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Best hiking destinations in Asia

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Kamikochi
Clear river valley beneath the Hotaka Range
8.5
The Kappa Bridge in Kamikochi spans the clear Azusa River beneath sharp Alpine peaks. Flat trails run from the bridge past ponds and birch forest. Walkers can reach Myojin Pond in a few hours. The valley is closed to private cars to keep it peaceful.
Highlights:
  • 🍂 Admire autumn foliage along Kamikochi’s forest trails
  • 🗻 Hike to Myojin Pond surrounded by sacred mountains
  • 🌉 Walk the scenic Kappa Bridge overlooking the Azusa River
Yakushima
Ancient cedars, mossy forest and waterfalls
8.8
The Jomon Sugi is an ancient cedar on Yakushima that is thousands of years old. The hike follows an old logging railway through mossy forest. It takes most of a day to reach the tree and return. Rain is frequent and keeps the woods deep green.
Highlights:
  • 🐒 Spot Yakushima macaques and deer along forest trails
  • 🌳 See Jomon Sugi, Japan’s legendary 7,000-year-old cedar tree
  • 🌲 Hike through the ancient cedar forests of Shiratani Unsuikyo
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Fuji, Hakone, Izu and volcanic islands
8.8
Hakone still keeps a stretch of the Old Tokaido road paved with Edo period stones. The path runs beneath tall cedar trees near Lake Ashi. Walkers can follow it for a few easy hours between mountain villages. Steaming volcanic vents at Owakudani sit close by the route.
Highlights:
  • 🥚 Explore volcanic vents and black eggs at Owakudani
  • ♨️ Relax in Hakone’s renowned hot spring baths
  • 🗻 Climb iconic Mount Fuji for sunrise views
Chūbu-Sangaku National Park
Northern Alps peaks, snow walls and onsen
8.5
Murodo plateau lies at 2,450 meters along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Trails lead from there to Mikurigaike Pond and the summit of Mount Tateyama. Hikers walk beside deep snowfields that last until midsummer each year. Rare ptarmigan birds sometimes appear on the rocky slopes.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Soak in natural hot springs surrounded by mountain scenery
  • 🏔️ Climb Mount Hotaka or Mount Yari for panoramic views
  • 🥾 Hike through the dramatic alpine landscapes of Kamikōchi Valley
Bhutan
Himalayan monasteries, dzongs and trekking trails
8.5
The Tiger's Nest monastery clings to a cliff about 900 meters above the Paro Valley. The path up takes around two hours. Hikers pass prayer flags and pine forest before reaching a viewpoint across the gorge. Longer treks like Jomolhari lead higher into the Himalayas.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Admire Himalayan panoramas from Dochula Pass’ 108 chortens
  • 🎉 Join a colorful Buddhist festival at Punakha Dzong
  • 🏔️ Hike to the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro
Shikoku
Pilgrimage trail, gorges and hot springs
8.1
The Shikoku pilgrimage links 88 temples on a loop of about 1,200 kilometers. Walkers wear white clothing and carry a staff as pilgrims have for centuries. You can follow forest paths, coastal roads and mountain passes. Local families often offer walkers small gifts of food.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax in Dōgo Onsen, Japan’s oldest hot spring
  • 🌊 Admire the whirlpools of Naruto Strait from the Ōnaruto Bridge
  • ⛩️ Complete the 88 Temple Pilgrimage across Shikoku
Fujikawaguchiko
Lake town with Mount Fuji views and onsen
8.1
Mount Mitsutoge rises above Fujikawaguchiko with a view of Mount Fuji from its ridge. A steady path climbs through dense cedar forest to a small mountain hut. Hikers can rest on the open summit and eat lunch. Lake Kawaguchi shines far below in the morning sun.
Highlights:
  • 🚠 Ride the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for stunning views
  • 🏘️ Explore traditional thatched houses at Iyashi-no-Sato
  • 🏞️ Admire Mount Fuji from scenic Lake Kawaguchiko
Fujiyoshida
Fuji's sacred trailhead with the pagoda view
8.1
The Chureito Pagoda sits at the top of 398 steps above the town. The five story tower frames Mount Fuji in a classic view. Hikers climb through quiet forest and cherry trees to reach it. Autumn maples turn the hillside bright red and gold in November.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax in an onsen while admiring views of Mount Fuji
  • 🎢 Visit Fuji-Q Highland and ride its record-breaking roller coasters
  • 🗻 Photograph Mount Fuji framed by the red Chureito Pagoda
Fuji
Mountain views, paper mills and fresh shirasu
7.7
The Fujinomiya trail is the shortest route up Mount Fuji from the south. It starts high on the mountain at the fifth station. Climbers scramble over volcanic rock and reach the summit at 3,776 meters. Many hikers stay in a mountain hut to catch the sunrise.
Highlights:
  • 🌸 Enjoy plum blossoms and Fuji views in Iwamotoyama Park
  • 🏞️ Take a relaxed walk along the Fuji River
  • 🏮 Explore the historic Tokaido post town of Yoshiwara
Mount Fuji
Japan's highest peak and sacred volcano
The Yoshida trail is the most popular route up Mount Fuji. It begins at the fifth station and climbs to the 3,776 meter summit. Climbers walk mostly at night to reach the crater rim by dawn. The official season runs from early July to early September.
Highlights:
  • 🚣‍♀️ Explore Lake Kawaguchi with stunning views of Mount Fuji
  • 🚠 Take a scenic ride on the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
  • 🌄 Climb to the summit for sunrise views and achievement
Lake Kawaguchi
Mirror-like lake with the best Fuji views
A ropeway lifts visitors above Lake Kawaguchi toward the trails of Mount Tenjo. The short climb leads to an open ridge with a full view of Mount Fuji. Hikers can also find a shrine along the way. The lake below shines in the morning light.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax in an onsen overlooking Mount Fuji
  • 🛶 Cruise across Lake Kawaguchi for mountain views
  • 📸 Capture Mount Fuji’s perfect reflection on the lake
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