Top Trekking Hiking in Japan

I suggest checking the weather beforehand. It can change fast at Fuji, and a clear day makes a huge difference for views and pictures.

Wear good hiking shoes! I learned the hard way that flip-flops are a big no if you want to enjoy the trails without blisters

Start your hike early, like around 6 AM, to avoid the crowds and catch the beautiful sunrise from the trails. Trust me, it's breathtaking!

I suggest using the shuttle bus from Nikko to get to Lake Chuzenji. It's affordable and saves you the hassle of parking. Plus the views along the way are beautiful!

I think it's a good idea to download an offline map before you go. The signal can be spotty once you're up in the mountains, and I got lost a bit trying to find my way back!

My advice is to pack your own lunch and snacks. The restaurants near the base can be pricey and they're not that great. I saved a bunch of yen just by bringing my own food!

I recommend grabbin' a bus pass when you land in Yakushima. It saves you a ton versus single fares, plus the routes hit all the cool spots. I spent too much on individual tickets, learned the hard way!