100 Famous Japanese Mountains
The 100 Famous Japanese Mountains or "hyakumeizan" (日本百名山) are a list of 100 mountains picked by mountaineer Kyuya Fukada. These hundred mountains are very popular among Japanese hikers, and generally have good public transport access and well-maintained trails. I wouldn't say that these are necessarily the "100 best mountains in Japan" but for any hiker living in Japan, this is the list to check off. I've also included a map, as well as some filter options below if there's a specific type of hike you're looking for.
Like many other hikers in Japan, it's my goal to compelete the hyakumeizan. To-date I've climbed 66 of them! This page is still a work-in-progress, as it mostly contains the mountains I've already climbed. I'd love to hear from you if you have any questions or feedback via the comments section at the bottom of this page.
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When to climb July - October
One of Japan's Hundred Famous Mountains located in the Southern Alps. Features a unique sandy summit and can be done as a day hike or as part of a 2-day trip with Mt Senjo.
When to climb July - October
Known as the Queen of the Southern Alps. With a round-trip course time of 7 hours, it's one of the more accessible mountains in the Southern Alps. Can be done as a day hike or as an overnight hike with a stay at a mountain hut.
When to climb mid-July - early October
Japan's second tallest mountain, located in the Southern Alps. Mt Kita can be climbed as a 10-hour day hike, or as a 2-day hike with an overnight stay at a mountain hut. Optionally, can be climbed together with the neighbouring Mt Aino.
When to climb Late June to late October
A quick 3 hour hike with ropeway and chairlift access. Especially beautiful during autumn. Can done as an (expensive) day trip from Tokyo via shinkansen.
When to climb Early July - end of October
I hiked Mt Hiuchi and Mt Myoko together as a 2-day hike, but they can be done as separate 9-hour day hikes. Especially popular in autumn.
When to climb mid-July to beginning of October
A 3-day hut-to-hut hike through the North Alps, climbing Mt Kurobegoro and Mt Yari via the Nishi-Ginza Diamond course.
When to climb Mid-June - Oct
Some steep climbs but a reasonable 6.5 hour day hike. The final portion is a ridgeline walk with lots of alpine flowers in summer with views out to the Sea of Japan.
When to climb June - October
A Hundred Famous Mountain in Niigata also famous with photographers for its unique waterfall clouds, which can be viewed at sunrise.
When to climb June - October
A day hike from the popular Kamikochi. The 13km course via Kamikochi takes 7.5 hours, or there's a shorter 5-hour course from Shinnaka-no-yu trailhead.
When to climb June - October
A hyakumeizan straddling Gunma and Niigata prefectures, with a long ridgeline walk near the summit once you escape the forest. Expect a long 8 - 9hr day hike, with opportunities to spot nikko-kisuge flowers if you come in mid-July.
When to climb July - early October
One of Japan's Hundred Famous Mountains in the North Alps, relatively accessible with a 4-hour drive from Tokyo. Can be done as a long day hike (10-11 hours) or overnight at the mountain hut.
When to climb May - mid-November
Unfortunately has a reputation as one of the most "boring" of the Hundred Famous Mountains due to lack of views, but it's not as bad as its reputation suggests.
When to climb Mid-June - October
A beautiful hike in Nikko National Park with varied scenery and plenty of ridgeline walking.
When to climb May - November
A steep climb, but possible as a day hike from Tokyo. Located in Nikko National Park. Has a rather interesting 3.5m sword at the summit.
When to climb June - October
One of the 3 major peaks in Oze National Park, with great views of the Oze Marsh. Can be combined as a 2-day hike with the neighbouring Mt Shibutsu.
When to climb July - August
As the most famous mountain in Japan, it needs no introduction. Either come via an overnight bus for a "day" hike, or spend the night in a mountain hut.
When to climb May - October
One of the easiest hyakumeizans, most popular for its yellow Nikko Kisuge flowers which bloom in July.
When to climb Late May - mid-October
The highest peak in the Yatsugatake mountain range. Possible as a "day" hike from Tokyo if you don't mind taking an overnight bus. Otherwise expect a night's stay in a tent or mountain hut.
When to climb May - November
A straightforward beginner-friendly loop course, with good bus access. Particularly popular in May for its pink azaleas. You can also visit the nearby Akagi Shrine.
When to climb July - October
One of the 3 major peaks in Oze National Park, with great views of the Oze Marsh. Can be combined as a 2-day hike with the neighbouring Mt Hiuchigatake.
When to climb June - November
A still-active volcano that last erupted in 2014. Can pair with Mt Norikura or Mt Kiso-komagatake for a weekend trip.
When to climb mid-April - early November
Day trip accessible via Shinkansen and local train to Doai station, the deepest train station in all of Japan. Very popular in autumn.
When to climb mid-April - end of November
Nara 1/2. Quite an easy mountain, and has public transport access but not the greatest (I drove). Pair together with Mt Omine.
When to climb July - October
Hokkaido 4/9. One of the longer Hokkaido hikes. With public transport, will need to spend the night near the start of the trail at a hut or hotel, or camp near the peak in the middle of bear country.
When to climb April to November
Kyushu 3/6. A still-active volcano which frequently gets closed off, so check before you go.
When to climb late July - late September
Part of the Northern Alps. Can be combined with Mt Suisho as part of a 3 (or 4) day hike.
When to climb March - May, July - August
The tallest mountain in Kyushu, on the island of Yakushima. We did a 3-day hike staying at unmanned huts on the trail.
When to climb April - December
The highest mountain in Tokyo. The standard 20km course is overnight and the trail is long, but if you're fast a day hike is possible.
When to climb Mid-April - December
Short course, easily accessible from Tokyo, and great views of Mt Fuji if you are lucky.
When to climb April - May, October - December
The course is long at 18km, but well-maintained with lots of stairs and rest huts, and easy access from Tokyo. Can split it up into an overnight hike with a stay at one of the huts.
Shikoku 1/2. Access via Matsuyama airport or Shinkansen. Accounting for travel time, may need up to 4 days to climb both Shikoku mountains if you are coming from Tokyo.
Oze National Park 3/3. 4 hour drive from Tokyo or overnight train. Can pair with the other Oze hikes or also with the Nikko hikes.
The easiest mountain in the Northern Alps, and home of the highest bus stop in Japan. Can pair with Mt Ontake or Kamikochi / Mt Yake for a weekend trip.
Nara 2/2. Will need to make it into an overnight hike (mountain hut available) if you want to take public transport, but possible as a day hike via car.
Hokkaido 2/9. In Daisetsuzan National Park. Tallest mountain in Hokkaido, but also with the best public transport access.
Hokkaido 3/9. The course is not too long, with stunning views into the crater's yellow lake. Unfortunately no public transport access.
Hokkaido 1/9. Has a stream-climbing portion for the adventurous, but also an alternate course. Unfortunately will require car or taxi to the trailhead.
Kyushu 5/6. The second-lowest elevation hyakumeizan, climbable for many months of the year.
Most popularly climbed as a snow hike in the winter, in which case there is public transport access and the course time is shortened to 3.5 hours. The 6.5h summer course does have a portion of chain-climbing over a steep rock-face.
A gorgeous introduction to the Chuo Alps, with the highest ropeway station in Japan. The closest you can get 3000m on a day trip hike from Tokyo.
A bit on the harder side as a day trip, with a 3.5 hour drive from Tokyo, but the course was easier than I expected as the elevation gain is not too steep. Taking public transport will require you to spend the night at the mountain hut.
Can do as a very expensive day trip via Shinkasen access to Yamagata station. Is right next to the popular Zao Onsen town.
The only hyakumeizan in Fukui. The nearest mountains you could drive to are Mt Ibuki, Mt Ena and Mt Haku, although none of them are that close.
Day trip access (albeit expensive) via Shinkansen to Maibara station. As of 2024, the main hiking trail is closed. Instead you can drive (or take a bus in the summer season) to right near the peak.
Kyushu 1/6. If you had to skip one of the Kyushu hyakumeizan, it would have to be this one. Public transport access will take the course time up to 7.5h.
This one's all one its own in Tottori prefecture. You'll probably take a plane to Tottori airport, climb this one and then fly back home.
Stunning scenery if you like volcanoes. Courses vary from 1.5h to 6.5h depending on if you use the ropeway.
No public transport access, but quite a short hike so doable if you have a car. The summit is a huge field of rocks.
The bus timings are a bit dicey, so it might be better as an overnight hike if you want to take your time. But I found it to be quite doable as a daytrip with public transport. Since it's low-elevation you can climb it earlier than other hyakumeizans.
Is one of the rare few hyakumeizans near the ocean, although its views aren't too great due to the tree cover. With its low elevation, can be climbed in the off-season.
Although the course distance is short, it is deceptively hard as there are some steep climbs. Can be combined with the nearby Mt Kinpu as an overnight camping trip.
Fukushima 1/3. Accessible as an expensive day hike from Tokyo thanks to the Shinkansen. Recommending pairing with another Fukushima mountain. Very popular in the autumn season.
Day trip accessible via Shinkansen to Ueda station and then a local bus. Course can be as short as 3.5h by car, but with public transport expect it to take 7 - 8 hours. The best part of this hike is seeing the neighbouring peak of Mt Neko.
The lowest elevation mountain in the hyakumeizan, and a good beginner-friendly intro. Standard course is 4h.
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