Looking to go on an outdoor adventure this weekend? Here’s a guide to some of the best hiking spots near Tokyo. 

Japan has some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world. But you wouldn’t know it if you spent all of your time in a dense, crowded city like Tokyo. As thrilling as the city is, sometimes you just need to go on an adventure that reconnects you to the lovely flora and fauna Mother Earth has to offer. Lucky for Tokyoites, there are plenty of wonderful places to go hiking just outside of the city. You don’t need to save up your vacation days for a multi-day excursion into the mountains just to enjoy some greenery. You can get out of the city and into the woods in a few short hours or less. What are you waiting for? Put on your hiking boots and set off on one of these amazing hikes! 

Mount Tsukuba

Japan’s science city has more than robots and technology companies to offer. The twin peaks of Mount Tsukuba make for a fairly easy, but occasionally challenging hike. If you’re into urban exploring and haikyo, there’s an old amusement park at the base of the mountain. Since Mount Tsukuba is quite steep, it’s common for hiking novices to climb up and take the ropeway down. But don’t rush down the mountain too fast! Enjoy the restaurants and shops at the peak. There is also a rock formation shaped like a frog’s mouth at the peak that you should toss a stone into for good luck. To get to Mount Tsukuba, take the Tsukuba Express to Tsukuba Station. Buses headed for the mountain depart from the station every hour. 

Mount Mitake

Mount Mitake is one of the most beautiful places in Tokyo Prefecture. Located in the Okutama region, the mountain is home to a variety of plants and animals. During the spring, Mount Mikate is a popular destination for viewing cherry blossoms. It is part of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, a park that spans across the Tokyo, Saitama, Nagano, and Yamanashi Prefectures.

Like most mountains in Japan, there is a shrine at the peak of Mount Mitake. The Musashi Mitake Shrine offers gorgeous views of both the surrounding mountains and Tokyo’s skyscrapers. It has been a site of worship for decades, but even if you aren’t interested in religion, the views alone are a good enough reason to visit. To get to the mountain, you’ll want to take the JR Chuo line from Tokyo and transfer to the JR Omoe line. Get off at Mitake Station for a day filled with the goodness of nature. 

Kinchakuda

If you want to go on a stroll through nature, rather than an energy-intensive hike, Kinchakuda is your best bet. The hiking course only takes 2-3 hours to complete. However, it does become slightly more challenging at the end. Even though Kinchakuda is the easiest hike on our list, it’s far from the least beautiful. There are gorgeous flowers that bloom along the trail, and you’ll even be able to spot some ponies at the end. To get there, take the Seibu-Ikebukuro Line from Ikebukuro Station and get off at Hanno Station. 

Mount Takao

This hike is very popular with tourists, so it might be best to visit during the offseason. It’s clear why this location is so popular – there are a variety of hiking trails to suit different levels, a monkey park, a shrine, and waterfalls! If you’re looking for an easy hike, we recommend the Omotesando trail, which consists of wide, paved walkways.

But if you want to see the beautiful waterfalls that call Mount Takao home, you should hike the Biwa Waterfall trail. Like the Omotesando trail, it is easily accessible and beginner-friendly. To get to Mount Takao, take the Keio Line Special Express to Takaosanguchi Station. The Mountain is a 5-minute walk from the station. 

Ten-en Hiking Course

For a lesser-known hike through a bamboo forest, hit up the Ten-en Hiking Trails. This hiking course is part of the Kamakura Wildlife Protection Area and connects two temples. As you hike, you’ll be able to see tomb caves known as “yagura”. In addition, you’ll get to see stunning views of the mountains and the ocean. The Ten-en hiking course is particularly nice in the autumn when the leaves change color. To get to the trails, take the Yokosuka Line or Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Kamakura Station. Then, take the Number 4 bus departing from the station until you reach the Kamakura-gu Bus Stop.