Full Description
Discover Japan's legendary mountain landscapes on foot, from the soaring 3000m peaks of the North, Central, and South Alps to the iconic summit of Mount Fuji. Hike through dramatic ridgelines, tranquil valleys, and remote alpine scenery, exploring a region where nature and adventure are deeply entwined in local culture.
Most routes are suitable for those with moderate fitness, while the more challenging treks and scrambles are best tackled by experienced hikers. This comprehensive Cicerone guidebook features 13 short treks (2-8 days) and 14 day walks (4-20km/3-15 hours), with clear gradings (1-3) based on distance, ascent, and terrain. All four main ascent routes on Mt Fuji are included, alongside classic peaks such as Shirouma, Tateyama, Hotaka, Yari-ga-take, Norikura, and Kita-dake.
The Japan Alps are best explored in summer and autumn (July to late October), with some routes and huts open from early May; the Mt Fuji climbing season is limited to July-August.
The Japan Alps and Mt Fuji routes range from short, accessible day walks to demanding multi-day treks, with clear difficulty ratings based on length, ascent, and exposure.
Detailed 1:50,000 mapping for every route, with downloadable GPX tracks for navigating the Alps and Mount Fuji.
Stage-by-stage route descriptions, each introduced by a quick-reference box with distance, ascent/descent, access, waymarks, and special notes, make it easy to know what to expect on your hike in Japan's Alps.
Accommodation and facility recommendations for every area include a comprehensive network of mountain huts, hot-spring baths (onsen), and camping options, plus advice on planning, preparation, and essential kit for hiking in Japan.
Practical information on Japan's public transport, logistics, and getting around Honshu's mountain regions, including guidance on rail passes, luggage forwarding, food and drink, and local hiking etiquette.
Full coverage of all major regions: Northern, Central, and Southern Alps, as well as Mt Fuji, with classic routes and alternatives for custom itineraries.
Fascinating insights into the region's geology, flora, fauna, and hiking history, plus a Japanese-English hiking glossary to help you on the trail.
Plan your Japan Alps and Mount Fuji adventure with this essential Cicerone guidebook and immerse yourself in breathtaking alpine scenery, welcoming mountain huts, and the enduring traditions of Japan's great outdoors.
Contents
Map key
Overview map
Introduction
Preparations and practicalities
When to go
Getting to Japan
Getting around Japan
Rail passes
Accommodation
Mountain huts and camping
Food and drink
Hot springs
Money
Communications
Language
Tourist information offices
What to take
Luggage forwarding
Maps and GPS
Waymarking
The typical hiking day
Mountain etiquette
Health and safety
Emergencies
Using this guide
All about the Japan Alps and Mt Fuji
Location and climate
Geology and landscape
Plants and wildlife
History of hiking in Japan
The North (Kita) Alps
Hakuba Area
Walk 1 Mt Shirouma-dake
Trek 1 Mt Shirouma-dake and Hakuba-Yari Onsen
Tateyama Area
Walk 2 Mt Tateyama
Walk 3 Mt Oku-dainichi-dake
Trek 2 Mt Tsurugi-dake
Trek 3 North Alps traverse
Hotaka Area
Walk 4 Mt Yake-dake
Walk 5 Mt Nishiho-Doppyō
Trek 4 Mt Oku-Hotaka-dake and Karasawa Cirque
Trek 5 Mt Yari-ga-take
Trek 6 Mt Chō-ga-take and Mt Jōnen-dake
Trek 7 Mt Kasa-ga-take
Norikura Area
Walk 6 Mt Norikura-dake
The Central (Chūō) Alps
Walk 7 Mt Kiso-koma-ga-take
Trek 8 Central Alps traverse
The South (Minami) Alps
North Area
Walk 8 Mt Kai-koma-ga-take
Walk 9 Mt Senjō-ga-take
Trek 9 Mt Kita-dake
Trek 10 Mt Hō-ō
South Area
Trek 11 Mt Arakawa-Higashidake (Mt Warusawa) and Mt Akaishi-dake
Trek 12 Mt Kamikōchi-dake and Mt Hijiri-dake
Trek 13 South Alps traverse
Mt Fuji
Walk 10 Mt Fuji - Yoshida route
Walk 11 Mt Fuji - Subashiri route
Walk 12 Mt Fuji - Gotemba route
Walk 13 Mt Fuji - Fujinomiya route
Walk 14 Mt Kuro-dake
Appendix A Route summary table - walks
Appendix B Route summary table - treks
Appendix C Mountain huts
Appendix D Glossary
Appendix E Useful contacts and further resources
Appendix F Further reading
