (north of Tokyo),
walking is a wonderful way to reach less-accessible shrines and temples,
small rustic villages, and see a different side of the country. 
There
are thousands of place around Japan where you can take to the trails,
but I will give a quick run-down of the main areas from south to north.