When the neon lights and packed train stations of Tokyo start to feel overwhelming, nature is never far away. Within an hour or two from the city center, you’ll find misty forests, mountain temples, rushing waterfalls and sweeping summit views. Whether you’re a casual stroller or a seasoned trekker, these day hikes near Tokyo offer a perfect escape into nature and all can be done without booking a hotel or lugging heavy gear.
Here’s your go-to guide for the best hiking spots near Tokyo that deliver fresh air, epic scenery and a soul-refreshing change of pace, all in a day.
1. Mount Takao
If you’re short on time but big on nature, Mount Takao is the ultimate go-to. Just 50 minutes from Shinjuku Station, this hike has something for everyone, paved trails for casual walkers, steeper paths for adventure seekers and even a cable car for those who just want the views. At the top, enjoy a panoramic view of Tokyo and on clear days, even Mount Fuji.
🧡 Don’t miss: Yakuo-in Temple on the mountain and the steaming tengu-shaped manju buns sold at the summit.
2. Mount Mitake
Located in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, Mount Mitake offers a dreamy blend of culture and nature. After a cable car ride (or a forest hike if you’re feeling strong), you’ll reach the atmospheric Musashi Mitake Shrine, perched high above the world. The mossy trails that stretch beyond the shrine lead through cedar forests, rock gardens and even waterfalls.
🧡 Don’t miss: The Rock Garden trail and Ayahiro Falls are peaceful, powerful and photogenic.
3. Mount Tsukuba
Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Mount Tsukuba is famous for its dual peaks – Nyotai-san (female) and Nantai-san (male). This mountain is less crowded than Takao but just as rewarding. The hike takes you through lush forest paths, over rocky outcrops and finally to jaw-dropping views from both summits. Bonus: the shrine at the base is steeped in mythology and offers a serene start to your journey.
🧡 Don’t miss: Climbing up one peak and down the other to complete the full loop experience.
4. Mount Nokogiri
An adventure with serious drama, Mount Nokogiri in Chiba Prefecture combines history, spirituality and insane cliffside views. The hike takes you through ancient stone staircases, deep forests and up to Jigoku Nozoki (“Hell Peek Point”) a jaw-dropping rock platform hanging over the valley below. This spot is also home to one of Japan’s largest stone Buddhas, carved into the rock face.
🧡 Don’t miss: The moment you step onto Jigoku Nozoki, it’ll give you goosebumps (and an unforgettable photo).
5. Mount Oyama
Nestled in Kanagawa, Mount Oyama offers a hike that blends forest serenity with cultural depth. The trail passes by the beautiful Oyama-dera Temple, misty cedar forests and charming teahouses. It’s especially magical in the fall when the maples catch fire with color. The summit offers expansive views over Sagami Bay and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.
🧡 Don’t miss: Visiting Oyama Afuri Shrine mid-hike, it’s built into the cliffside and absolutely breathtaking.
6. Mount Jinba
Less touristy than Takao but still relatively easy to access, Mount Jinba offers a more peaceful hike through tranquil woodland trails. It’s part of the longer Tanzawa Mountain range, but perfect for a day trip. The summit boasts an open space with a statue of a white horse and yes, you can see Fuji from here too.
🧡 Don’t miss: Packing a lunch to enjoy picnic-style at the summit, with 360° views all around.
7. Hatonosu Valley
If you want something more relaxed and don’t care about summits, Hatonosu Valley in Okutama is pure magic. The riverside trail winds through towering gorges, over hanging bridges and past sparkling waterfalls. It’s one of the most scenic, lesser-known nature escapes from Tokyo, ideal for summer days when you want the sound of rushing water instead of city traffic.
🧡 Don’t miss: The bridge views over the emerald Tama River, they’re stunning in every season.
8. Kamakura Daibutsu Hiking Course
This trail combines hiking with history. The Daibutsu Course in Kamakura (just over an hour from Tokyo) weaves through quiet bamboo forests and leads to the iconic Great Buddha statue. Along the way, you’ll pass serene temples, local shrines and viewpoints over the bay. It’s a unique coastal hike that mixes sea breeze with spiritual energy.
🧡 Don’t miss: The atmospheric Zeniarai Benzaiten shrine, where locals wash coins in sacred water for good luck.
Tips for Tokyo Hiking Day Trips
- Start early: Many of these hikes are 1 – 2 hours away. Morning trains = more trail time.
- Bring yen cash: Small shrines and mountain shops don’t take cards.
- Check weather forecasts: Mountain trails can change drastically with rain or fog.
- Wear layers: Tokyo may be warm, but summits can get chilly, even in spring.
- Pack snacks + water: Vending machines aren’t guaranteed past the base of the mountain.
- Avoid Golden Week & peak holidays: If you want peace, go on a weekday or shoulder season.
Final Thoughts
Tokyo may be a megacity, but step just beyond its neon edges and you’ll find scenic hikes, spiritual sanctuaries and natural beauty that rivals the Alps. Whether you’re climbing cliffs, chasing waterfalls, or strolling through cedar-lined paths, these day hikes near Tokyo prove that adventure is always just a train ride away.
So, lace up your boots, grab your Suica card and let the trail lead the way.
