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Tokyo, Japan
Use Tokyo as your gateway to stock up on gear and supplies. Explore Shinjuku or Yanaka for a quieter neighbourhood feel before heading into the mountains. Grab a hearty bowl of ramen to fuel up.
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Nikko, Japan
Nikko sits deep in forested mountains north of Tokyo and is home to the ornate Tosho-gu shrine complex. Hike around Lake Chuzenji and the dramatic Kegon Falls for stunning alpine scenery. Try yuba (tofu skin) dishes, a local specialty.
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Nasu, Japan
Nasu is a quiet highland resort area with volcanic peaks, hot spring villages and dairy farms. Hike up Chasu-dake volcano for sweeping views and soak in a traditional onsen inn in the evening. The area has excellent rural farmhouse guesthouses (kominka stays).
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Aizu-Wakamatsu, Japan
A deeply traditional castle town in Fukushima Prefecture, Aizu-Wakamatsu preserves samurai streets and the iconic Tsuruga-jo castle. The surrounding hills offer scenic cycling and hiking routes. Try the local Kitakata ramen and hearty mountain vegetable dishes.
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Shirakawa-go, Japan
A UNESCO World Heritage village nestled in the remote Shogawa River valley, famous for its towering gassho-zukuri thatched farmhouses. Stay overnight in a working farmhouse inn to experience the village after the day-trippers leave. Surrounding mountains offer peaceful forest walks.
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Takayama, Japan
Takayama is one of Japan's best-preserved Edo-period merchant towns, tucked into the Japanese Alps. Explore the historic Sanmachi Suji streets, morning markets and the excellent Hida Folk Village open-air museum. Use it as a base for hiking into the Hida highlands and visiting Kamikochi.
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Kamikochi, Japan
Kamikochi is a stunning mountain valley in the Northern Japan Alps, accessible only by bus (no private cars). Hike along the crystal-clear Azusa River between Kappa-bashi bridge and Myojin Pond through pristine beech and larch forests. Accommodation is limited so book your mountain lodge well in advance.
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Tsumago, Japan
Tsumago is a beautifully preserved post town along the ancient Nakasendo highway in the Kiso Valley. Walk the classic 8km Nakasendo trail section to neighbouring Magome through cedar forests and terraced fields. Stay in a traditional minshuku guesthouse and dine on local soba and mountain vegetables.
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Kyoto, Japan
End your journey in Kyoto, using the city as a cultural debrief after weeks in the mountains. Hike the Fushimi Inari trail early morning or explore the Ohara and Kurama mountain villages on the city's rural fringes. The Nishiki Market is perfect for picking up last-minute local food souvenirs.