Check out some hikes I've been on while in Japan!
Happo-one - Nagano
Happo Pond is a glittering gem nestled high in the Northern Japanese Alps. On a clear day, the pond reflects the near-3,000m peaks of the Hakuba Sanzan mountains in its waters. Despite its lofty location, the pond is a brisk 90-minute, 1.5km hike from the highest chair lift. The trail follows the ridgeline, offering picture-perfect vistas of the Alps as well as the Hakuba Valley down below. Along the way is a treasure trove of wildflowers.
Mount Tsukuba - Ibaraki
From old times, it has been said “Mt. Tsukuba in the east and Mt. Fuji in the west." Also,because the color of the mountain's surface chenges to purple when basking in the morning and evening sunshine, it is said that Mt. Tsukuba is a Reiho(a sacred peak) of the Kanto region, and is called “Shiho”, means which means “Purple Peak”
Mount Takao - Tokyo
Mt. Takao is located only about 50 minutes away from Shinjuku by train, close enough for a day trip of leisurely hiking on the mountain. The Japanese have regarded it as a holy mountain since the Edo period. The mountain today is well loved as a splendid nature destination close to the city.
Tsugaike Shizen Koen - Nagano
The Tsugaike Nature Park is located in the Chubu-Sangaku National Park, which extends through Niigata, Toyama, Nagano and Gifu prefectures. Visitors can see mountains such as Shirouma-sanzan and enjoy beautiful landscapes that change with the seasons. Skunk cabbage flowers bloom while the snow melts in spring, uncountable flowers fill the fields in summer, and the crimson maple leaves are wonderfully overwhelming in autumn.