Difficult Hikes

For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, here are some beautiful trails to consider. These hikes are known for their technical difficulty, strenuous terrain, or a combination of both. All of them are incredible with beautiful views and scenery. Check here for our favorites!

Shiomi (Nagano)

Shiomidake 3052m is a scenic and strenuous hike in the Southern Alps. From the top you’ll have incredible views of the Southern Alps and...

Kashimayari to Goryu (Nagano/Toyama)

The traverse from Kashimayari to Goryu is a difficult 2 day climb on the Hakuba ridgeline. You’ll climb the famous Hachimine Kiretto and...

Hijiri, Chausu and Kamikochi Loop (Nagano)

The loop from Hijiridake to Kamikochidake to Chausudake is a strenuous overnight or multiday hike in the Southern Alps. It has lots of

Kaikoma (Yamanashi)

Kaikomagatake 2967m with it's famous "swords" is a beautiful and challenging hike in the Southern Alps. This post describes the trail...

Akadake (Yamanashi)

Akadake 2899m is a difficult dayhike or intermediate multiday hike in the volcanic Yatsugatake mountains. The mountain range has lots of...

Utsugi (Nagano/Gifu)

Utsugidake 2864m is a beautiful and strenuous dayhike in the central alps. It's possible year-round with winter hiking gear and there are...

Yatsubuchi no taki (Mie)

Yatsubuchinotaki is a difficult waterfall hike next to Lake Biwa. The trail follows a river upstream past several waterfalls. Part of the...

Yarigatake: Shinhotaka to Kamikochi (Nagano)

Yarigatake 3180m in the off-season is a difficult snow hike with lots of elevation gain on the way up. With good weather you’ll have...

Okuhotaka: Dakesawa to Karasawa (Nagano)

Okuhotaka 3190m is Japans 3rd highest peak and a difficult overnight hike from Kamikochi. The route described here passes by Maehodaka...

Ishizuchi (Shikoku)

Ishizuchi 1982m is an easy to difficult hike depending on if you climb up the chains or use the detours. It's also one of Japans sacred...

Kasagatake (Gifu)

Kasagadake 2897m is a strenuous and scenic hike in Gifu. If you want a physical challenge, this is the hike for you. It has amazing views...

Iriomote Island Crossing (Okinawa)

The Iriomote island crossing is a difficult but very beautiful river and rainforest hike across Iriomote. Planning and access for this...

Shirane Sanzan: Kita -Aino - Notori (Yamanashi)

The Shirane Sanzan traverse passes by Japans 2nd highest peak Kitadake 3193m and is a scenic 2-3 day hike in the Southern Alps. On the...

Okueyama (Miyazaki)

Okueyama 1643m is a difficult hike in Miyazaki, Kyushu. It's famous for its many chains, ladders and ropes (supposedly over 50) with...

Hakubayari Onsen to Karamatsu (Hakuba)

Hakubayari Onsen 2100m to Karamatsu 2696m is a difficult 2 day traverse on the Hakuba ridgeline. The hike is incredibly scenic and very...

Osugidani (Mie)

Osugidani valley is an advanced in-and-out hike in Mie. It's one of Japans top 3 most beautiful valleys and accessible from spring to...