The Quirky Side of Japanese Hiking Culture

Contrary to its image, Japan offers more than just Geisha streets, fish markets, and neon lights. In fact, mountains cover 70% of its landmass, with almost 13,000 named peaks. Japan is essentially a bunch of volcanic islands poking out of the ocean.

Mountains deeply affect the country's climate, geography, history, religion, and culture dating back millennia. They provide serene nature, stunning vistas, and the only wilderness areas void of people. Excluding the mountains from your itinerary risks missing a crucial aspect of Japan.

It follows that hiking is a popular pastime. Indeed, I believe it is one of the best ways to see the "real" Japan, whatever that is. From day hikes easily accessible to big cities, rigorous technical climbing in the Japanese Alps, gentle trails through villages or forests, and extended long trails like the Nakasendo and Kumano Kodo, Japan has options for every schedule and ability level.

While tourist spots become increasingly overcrowded, Japan's mountains offer uncharted terrain for international visitors. Here are a few guidelines, tips, and quirks about Japan's hiking culture to help you along the way.

*A local hiker trekking carefully on uneven ground. (©Daniel Moore)*

Etiquette

Follow standard hiking etiquette when visiting Japan. When passing people going the other way, prioritize ascending hikers unless they are tired and signal you to go first. Leave no trace, meaning bring home whatever you take. Few garbage cans exist in public areas in Japan, particularly in the mountains, so take all rubbish down.

Picking wild vegetables, called Sansai, is another popular mountain pastime. While foraging is allowed in some areas, ask a Japanese person to confirm. Swimming in public lakes, rivers, or waterfalls is uncommon in Japan, so follow the people around you for cues.

The Commitment

Hobbies in Japan are not casual pastimes or lackadaisical affairs. You choose a hobby and stick to it — typically for life. Fellow enthusiasts become your tribe, and the terminology of the hobby becomes a lingua franca.

Hiking is no exception. Japanese walkers who commit to the sport spend most non-working days chasing peaks. A common goal is the completion of the Hyakumeizan or Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. That doesn't mean that you can't be a casual hiker or climb as a tourist in Japan, though. The mountains belong to everyone.

Saying Hello

Japanese hikers being passionate doesn't mean they are unfriendly. In fact, the trail where talking to strangers is normal, even encouraged. Try talking to someone on a Tokyo subway — you will encounter bewilderment.

Things are different on the mountain. Almost every time I hike, I get into interesting conversations with fellow enthusiasts. Being friendly is part of the culture. At the very least, you know you have a common hobby as an icebreaker, and people are curious about other hikers. Their English ability could be questionable, but that's part of the adventure.

The Uniform

Committing to the sport also means purchasing every piece of hiking equipment available before stepping on a trail. The Japanese phrase "katachi kara hairu" or "dress the part" aptly describes the Japanese philosophy. Local hikers look prepared for a Montbell magazine photo shoot at any moment. Shorts are never an option, no matter how hellish the weather is. Clothing might even increase with temperature to prevent sunburn, especially for women.

And the most essential equipment is a portable camp stove for boiling water at the summit. You are not a true Japanese hiker unless you eat instant noodles while looking down on the world. Why not just bring hot water in a thermos? I don't know, but I think preparing a meal on the mountain is part of the ritual, increasing the sense of accomplishment.

*A hiking trail on Kurumayama in Nagano Prefecture. (©Daniel Moore)*

Bear Bells

Bear bells are a ubiquitous sight and sound in Japanese mountains. According to research, bear bells are largely ineffective because bears don't know they are supposed to run away. It seems this news hasn't reached many Japanese hikers.

I must admit bias here because bear bells are my hiking pet peeve. The constant dinging ruins the pristine surroundings I sought by visiting the mountains in the first place. I joke that I would rather be eaten by the bear than have to listen to those bear bells all day. Maybe that's an exaggeration, but honestly, I will not hike with someone who wears bell bells — it's that irritating.

Mountain Huts

Staying in mountain huts is another popular way to enjoy Japan's mountains, especially on extended walks or in remote areas. While the rest of Japan is meticulously clean and the toilets spotless, do not expect the same standard in mountain huts. They are atop a mountain, meaning everything must be carried in or out.

*Breakfast at a mountain hut. (©Daniel Moore)*

The dormitory sleeping arrangements are cramped and stuffy, and people start tinkering with gear around 4:00 am. Breakfast is typically served around 5:00 to 6:00 am.

Booking a mountain hut is also challenging because many require a phone reservation, usually in Japanese. If you have a guide or Japanese friend to reserve it, staying in a mountain hut offers a fantastic way to extend your time in the mountains without bringing camping gear.

Although the food is simple, having a hot meal and a warm room at the end of the day makes a massive difference. The sunrises, sunsets, and "Unkai" or sea of clouds phenomenon visible from mountain huts are unrivaled. It's also another chance to converse with locals about the trail or chit-chat and try your Japanese language skills.

*Unkai ("sea of clouds") seen from a mountaintop. (©Daniel Moore)*

Tozan Todoke

Many mountains have a hiking report sheet at the base of the mountain to keep hikers safe. Fill one out or tell a friend where you are going so that in case rescue is needed, rescuers have more information about your whereabouts.

Again, these sheets are only in Japanese, so ideally, have a guide or Japanese friend fill them out, but you can also fill in the information in English.

Apps

Yamap is by far the most utilized trail app in Japan. A play on words using Yama (mountain) and map, it has information on almost every trail in Japan. Unfortunately, most of the information is only available in Japanese. Other trail apps like AllTrails and Komoot feature some information on Japanese trails. Still, in my experience, they are not as thorough as Yamap.

Knowing the Rules

Hiking is the best way to explore new sides of Japanese culture, marvel at Japan's natural beauty, exercise, and escape the crowds. Furthermore, you do not have to follow the cultural expectations of passionate Japanese hikers. For example, I always wear shorts and never make instant noodles. However, knowing some basic information will help you along the way if you want to immerse yourself in the culture. Happy trails, and stay safe.