Japan’s Hiking Culture (Part 1)

Posted on 06/21/2022 Last updated on 06/21/2022

Top photo: shiro15さん on PhotoAC

Should we embrace the hiking culture in Japan?

From its majestic breathtaking landscapes to its dazzling skyscrapers; from the alluring neon corridors to its enticing cuisine; from the serene shrines and temples to the soothing bamboo forests, one thing is certain: Japan always has so much to offer and explore. And among all the alluring options available, recently I chose hiking as one of my new hobbies to experience the vibrant hiking culture in Japan.

But why hiking?

At the end of the day, living in such a complex and cutting-edge competitive environment, all we crave for a peaceful, happier and a healthier life. And to me, hiking is one of the activities that I believe would further help me to restore my sanity and do justice to my immune system especially in today’s often-harassing atmosphere of Covid-19 and economic uncertainty.

Photo by Anmona Handique

Hiking is not only a fun adventure, but a gratifying way to build relationships with your body and to the outdoor world, spending quality time with nature, mountains and the emerald landscapes. Hiking could be a magical potion for your cardiovascular health such as maintaining balanced blood sugar levels, cholesterol and blood pressure. It also acts as a remedial antidote for building the muscles, bone density, stamina, dealing with day-to-day stress and nourishing the overall mental well-being.

Today, if you browse the internet, you will definitely get a plethora of the benefits of hiking. But the true experience can be felt if and only if you set out on a real trek, and experience the unexperienced parts of nature first-hand.

Not that I was not an outdoor person, because travelling is something I always love to do. But serious hiking was something quite different to an amateur like me. And I would say, the entire concept of hiking indeed differs from a normal walk. Maybe the constant demand for both physical and mental work-outs simultaneously was the reason that made me hesitant about hiking initially. But believe me, these hiking trips have turned out to be one of the most profound experiences of my life so far. Hence, I would like to share every bit of my experience through this blog. But let’s start with my first hike!

As a beginner, here’s a tip!

So, for the initial hike we were three people- me, my better half and a friend of ours- all novice hikers, but all enthusiastic enough to explore our first hiking trail. Being new to the art of hiking, we thought of making our first trek an easier one. Thanks to the numerous & inspiring hiking blogs of Japan with the many helpful tips, we did the research and chose to hike the trail that leads to Kinchakuda and Mount Hiwada nestled in Saitama prefecture.

Not all are aware of this gorgeous location, but it might be more popular among the local residents of Tokyo. This hiking spot was more of a leisurely stroll in the beginning, although towards the end it required some real hiking skill, but not as energy-intensive as others. So, from our experience, I would suggest an easier trek for your first hiking adventure, and this is a pretty good one to go with.

Now, how to commute and what to know before hiking?

Photo by Anmona Handique

Having our home close to Nishi-kasai, we boarded our first train from Nishi-kasai station to Ikebukuro station (around 250 yen). Then from Ikebukuro station we took the Seibu-Ikebukuro line and got off at Hanno Station, taking the limited express that costs around 980 yen. From Ikebukuro station to Hanno, it took us around 45 minutes. Once you get off from the Hanno Station, just take a North exit, take to the main road going by the north direction and get ready to explore the western mountainous region of Saitama prefecture.

Before leaving Hanno station, we bought some food from the convenience store that was located inside the station- we went with some sandwiches, onigiri (Tuna-mayonnaise rice balls), and some juice. Keeping a good stock of food is always essential when you are going for longer hikes, as you will work up an appetite and need an energy boost or two along the way. Then we found some hiking maps in the station. All were printed in Japanese, but Google Maps helped to pick up the slack for our less-fluent group.

By the way, here are some important highlights, before you start the walking trail.

The Altitude of Mount Hiwada: 305 meter

Difficulty level: Easy to slightly difficult towards the end

Time to visit: All time, however spring and autumn is the best

Hiking time: 2.5 to 3 hours

Final Station to get off at: Hanno Station, Saitama

Entering into our first walking trail!

Photo by Anmona Handique

So, it was in the month of May and thankfully the weather was kind to us on that day. It was a quiet neighborhood. The city was brimmed with plenty of sunshine bordering the beautiful houses with small balconies, pretty gardens, and small roadside shops. From a distance we also saw one or two malls amidst the Japanese restaurants housed near the corner of the main roads.

By that time, it was 11 am and yes, we got a little late to start our hike. Before heading into the woods as suggested on the map, we came across a huge “Mac D” and thought of stuffing some burgers as we were already famished travelling all the way from Nishi-kasai. And gradually, with a happily full tummy, we headed towards the woods.

For a novice hiker like me, going into the woods for real did seem a daunting task initially. As we kept walking up the trails deeper and deeper into the woods though, it turned into a truly a unique experience…

Come back for the conclusion this Friday!

Photo Credits:

Top photo: shiro15さん on PhotoAC

All additional photos provided by Anmona Handique, used with permission