Japanese have an endearing affection with mountains. In fact, anything that involves mountain climbing can quickly brighten their mood. No matter the size of the mountain (big or small), you’ll surely get a positive reaction when such a topic gets in the conversation. They even have a Mountain day (Yama no Hi), which is celebrated annually on the 11th of August. If that isn’t a testament of how much they love and adore their mountains then I don’t what is.
Sea of clouds, Pinoy Gaijin in Fuji-san 2017
I love mountain climbing myself. As a matter of fact, I have climbed Mt Fuji in 2017. It was a surreal and otherworldly experience. The trek going up the peak is a laborious one, but once you get in there, the view of the sunrise at the summit will definitely take your breath away. That’s why I highly recommend you go on hiking at least once in your lifetime. Nonetheless, I’m pretty sure once you get to partake in it you’ll never going to stop. It’s addicting, albeit a healthy one.
If you are planning to get into mountain climbing or if you are a seasoned one, and are looking for the best mountains to climb in Japan, you are definitely in the right place (or blog?). Here are the best mountains to climb in Japan:
Mt Takao
Trail that leads to Mt. Takao
Mount Takao is a mountain in the city of Hachiōji, Tokyo, Japan, and is protected within Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park.
With a height of around 599 meters tall and is situated within an hour’s drive from Tokyo, it attracts more than 2.5 million visitors annually. It has eight hiking courses and is a very popular hiking spot due to its close proximity to the city, and also with its relatively easy trails.
Mt Mitake
View from the peak of Mt. Mitake
Mount Mitake is a mountain in the Chichibu Tama Kai National Park near Tokyo, Japan. It is a 929-meter tall mountain and offers beautiful scenery with waterfalls and trees all over the place. Shinto rituals are also held there. At night, the view of metro Tokyo glitters in the distance.
Mt Tsukuba
View from the peak of Mt. Tsukuba
Mount Tsukuba is an 877-meter high mountain situated near Tsukuba, Japan. Its fame is greatly attributed due to its double peaks namely Nyotai-san and Nantai-san which is 877 meters and 871 meters tall, respectively.
As one old saying goes, “Fuji in the west, Tsukuba in the east.” This mountain is considered as one of the famous mountains in Japan due to its sheer beauty. Its color changes to purple, indigo in the morning, and deep violet at sunset, hence its name.
Let’s go hiking!