Gozaishodake 1212m is not a very high mountain but the terrain resembles the alps and the views from the top are beautiful. There are many trails to the top with varying difficulty, which makes the mountain interesting for beginner and intermediate hikers. You can also use the ropeway and there is a beautiful waterfall close to the trailhead. It’s easily accessible by direct bus from Nagoya station.

The Aichi Prefecture Forest makes for a great dayhike from Nagoya. The views of Horai lake are stunning and the trail offers a variety of terrain from rocky ridges with chains to waterfalls and forest trails. Since the elevation is quite low this hike is best for spring and fall to avoid the heat.

Kisokomagatake 2956m is a proper alpine hike in the Central Alps with a ropeway that goes almost all the way to the top. This is a good hike if you want to get high up and have beautiful views, but don't want to climb through the forest for hours. It’s also open in winter for people with snow equipment and experience. There is a direct bus from Nagoya.

Ontakesan 3067 is an active volcano and beautiful hike at the border of Gifu and Nagano. On a clear day you can often see it from Nagoya. There are two main access routes; Nigorio Onsen and from the ropeway. The peak plateau is quite large and has many huts, so overnight hikes are nice too. The hiking season is from mid July to mid October.

Osugidani valley is a difficult waterfall gorge hike in Mie. It's one of Japans top 3 most beautiful valleys and accessible from spring to fall. The valley receives a lot of rainfall and it's notoriously hard to get a good weather day. If you do get lucky, you’ll walk along an exposed valley with chains and beautiful views of the river. You can walk a part of it or stay overnight in one of the huts.

The easiest hike in this list Shizugatake 421m is an nice dayhike with beautiful views of Lake Biwa and Lake Yogo. Because of its low elevation this peak is best explored in spring and fall without the summer heat. There is also a chairlift if you want to avoid almost all elevation gain. This is a good hike for kids and families.

Kamagadake 1161m is an intermediate hike perfect for people who are looking for a little challenge compared to Gozaisho. It can also easily be combined into a long loop hike with Gozaisho or made shorter by using the ropeway for the way up/down. Just like Gozaisho it's easily accessed from Nagoya by direct bus or car.

Utsugidake 2864m is a beautiful and strenuous hike in the Central Alps. It's accessible year-round with winter hiking gear and there are two shelter huts on the way up. In summer you can also traverse to Kisokoma or further along the ridgeline. There are a couple of exposed sections with chains which will require upper body strength and basic climbing skills.

Nagiso 1679m is an intermediate loop hike in Gifu/Nagano. This hike has a little more challenge with lots of ladders and some chains. Good to get some practice for more technical hikes in a non exposed setting. There is also a free shelter hut close to the peak and on a clear day you can see the Alps. This hike is best accessed by car but there is also a bus stop not that far.

Ibuki 1377m is an easy year-round hike from Nagoya. There are some steeper sections at the top but this is a good beginner hike to gain more stamina or practice axe use in winter. In summer and spring it’s famous for wild flowers and in winter for lots and lots of snow. Currently the main trail is closed because of a landslide.

Fujiwara 1140m is an easy dayhike reachable by train from Nagoya. It's accessible year round and not too difficult in winter either. The top is a flat plateau and you'll have nice views of the surrounding mountains. There is also a free shelter hut near the peak which is perfect for an overnight stay or part of a Suzuka mountain traverse.

Ryugadake 1099m just like Fujiwara is one of the Suzuka mountains in Mie and an easy dayhike from Nagoya. The mountain is accessible year round and not too difficult in winter. On a nice day you have beautiful views from the top and around the trailhead are lots of waterfalls. Ryugadake is currently only accessible by car.

Mount Ena 2190m is one of the 100 famous mountains and an easy dayhike in Gifu. The actual peak is forested but there is an open section with views and some big rocks by the shelter. The trail up is interesting and a little strenuous and makes for a great nature escape from the city.

The Konze Alps are a great dayhike easily accessible from the Kansai area and Nagoya. There is a variety of trails to choose from to make your hike shorter or longer and some ropes to make it a bit more interesting. The granite boulders and formations are very beautiful and make for great climbing and viewpoint spots. This hike is easy to access by public transportation.

Hakusan 2702m is one of the three “holy” volcanos together with Mr. Fuji and Tateyama and a beautiful day or overnight hike. The Hirasedo trailhead (from Gifu) is not very busy and easy to reach from Nagoya. At the bottom is also a beautiful blue dam lake and waterfall. Access is by car only and the road is often closed. Check beforehand if it's open.