10 Best Things To Do In Japan – The Ultimate Guide For Outdoor

ByEric James Updated on

Planning a trip to Japan and feeling a bit lost in the sea of city tours and temple guides? You see the photos of neon-lit streets and crowded shrines, but your heart is calling for something wilder—for mountain trails, ancient forests, and the quiet satisfaction of a self-sufficient journey.

I promise you, this is not another generic travel list. We’re cutting through the noise to deliver a practical, adventure-focused guide built for the OutwardLab community. This is about experiencing Japan’s untamed soul, far from the tourist throngs.

In this comprehensive 10 best things to do in japan guide, you’ll discover epic multi-day hikes, remote island camping spots, and practical tips for exploring the country’s incredible natural landscapes. We’ll cover everything from essential gear to navigating local customs so you can explore with confidence.

Before You Go: Essential Gear and Planning for a Japanese Adventure

Success in any outdoor endeavor starts with smart preparation. Japan is incredibly safe and organized, but its wilderness demands respect and the right gear. Tackling these adventures requires a bit more than your average daypack.

One of the common problems with 10 best things to do in japan for first-timers is underestimating the terrain and weather. Japanese mountains are steep, and conditions can change in an instant, even in summer. Layering is your best friend.

Your Core Gear Checklist:

  • Waterproof Layers: A high-quality rain jacket (like an Arc’teryx Beta AR) and waterproof pants are non-negotiable. Japan’s climate can be very wet.
  • Sturdy Footwear: Choose waterproof hiking boots with excellent ankle support, such as the Salomon Quest 4 GTX, especially for trails like the Kumano Kodo or Mount Fuji.
  • Navigation Tools: While phone GPS is great, always carry a physical map and a reliable compass. A GPS device like a Garmin inReach Mini is a great investment for remote areas with no cell service.
  • Portable Power: A durable power bank is crucial for keeping your devices charged on multi-day treks or when camping off-grid.
  • Cash (Yen): Many mountain huts, rural shops, and local bus services do not accept credit cards. Always carry enough cash for your planned route, plus extra for emergencies.

The OutwardLab List: Our Top 10 Best Things to Do in Japan for Adventurers

Forget the standard tourist trail. This list is crafted for those who want to earn their views, connect with nature, and experience Japan in a more profound, self-reliant way. Here are our picks for the 10 best things to do in japan if you love the great outdoors.

1. Hike the Ancient Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail

This network of UNESCO World Heritage trails crisscrosses the mountainous Kii Peninsula. For centuries, emperors and samurai walked these paths to reach the three grand shrines. It’s a spiritual journey through dense cedar forests, past tiny villages, and over stunning mountain passes.

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Pro-Tip: Book your guesthouses (minshuku) along the trail months in advance, especially during peak season. The Nakahechi route is the most popular and well-supported for first-timers.

2. Summit Mount Fuji for a Life-Changing Sunrise

Climbing Japan’s iconic volcano is a rite of passage. The official season runs from July to early September, when the trails are snow-free and the mountain huts are open. The climb is challenging but accessible to anyone with good fitness.

The real magic is timing your ascent to reach the summit for goraiko, the sunrise. You’ll need a powerful headlamp like the Petzl Actik Core and warm layers, as summit temperatures are often below freezing, even in August.

3. Explore the Primeval Forests of Yakushima Island

A short flight or a long ferry ride from the mainland, Yakushima feels like a land forgotten by time. Its ancient cedar forests, draped in moss, inspired the film Princess Mononoke. This is a hiker’s paradise, with trails ranging from easy day walks to multi-day, challenging treks into the island’s rugged interior.

This is one of the best examples of eco-friendly 10 best things to do in japan, as the island is fiercely protected. Stick to the trails and pack out everything you pack in.

4. Go Off-Grid in a Campervan Through Hokkaido

For the ultimate freedom, rent a campervan (or “camper car”) and explore Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido. In summer, you’ll find vast fields of flowers and stunning national parks like Daisetsuzan. In winter, it’s a world-class powder skiing destination.

Hokkaido has a fantastic network of michi-no-eki (roadside stations) that often allow free overnight parking for self-contained vehicles, making it a budget-friendly way to explore.

5. Hike and Camp in the Japanese Alps

The Northern Japan Alps offer some of the country’s most dramatic and challenging mountain scenery. The Kamikochi area is a stunning, accessible gateway. From here, you can tackle multi-day treks like the Yarigatake-Hotakadake traverse.

This is serious alpine terrain. Be prepared for steep ascents, exposure, and rapidly changing weather. You’ll need a sturdy tent like the MSR Hubba Hubba and a warm sleeping bag.

6. Cycle the Shimanami Kaido

This 70-kilometer cycling route connects Japan’s main island of Honshu with the island of Shikoku, hopping across six smaller islands via a series of spectacular bridges. The dedicated bike path is well-marked and mostly separate from traffic, making it a safe and scenic adventure.

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You can rent high-quality bikes at one end and drop them off at the other. Take two days to do it at a relaxed pace, staying overnight in a guesthouse on one of the islands.

7. Kayak and Wild Camp in the Ogasawara Islands

A 24-hour ferry ride from Tokyo, this remote archipelago is known as the “Galapagos of the Orient” for its unique flora and fauna. The only way to truly experience its pristine beaches and turquoise waters is by sea kayak.

This is a true off-grid adventure. You’ll need to be self-sufficient with your food, water filtration system (like a Sawyer Squeeze), and camping gear. Permits are required for camping, so plan ahead.

8. Experience Authentic Onsen Culture

After days on the trail, there is no greater reward than an onsen (natural hot spring). The benefits of 10 best things to do in japan like this are immense; it’s the ultimate muscle recovery tool. Skip the touristy city spas and seek out a remote, rustic onsen in the mountains, like Takaragawa Onsen in Gunma or Nyuto Onsen in Akita.

Remember to follow proper onsen etiquette: wash thoroughly before entering the baths, and no swimsuits are allowed.

9. Discover the “Snow Monsters” of Mount Zao

In the heart of winter, the trees on Mount Zao in the Tohoku region become encrusted with thick layers of snow and ice, creating surreal, monster-like shapes called juhyo. You can take a ropeway up to see them or, for the more adventurous, go snowshoeing or backcountry skiing among them.

This requires proper winter gear and knowledge of avalanche safety. If you’re new to winter trekking, consider hiring a local guide.

10. Canoe Through the Kushiro Wetlands

Explore Japan’s largest wetland, Kushiro Shitsugen National Park in Hokkaido, by canoe. This is the best way to quietly observe the park’s famous red-crowned cranes, deer, and other wildlife without disturbing them. Guided tours offer a safe and informative way to navigate the winding river.

A Guide to Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Travel in Japan

Part of being a responsible adventurer is leaving a place better than you found it. Practicing sustainable 10 best things to do in japan is not just good for the environment; it’s a way of showing respect to the local culture, which deeply values cleanliness and nature.

Best Practices for the Trail:

  • Leave No Trace: This is paramount. Pack out everything, including food scraps. Unlike in some Western countries, burying organic waste is frowned upon.
  • Stay on the Path: Japanese trails are carefully maintained to prevent erosion. Cutting switchbacks or wandering off-trail can cause significant damage, especially in fragile alpine environments.
  • Support Local: When you pass through small villages, buy supplies from local shops and stay in family-run guesthouses. Your spending makes a huge difference to these rural communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Adventures in Japan

Is it safe to hike and camp solo in Japan?

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and this extends to its trails. Solo hiking and camping are common. However, the main dangers are from the environment—weather, terrain, and wildlife (primarily bears in certain areas). Always leave your itinerary with someone, carry a personal locator beacon, and know your limits.

Do I need to speak Japanese to explore rural areas?

While it’s incredibly helpful, it’s not strictly necessary. Key phrases like “Konnichiwa” (hello), “Arigato” (thank you), and “Sumimasen” (excuse me/sorry) go a long way. Use translation apps like Google Translate with the camera function to read signs and menus. People are generally very helpful and will try to understand you.

What about wild animals, like bears?

Yes, there are bears in Japan (Ussuri brown bears in Hokkaido and Asiatic black bears elsewhere). When hiking in bear country, make noise by talking or wearing a bear bell. Never store food in your tent. Most hikers are well-aware and respectful, and encounters are rare.

Exploring Japan’s wild places is an unforgettable experience that offers a completely different perspective on this incredible country. By preparing properly, respecting the environment, and embracing the spirit of adventure, you’ll go far beyond just traveling—you’ll connect with the land and yourself in a new way.

Now, get your gear ready, plan your route, and go explore. Japan’s mountains are waiting.

Eric James
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