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
- 4.8
- (3 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
[Hip-Hop Bus C course] Congratulations! Registered as a world natural heritage site! ! ★Enjoy the rich nature of Yanbaru spread over three Yanbaru villages: Kunigami Village, Higashi Village, and Ogimi Village!・Enjoy hiking in the rich nature of Mt. Oishibayashi, a designated area of Yanbaru National Park.・Walk through Kesatsugi Hirugi Park, one of the largest mangrove forests on the main island♪ ・Yanbaru rail ecology exhibit
Departing from Asahikawa Station! This is a snowshoe hiking tour that uses the Daisetsuzan Kurodake Ropeway to walk around Mt. Kurodake and Kamuy Forest. 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. Use the ropeway to put on your snowshoes and explore the snow-covered winter forest. weather
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
- 4.7
- (9 reviews/testimonials)
``Odashirohara Grass Autumn Leaves'' begins a little earlier than the full-fledged autumn leaves on the trees in Oku-Nikko. This spectacular view, which is still only known to those in the know, is full of various natural charms and secrets. Enjoy the wonderful scenery while listening to commentary from a nature guide at the forefront of the autumn leaves in Oku-Nikko. General vehicles are prohibited from entering this project.
- 4.9
- (14 reviews/testimonials)
※※Emergency addition for September! Enjoy Senjogahara in early autumn♪※※A short and easy hike in Senjogahara in autumn! Autumn starts a little earlier in Senjogahara, which is located at an altitude of about 1,400 meters, than in the flatlands! By walking with a nature guide, you can enjoy the unique atmosphere and nature of the highland more deeply. Home as you walk leisurely along the flat wooden path
- 4.7
- (18 reviews/testimonials)
This is a collaboration hiking project of history and nature that is popular every season! The tip of Hatchodejima is called Teragasaki, and is one of the sacred sites associated with Shodo Shonin, the founder of Nikko. It's on the grounds of Chuzenji Tateki Kannondo, but this time we received special permission to go to Teragasaki! Passing by the shores of Lake Chuzenji, enjoy the spectacular scenery inside Hatchodejima
Recommended hiking experience tours in Kansai
Would you like to take a walk along the ancient pilgrimage route in the forest? The plan is to casually walk for 40 minutes along a beautiful mountain path, then reserve a spot with a spectacular view for yourself to have lunch (local Koyasan cuisine bento). We offer a luxurious time to soak in famous historic sites and spectacular views of nature in a refreshing sacred place, and there are no tough mountain climbing courses. A private shuttle is available at the final point, so you can enjoy the spectacular views.
Just as there are varieties of rice such as ``Koshihikari'' and ``Sasanishiki,'' there are also various varieties of tea. A famous variety is "Yabukita", which accounts for about 75% of the tea produced in Japan. By tasting 100% of the tea varieties as they are, you will be able to feel the distinctive characteristics of Japanese tea and learn more about the depth of the world of Japanese tea! d
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
- (2 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
- 4.1
- (6 reviews/testimonials)
★Product eligible for Okinawa Aya Discovery NEXT (nationwide travel support)★You will need to present your ID (original) on the day of the tour! Up to 20% OFF the travel fee + local coupon (weekdays: 2,000 yen, holidays: 1,000 yen) [Eligible users] Residents of Japan (including residents of Okinawa prefecture) [Requirements for use] 1) Travel with Okinawa as the destination Must be an overnight stay 2) Travel allowance
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.
- 4.8
- (3 reviews/testimonials)
[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.
- 4.8
- (3 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
[Hip-Hop Bus C course] Congratulations! Registered as a world natural heritage site! ! ★Enjoy the rich nature of Yanbaru spread over three Yanbaru villages: Kunigami Village, Higashi Village, and Ogimi Village!・Enjoy hiking in the rich nature of Mt. Oishibayashi, a designated area of Yanbaru National Park.・Walk through Kesatsugi Hirugi Park, one of the largest mangrove forests on the main island♪ ・Yanbaru rail ecology exhibit
Departing from Asahikawa Station! This is a snowshoe hiking tour that uses the Daisetsuzan Kurodake Ropeway to walk around Mt. Kurodake and Kamuy Forest. 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. Use the ropeway to put on your snowshoes and explore the snow-covered winter forest. weather
Can't use a compass? Once you get lost, can you never come out? We will unravel the mysteries surrounding the “Aokigahara Sea of Trees” one by one! We will tell you about the unique formation of the sea of trees, which is closely related to Mt. Fuji, while carefully observing the flora and fauna! The lava cave unique to the sea of trees is an amazing power spot! A nature guide who loves nature takes you to the mysterious forest “Jukai”
This is a tour where you can enjoy the spectacular scenery through the jungle of the World Heritage Site "Iriomote Island". Sometimes we walk in the river or climb up the slope. Before you know it, you'll start to feel comfortable in the varied environment, and you'll be hooked. The event will be held in the Geta River area, which is said to be particularly typical of Iriomote Island, so it is popular with those who want to experience a real jungle.
The 1-day winter nature experience course includes a variety of winter activities, including ``snowshoe hiking,'' ``drift ice walking,'' and ``winter animal watching,'' where you go looking for Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed eagles. Masu. Recommended for those who want to enjoy many things in Shiretoko's winter in one day! ! *Tour details vary depending on drift ice conditions and weather.
- 4.9
- (15 reviews/testimonials)
Let's walk freely through the snowy forest! Let's enjoy the nature that can only be experienced in winter♪ This is an event where you will explore the winter forest of Oku-Nikko equipped with snowshoes. You can choose to enjoy the ultimate snow experience that suits your physical strength and way of enjoying it, whether you want to enjoy it leisurely or actively. Especially popular among beginners and families.
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.
This is a snowshoe trekking where you can walk around the large snowy fields in northern Nagano Prefecture. Although Nabekura Kogen is close to the surrounding ski areas (Nozawa Onsen, Madarao, Togakushi, and Sakaemura), it is truly a different world, with large snowy fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Why not take a break from the ski resort and stretch your legs?
Narita Airport tour (quick turn to Terminal 3)★Single person reservation OK
Narita Airport, which has the largest number of international passengers and international air cargo in Japan, has expanded its B runway to 3,500 m, built a third runway C (3,500 m), and consolidated all three into one terminal. The automation of procedures is evolving at a rapid pace. There are many filming locations for dramas and movies such as ``Last Man'' and ``Ossan's Love -in the sky-'', and there are many seasonal events.
*The contents of this article are current as of November 2023.