There are numerous stunning mountain sites in Japan. This indicates that there are plenty of natural hot springs that are both calming and beneficial, as well as mountain trekking options are plentiful. But which Japanese mountain is the best? Japan has plenty to offer everyone, whether you are an experienced mountaineer or more of a beginner who prefers a simple trek in the countryside. Here are the 21 most beautiful mountains in Japan,
Mountains in Japan
1. Mount Fuji
In Japan, Mount Fuji, which rises to a height of 3776.24 meters, is the tallest mountain and one of the beautiful mountains in the world. It is one of Japan’s three holiest mountains. It has a conical shape and is regarded as Japan’s sacred symbol.
It is one of the famous volcanoes in Japan to climb since it offers the most magnificent scenery thanks to its five lakes, delicious halal food, and the opportunity to take a dip in a natural hot spring. Therefore, if you enjoy climbing and want to feel some excitement, schedule your trip between July and September and do go to this unique location, which will provide you with some truly amazing experiences.
2. Mount Aso
Mt Aso is one of the must-see destinations on the southern island of Kyushu because of the large smoking Nakadake crater and the lush surroundings. You won’t find these sights anywhere else in Japan; they are the boundless grassy plains of Kusasenri and the wonderfully sculpted cone of Komezuka. Your hike will be much more exciting because Mt. Aso is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Because of this, it’s crucial to regularly check the mountain’s official website to see the most recent safety advisories.
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3. Mount Koya
Koyasan, which is located beneath Osaka, is a fantastic place to hike if you’re looking for spirituality along the journey. One of the most significant Buddhist sites in Japan is the temple complex known as Mount Koya, which dates back more than 1200 years.
The Okunoin with its moss-covered lanterns and statues, the Kongobuji with Japan’s largest rock garden, the Danjo Garan temple complex with the well-known red pagoda, and the imposing main gate Daimon are among the highlights of your walk. From 7 p.m. on, if you don’t mind the dark, you can go on a guided night walk. Many people also spend the night in one of the temple accommodations.
4. Kamikochi
Kamikochi is a true hiker’s paradise located in Nagano Prefecture. Between late April and mid-November, any hiker, from the absolute novice to the actual expert, can find a trail to their taste. A high mountain backdrop is present in the secluded highland valley of Kamikochi, which is home to alpine plants and animals.
The shortest and easiest trip takes just 1.5 hours and passes through the well-known Taisho Pond and Kappabashi Bridge. However, you may also go on day hikes or even overnight excursions where you camp out. Kamikochi is at its busiest during the autumn foliage season when tens of thousands of hikers pour into the valley around October to witness the landscape explode in the season’s warm hues.
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5. Mount Takao
The second finest peak to climb after Mount Fuji is Mount Takao, which is also the location that draws the most climbers. In the midst of the bustle of Tokyo’s metropolitan city, it offers you tranquility and a serene outlook. Since it is only 599 meters above sea level, it is close to the metropolis. In addition to giving you the chance to sample gourmet cuisine, it also offers you the most subtle picturesque vistas. You’ll receive various views from the mountain’s four distinct vantage points. Visit the location if you want to taste authentic Japanese food and have a subtle experience.
Image Source: Wikimedia
6. Mount Ishizuchi
You must travel to Ehime prefecture in Shikoku, Japan’s fourth-largest island, to access the ridgetop paths of Mt. Ishizuchi. It is the highest peak in Japan’s western region, rising to a height of 2000 meters. The mountain range that Mt. Ishizuchi is a part of offers a series of peaks along a short trail rather than a single summit as the destination of your journey.
The Ishizuchi peak, which offers breathtaking panoramas of the entire region, including the towns of Shikoku and the Pacific Ocean, is the most well-known mountain on the range. Because they are so common, broad-leaf bamboo leaves give the area a highly green appearance. There are numerous routes accessible to walkers of all skill levels, including one with chain assistance for those looking for a challenge.
7. Mount Kirishima
The Kirishima Mountains are a range of active volcanoes located in the southernmost part of Kyushu. The area is covered in woods and wildflowers due to the fertile volcanic soil, and the tectonic action has produced stunning cobalt-blue craters and crater lakes.
It is not surprising that this region served as the basis for a number of mythical tales, the most famous of which is the one about the origin of Japan. The region is accessible all year round, but spring, when the vibrant azaleas blossom, is when it is most stunning. The Kirishima Ridge Trail, which is 12 kilometers long and takes around 6 hours to complete, is one of the top hiking routes.
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8. Mount Tate
As previously mentioned, Mt. Tateyama in Toyama Prefecture is Japan’s third holiest peak. The Tateyama mountain range is a popular destination for tourists, especially in the summer when many people want to cool off. Many tourists visit the Kurobe Dam and Murodo’s magnificent Tateyama Snow Corridor while also hiking in the vicinity.
The Midagahara Wetlands in the vicinity offer a quick and easy stroll that is suitable for families, and they feature wooden boardwalks to make your journey easier. Starting at Tateyama Murodo, you can cross Mt. Tate’s three summits for a strenuous walk that includes an overnight stay.
9. Mount Mitake
This is another of Japan’s best mountains that is close to Tokyo. It can be reached by rail in 90 minutes, but there are also cable cars that can take you there faster. Dog lovers can visit the lovely Musashi Mitake shrine, which offers visitors a variety of items for their pets. The main tourist attractions are the shrine, the beautiful scenery, and the authentic Japanese food.
Also Read: Top 10 Natural Wonders Of The World
Image Source: Guilhem Vellut
10. Mount Kita
One of the most popular mountains in Japan to climb if you are a beginner and would like to climb a mountain other than Mount Fuji is Mount Kita. It rises to a height of 3193 meters in the Yamanashi Prefecture. It is second in height to climb and is conveniently accessible from Kofu City.
It can be accessed in a variety of ways, offering a variety of unusual vistas. Some of these routes include a strenuous climb from Kasuberi, walking through the Kanazawa snow valley, and climbing up rock ridges. The Migimita Course, with its unique vista and numerous flower meadows, is ideal for beginners.
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11. Mount Hotaka
Mount Hotaka also known as Mount Hotakadake is one of the famous Japanese mountains reaching upto a height of 3,190 m (10,466 ft). The mountain range is situated in the Japans hide mountains and all its major peaks except Mount Maehotaka lies on the borders of the cities such as Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, and Takayama, Gifu Prefecture.
The mountain is a part of Chūbu-Sangaku National Park and combines the peaks of Okuhotaka, Karasawa, Kitahotaka, Maehotaka, and Nishihotaka are known as Hotaka Mountains. The tallest mountain in both Nagano and Gifu prefectures is Mount Okuhotaka.
Image Source: Wikimedia
12. Mount Yari
Mount Yari is one of the most beautiful mountains in Japan elevated at a height of 3,180 meters. The mountain peak lies in the southern part of Japan(Northern Alps). The headwater of Japan’s longest Shinano River starts here as the Azusa River. The mountain is also a part of the Chūbu-Sangaku National Park and the name comes because of its shape that looks like a spear thrust into the sky. It is also known as the Matterhorn of Japan. This is one of the most popular Japanese peaks for hikers during the hiking season and the most infamous ridge is Kitakama.
13. Mount Warusawa
Mount Warusawa also known as Mount Higashi is a mountain situated in the Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is elevated at the height of 3,141 meters (10,305 ft) and located in the southern part of the Akaishi Mountains which is also known as the Southern alps of Japan. Mount Warusawa is a part of Minami Alps National Park. The mountain is also known as “Higashi-dake” or “Azuma-dake” and it is very difficult to climb, however, most of the climbers rise a part of Arakawa Three mountains namely, Mt. Higashi-dake, Mt. Naka-dake, and Mt. Mae-dake. Mount Warusawa is also referred to as the leader of the Southern Japan Alps.
Image Source: Wikimedia
14. Mount Akaishi
Mount Akaishi is one of the famous peaks of Japan and lies in the Akaishi Mountains. The mountain is situated on the border of Shizuoka and Nagano Prefectures of central Honshū, Japan. The authorities included the Minami Alps National Park on 1st June 1964. This Is the 7th tallest peak in Japan and 4th tallest peak of the Akaishi Mountains. The first recorded climber of Mount Akaishi was Haruki Nashiba and Masaaki Terasawa of the Japanese Home Ministry in the year 1879.
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15. Mount Ontake
Mount Ontake also known as Mount Kiso Ontake is the 14th-highest mountain in Japan and the second-highest volcano in Japan followed by Mount Fuji lies at an elevation of 3,067 m. This is also included in the List of most famous Japanese mountains. The mountain is located around 100 km northeast of Nagoya and approximately 20 km west of Tokyo. This mountain is also one of the popular hiking destinations, however, it was closed after the 2014 eruption but reopened in 2018.
“Masaaki Churei, a former official at the Japan Meteorological Agency who is familiar with the links between earthquakes and volcanoes, said: “When a huge earthquake occurs off the Sanriku coastline, volcanoes that have remained dormant tend to erupt two or three years after the earthquake. It’s possible the Great East Japan Earthquake instigated the eruption of Mount Ontake.”
Image Source: Wikimedia
16. Mount Shiomi
Mount Shiomi is one of the most beautiful mountains in Japan located in the center of the Akaishi Mountains−Southern Alps and comes under Minami Alps National Park, Japan. The mountain is situated on the border of Shizuoka and Nagano Prefectures. It is at an elevation of 3,047 m tall and is also listed as the tallest mountain and hill in Japan. There is an amazing mountaineering route from a ridge in Akaishi Mountains. The best time for hiking this mountain can be from mid-July to late August when the bus to the trailhead is running.
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17. Mount Haku
Mount Haku also known as Mount Hakusan is a stratovolcano in Japan. The mountain is located on the borders of Gifu and Ishikawa, on the island of Honshu. It is belied that it was active between 300,000 to 400,000 years ago and the most recent eruption occurred in 1659. This is also one of the three holy mountains in Japan along with Mount Tate and Mount Fuji.
Image Source: Wikimedia
18. Mount Asahi-Dake
Asahi-dake is one of the most famous mountains in Japan situated near the town of Higashikawa, Hokkaido, and the tallest mountain on the Japanese island of Hokkaido. The mountain is a part of the Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group of the Ishikari Mountains which is located near the Daisetsuzan National Park. The mountain is popular with hikers in the summer and can be easily reached from Asahidake Onsen via Asahidake Ropeway. During the winter season, the mountain is open for skiers and snowboarders.
Image Source: Wikimedia
19. Mount Aino
Mount Aino is also known as Ainodake situated in the Minami Alps National Park, Japan. The hieght of the mountain is 3,190 m (10,466 ft) and it is the third tallest peak in Japan and second in the Akaishi Mountains. The mountain is surrounded by most of the Shiranesanzan, abounds with alpine plants, and the neighborhood is dominated by rocks where few plants can survive.
Image Source: Wikimedia
20. Mount Norikura
Mount Norikura is one of the tallest peaks in the Northern Alps situated at a hieght of 3026 meters along the border between Nagano and Gifu Prefectures. It is also listed among Japan’s 100 famous mountains, Mount Norikuradake is the southernmost and third tallest major peak of the Northern Japan Alps. This is a popular hiking destination, and an easy mountain to climb thanks to buses running almost as far as the summit.
Image Source: Wikimedia
21. Mount Yufu
Mount Yufu is situated at a hieght of 1,583.3 m located at a hieght on the border of Yufu and Beppu, Ōita, Japan. The volcano is located within Aso Kujū National Park. This is a stratovolcano and has two peaks, called ‘Higashi-mine’ (East Peak) and ‘Nishi-mine’ (West Peak). Nishi-mine is about one meter higher than Higashi-M. The most popular route starts from the Yufu Tozanguchi Bus Stop of Kamenoi Bus.
Image Source: Wikimedia
These are the 21 most beautiful mountains in Japan. Kindly share and do post your comments.
