What is hiking? Introducing must-see information for beginners, such as what to wear, what to bring, and how it differs from trekking!
On this page, we will introduce the great outdoor leisure staple " hiking (Hiking) ” Special feature!
Clothes, things to bring, differences from trekking, mountain climbing, or walking, etc. Thorough introduction of information for hiking beginners To do.
In addition, we will focus on the Kanto area including Tokyo and Kanagawa. Check out popular experience tours across Japan Let's do it.
What is hiking?
First of all" hiking What? We will review the basic knowledge of hiking for beginners.
What is hiking? Outdoor sports that you can enjoy while walking through nature such as mountains and forests and the scenery of unknown lands. It is a general term for.
Also, for the purpose of observing nature at night. ``Night tours'' and ``snow hikes'' in snowy areas are also sometimes called ``hiking.'' Masu.
Depending on the purpose and course, it may also be called walking, which is a full-fledged You can enjoy it with lighter clothing compared to trekking and mountain climbing. That's what makes it so appealing.
In addition to being expected to be effective in maintaining health and resolving lack of exercise, immersing yourself in nature also has the benefit of relieving daily stress. there is.
Ranking of popular hiking experience tours nationwide
- 4.7
- (43 reviews and experiences)
The bus route from Akanuma to the final stop, Senjugahama, is perfect, and at night it's truly an animal paradise! Let's secretly observe the wild night where nocturnal animals such as sika deer hide. If you shine a flashlight on it, the eyes of the animals will sparkle! In this area, the chance of encountering deer is particularly high from April to May and from October to November as they migrate to their wintering spots.
- 5.0
- (12 reviews and experiences)
[Hiking the sea in Onna Village] You can enjoy the sea even if you can't swim. You don't even need a swimsuit for this tour. You can easily participate even if you wear casual clothes or bring children. We will guide you to an uninhabited island that you can walk across only during low tide! The uninhabited island floating in the beautiful sea of Onna Village is deep, and you can walk through shallow water that is about knee-high for adults while enjoying encounters with various creatures.
[Recommended points] ▼Registered as a World Natural Heritage Site▼Enjoy the rich nature of Yanbaru, which spreads across the two Yanbaru villages of Kunigami Village and Ogimi Village! All stopover facilities include admission fees♪Let's go to Yanbaru! A course to enjoy Yanbaru National Park's nature, touring the rail forest and Daisekirinzan★Enjoy hiking in the rich nature of Daisekirinzan, an area designated as Yanbaru National Park.
Difference between hiking and trekking/climbing
" hiking What is the difference between trekking and trekking? "or" What is the difference between mountain climbing and hiking? I think there are many people who have questions such as:
As mentioned above, the appeal of hiking is that in many cases Easy to enjoy with light clothing There is a particular thing.
Courses with fewer ups and downs have become mainstream compared to trekking and mountain climbing. The purpose is to walk a certain distance as an extension of sightseeing or walking. is.
Therefore, in many cases there is no need for equipment such as trekking boots or special wear. You can also enjoy it with casual clothes such as sneakers is.
on the other hand, The line between hiking and trekking or hiking and mountain climbing is blurred However, the name may change depending on the course or tour.
Appropriate clothing for hiking
Next, hiking Clothes suitable for enjoying I would like to introduce you to
I mentioned earlier that you can enjoy hiking in your casual clothes, but it goes without saying. The basics are clothes that are easy to move in and don't mind getting dirty. It becomes.
for example, It is best to refrain from wearing high-heeled shoes or skirts. Probably.
Also, it is easy to put on and take off in case of sudden changes in weather or temperature. It is also essential to wear layers and prepare rain gear. is.
The list below is an example of clothing suitable for hiking.
List of clothing suitable for hiking
- sneakers/trekking shoes
- quick drying innerwear
- long sleeve tops
- long pants
- Rainwear (waterproof/windproof jackets, etc.)
- hat
- sunglasses
- Such
T-shirts, etc. to be worn when trekking For innerwear, it is recommended to use quick-drying synthetic fibers regardless of the season. It has been.
As a basic equipment, it is used regardless of the season, considering safety aspects such as preventing injury and protecting yourself from pests. Wearing long sleeves and long pants is recommended. (No skirts allowed)
Also, to protect yourself from the sun. Hats, sunglasses, and rainwear made from waterproof and windproof materials in case of sudden rain and wind. is also a required item.
Things you need for hiking
Continuing with “ hiking List of items needed for ”.
What you should bring will vary depending on where you go hiking, but The basic idea is to carry it in a rucksack (backpack) so that both hands are free. is.
List of items needed for hiking
- rucksack (backpack)
- Change of clothes
- gloves (work gloves)
- towel
- Water bottle
- behavioral food
- Plastic bag
- Health insurance card
- emergency medical equipment
- whistle
- Such
For example, when enjoying a hike in an outdoor field such as a mountain or forest, Change of clothes, towels etc. A mobile phone is required.
You can also put it in a water bottle or plastic bottle. Action food that you can easily eat when you are hungry or have a drink Make sure to carry it with you.
If you would like to participate in a trial tour accompanied by an instructor, Check out recommended items from the shop Let's prepare.
Recommended spots for hiking
" hiking Where should I do it? "or" Where are the famous hiking spots? I think there are many people who are looking for recommended hiking courses such as ``.
From here on, we will introduce " Recommended spots for hiking ” We will introduce the trial tour plan.
Recommended hiking experience tours in Kanto
This is a walking tour in Tokigawa Town, Saitama Prefecture. For those who like walking, those who like nature, and those who want to be healed by nature. Individuals are also welcome. We will guide you while walking along the sidewalk with little difference in height while looking at the scenery such as the mountains and streams of Tokigawa Town. For lunch, you can eat udon and soba noodles made with locally sourced ingredients. ~Flow of the day~10:00 Meeting time base
- 4.8
- (21 reviews/testimonials)
This is an easy, short hike to a place where you can see the spectacular view of Senjogahara! A nature guide will tell you all about the charms of nature and living creatures that you won't notice just by walking. Use your five senses to feel the nature and enjoy Senjogahara in early spring. It's a leisurely walk on a flat boardwalk, so it's safe for families with children. Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025.
- 4.8
- (20 reviews/testimonials)
Let's go hiking in the spectacular scenery of Lake Chuzenji while seeing, feeling and thinking about the rise of Oku-Nikko from both sides, natural and human history. Chuzenji Tachiki Kannon, located on the shore of Lake Chuzenji, is a temple built by Shodo Shonin, the founder of Nikko. In addition to this temple, there are many places associated with the monk scattered all over Lake Chuzenji, including Haccho Dejima, which is a hot topic every year for its spectacular autumn leaves.
Recommended hiking experience tours in Kansai
Recommended hiking experience tours in Hokkaido
[Hokkaido/Iburi] Day hike with a professional guide in Mt. Date Monbetsu<初心者OK>
- 4.5
- (1 review/experience)
Departing from and arriving at Sapporo Station! This is a one-day hiking tour of Mt. Date Monbetsu, located to the east of Date City. As you pass through the gentle forest and reach the ridgeline, the view opens up. From there, walk along the ridge with a nice view! If you have a good view from the top, you can see Funka Bay below. You can see Mt. Usu, Mt. Yotei, and Mt. Komagatake. After descending the mountain, it's time to take a hot spring in the neighborhood. Professional guide explains various points of mountain walking
[Hokkaido/Niseko] Niseko Annupuri hiking tour with a professional guide
- 5.0
- (3 reviews/testimonials)
Departing from and arriving at Sapporo Station! This is a one-day hiking tour that takes you to Niseko Annupuri, the main peak of the Niseko Mountain Range, which is counted as one of Japan's 300 famous mountains. First, we will climb through the Betula birch forest. The view opens up from Cairn 930. The view from the top of the mountain is outstanding! In front of you is Mt. Yotei. You can see beautifully from the Niseko Mountain Range to the Sea of Japan. After descending the mountain, it's time to take a hot spring in the neighborhood. pro guide
[Hokkaido/Sorachi] Uryu Marshland tour with a professional guide
- 5.0
- (1 review/experience)
Departing from and arriving at Sapporo Station! This is a one-day hiking tour that takes you through Uryunuma, a high-rise wetland called the Oze of the North. As you cross the varied mountain trail, what awaits you is a paradise of flowers! You can relax and enjoy nature while enjoying the colorful flowers. Along the way, you can see the mighty flowing Hakuryu Falls. In autumn, the wetland glows golden yellow with the changing leaves of the grass. Ta
Recommended hiking experience tours in Okinawa
Part 2 of the series on enjoying the city! This program is held in and around Sueyoshi Park, located in Shuri, Naha City, close to the monorail station. The park is full of lush forests, so you can enjoy a short hike. Would you like to enjoy Shuri while experiencing history and nature? The journey takes approximately 120 minutes.
- 5.0
- (12 reviews and experiences)
[Hiking the sea in Onna Village] You can enjoy the sea even if you can't swim. You don't even need a swimsuit for this tour. You can easily participate even if you wear casual clothes or bring children. We will guide you to an uninhabited island that you can walk across only during low tide! The uninhabited island floating in the beautiful sea of Onna Village is deep, and you can walk through shallow water that is about knee-high for adults while enjoying encounters with various creatures.
National hiking experience tour popularity ranking
Finally, based on Activity Japan's latest reservation data, Nationwide hiking Experience tour popularity ranking ” will be introduced.
Please refer to the tour contents and fees (prices), as well as reviews and word-of-mouth testimonials, to help you compare and choose a plan.
- 4.7
- (43 reviews and experiences)
The bus route from Akanuma to the final stop, Senjugahama, is perfect, and at night it's truly an animal paradise! Let's secretly observe the wild night where nocturnal animals such as sika deer hide. If you shine a flashlight on it, the eyes of the animals will sparkle! In this area, the chance of encountering deer is particularly high from April to May and from October to November as they migrate to their wintering spots.
- 5.0
- (12 reviews and experiences)
[Hiking the sea in Onna Village] You can enjoy the sea even if you can't swim. You don't even need a swimsuit for this tour. You can easily participate even if you wear casual clothes or bring children. We will guide you to an uninhabited island that you can walk across only during low tide! The uninhabited island floating in the beautiful sea of Onna Village is deep, and you can walk through shallow water that is about knee-high for adults while enjoying encounters with various creatures.
[Recommended points] ▼Registered as a World Natural Heritage Site▼Enjoy the rich nature of Yanbaru, which spreads across the two Yanbaru villages of Kunigami Village and Ogimi Village! All stopover facilities include admission fees♪Let's go to Yanbaru! A course to enjoy Yanbaru National Park's nature, touring the rail forest and Daisekirinzan★Enjoy hiking in the rich nature of Daisekirinzan, an area designated as Yanbaru National Park.
The tour will be conducted with a minimum of 3 people. Please note that if only one person applies by the day of the tour, the tour will be automatically cancelled. We will enjoy hiking with everyone who has gathered while looking at the flowers. We will choose either the Momoiwa Observatory Course or the Rebun Forest Path Course, depending on the best conditions on the day. We will meet in front of the Tourist Information Center in the Kafuka Ferry Terminal and board the bus.
- 2.5
- (2 reviews/testimonials)
This is a self-guided tour using an e-bike. This is the lightest and easiest course to take, starting from the Nikko Natural History Museum and visiting cafes, cultural facilities, and scenic spots along the shores of Lake Chuzenji. First, we toured the British Embassy Villa and the Italian Embassy Villa, then cycled along the shores of Lake Chuzenji, and visited Coffee House Yukon, the cafe at the Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel, and across the street.
[Fukuoka/Chikushino] Wildflower walk and outdoor cooking
- 5.0
- (1 review/experience)
Wildflower walk according to the season! This is a 60-minute nature walk in the beautiful Satoyama area where you can experience nature with all five senses and pick edible wildflowers while hiking through the beautiful Satoyama area. Nearby are Yamagami Dam, Lake Tenbai, Chikushino City General Park, Mt. Tenbai, and a stream where you can play in the stream. If you need it, we can also give you advice on how to spend your afternoon. seasonal wildflowers
- 4.8
- (21 reviews/testimonials)
This is an easy, short hike to a place where you can see the spectacular view of Senjogahara! A nature guide will tell you all about the charms of nature and living creatures that you won't notice just by walking. Use your five senses to feel the nature and enjoy Senjogahara in early spring. It's a leisurely walk on a flat boardwalk, so it's safe for families with children. Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025.
- 4.9
- (5 reviews/testimonials)
Departing from Asahikawa Station! This is a snowshoe hiking tour that takes you around Mt. Asahidake from Daisetsuzan Ropeway Sugatami Station. A professional guide will give you various lectures on the key points of winter mountain hiking. This tour is recommended for those who want to make their snowshoeing debut. After arriving at Sugatami Station using the ropeway, put on your snowshoes and take a walk through the vast, pure white snowfield. The weather is
Kirifuri Plateau, located in Nikko National Park at an altitude of approximately 1400m! Cold water flowing from the Kirifuri Plateau, which is rich in nature! ! And three unique waterfalls! ! Chojiga Falls, Tamadare Falls, and Makkura Falls. This is a waterfall-filled hiking plan that takes you around the three waterfalls of "Minus Ion Bashi Bashi"! Get close enough to the waterfall to be within reach of the water spray, bathe in plenty of negative ions, and soak in the scent of the forest.
Enjoy the nature, history, and delicious local specialties of Yasutomi Town on a cycling tour departing from Yasutomi, Himeji City! The tour includes hiking and a visit to the historic Yasushi Inari Shrine while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Shikaga Tsubo. During the cycling tour, you can enjoy a tunnel bathing experience and lunch at the popular local spot "Tomisu no Sato".
*The contents of this article are current as of November 2023.
