Book Guided Hiking Tours in Tokyo and Beyond
Currently, private guided hiking tours in Tokyo and the Kanto region are led by principal guide David Lowe (Australia) and Stuart Chapman (New Zealand). In 2025, we’ll be expanding beyond individual tours to accommodate groups of two. Please see the brief bios below to learn more about us.
David Lowe at Mt. Hiragatake, Niigata Prefecture.
David Lowe (Australia)
David has lived in Tokyo for nearly 20 years and regularly explores the surrounding mountains. His passion for hiking began in his youth through Scouts and outdoor education in Melbourne. He first experienced hiking in Japan in the early 2000s while living in Hyogo, including a climb of Mt. Fuji. Since settling in Tokyo, he has documented his mountain adventures on his long-running hiking blog, RIDGELINEIMAGES.com. David now offers fully customised private hiking tours, tailored to each guest’s interests, fitness, and experience level.
Stuart Chapman at Mt. Shirayanomaru, Yamanashi Prefecture.
Stuart Chapman (New Zealand)
Stuart has lived in Japan for over 30 years and has been actively hiking in the mountains around Tokyo and Yamanashi since 2015. His trekking journey began in New Zealand on school outings, and he later discovered the trails of Western Tokyo, especially Mt. Mitake and Mt. Mito. Since then, he has explored all the major peaks in Okutama, including a memorable full-day trek from Mt. Kumotori to Okutama Station via the Ishione ridge. Stuart hikes regularly on weekdays, taking advantage of the quieter trails and the opportunity to reset both mentally and physically.
Contents
Why Not a Japanese Tour Guide?
Typical Guests
Prices
Example Costs
Planning Flow
Overnight Hikes
Meeting Point
Gear and Equipment
Safety and Insurance
Booking Process
Payment and Cancellation Policy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Let’s Get Started!
Why Not a Japanese Tour Guide?
While it might seem like a more convenient option, booking a Japanese tour guide isn’t always the best choice for overseas visitors. Although English-speaking Japanese hiking guides are highly capable and knowledgeable, non-Japanese guides often bring a deeper understanding of the unique challenges that foreign hikers face in Japan. For example, Japanese guides may not think to provide resources like my Hiking Kanji Cheat Sheet, which helps with reading signs and maps on the trail, or to explain the nuances of navigating trailhead buses—details that are second nature to locals but often confusing for visitors.
Non-Japanese guides also tend to be more aware of the cultural differences in hiking etiquette, gear expectations, and trail safety norms. They can bridge the gap between Japanese hiking culture and your own, offering insights that make the experience more accessible, enjoyable, and stress-free. In short, it’s not just about the hike—it’s about making sure you feel prepared, informed, and at ease every step of the way.
Typical Guests
We typically cater to two types of guests:
• Experienced hikers new to Japan – Those with solid hiking experience abroad who want to get acquainted with Japan’s unique hiking culture. This includes learning how to read local trail maps and signage, understanding cultural etiquette, taking proper wildlife precautions, staying safe on the trails, and building confidence before setting out independently.
• Returning hikers seeking a challenge – Those who have previously hiked in Japan and are now looking for a greater challenge—or who simply want to skip the hassle of planning and leave the planning and navigation to someone else.
Prices
Hike pricing depends on the area and the day you choose — here’s a simple breakdown.
| Region | Day Type | Price (per group) |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Tokyo Area | Weekdays | ¥44,000 |
| Greater Tokyo Area | Weekends & Public Holidays | ¥49,000 |
| Yatsugatake | Weekdays | ¥54,000 (includes +¥10,000) |
| Yatsugatake | Weekends & Public Holidays | ¥59,000 (includes +¥10,000) |
※ Overnight hikes are subject to an additional fee of ¥5,000 per night.
※ The ¥10,000 per day surcharge for hikes in the Yatsugatake Mountains covers extra planning, detailed itinerary preparation, accommodation coordination, and local transportation logistics.
All prices are fixed and apply to groups of 1 to 2 people.
Please note that public transportation costs, any necessary taxi fares, the guide’s transportation expenses (at actual cost), and the guide’s hut or camping fees are not included.
Example Costs
• Day hike in Okutama on a Saturday: ¥49,000 (+ train fare for guide and participants).
• Two-day hike in Okutama (one overnight stay in a mountain hut): ¥44,000 × 2 days + ¥5,000 overnight = ¥93,000 (+ train fare and hut costs).
• Day hike in Yatsugatake on a weekday: ¥54,000 (+ transport costs and any hut/camping fees if applicable).
• Two-day hike in Yatsugatake (weekend, with camping): ¥59,000 × 2 days + ¥5,000 overnight = ¥123,000 (+ transport and camping fees).
Planning Flow
After your initial inquiry, we will recommend a selection of mountains tailored to your skill level, interests, experience, and schedule. If you have specific suggestions (excluding Mt. Fuji), we’ll be happy to assess their feasibility. Please note that during the off-season (December to March), some bus services may be unavailable, which could limit certain options.
Overnight Hikes
Some mountains are best climbed over two or more days due to time constraints, with Mt. Kumotori-Tokyo’s highest mountain-being a prime example. In such cases, options include staying in a mountain hut, camping, or using a refuge hut. Whatever option you choose, we’ll adjust the itinerary accordingly.
For the Mt. Kumotori area, two popular itineraries are:
Mt. Kumotori Route: (In total—12hrs / 22.5 km / cumulative gain ↗ 1,800 m ↘ 2,350 m)
Day 1: Meet at Seibu-Chichibu Station, catch a bus to Mitsumine Shrine, hike via Kirimogamine, and stay overnight at the Kumotori refuge hut (free), Kumotori Hut, or camp. 6hrs / 10.6 km
Day 2: From the Kumotori Hut or refuge hut, hike to Mt. Kumotori, continue to Mt. Nanatsuishi and Nanatsuishi Hut, then descend to Kamosawa and take the bus back to Okutama Station. 6hrs / 11.9 km
Mt. Takanosu Route: (In total—12hrs / 24.9 km / cumulative gain ↗ 1,950 m ↘ 2,100 m)
Day 1: Meet at Okutama Station, catch a bus to Kamosawa, hike to Nanatsuishi Hut, continue to Mt. Nanatsuishi, and stay overnight at the Takanosu refuge hut (free) or, potentially, in a tent depending on the group size. 6hrs / 12.6 km
Day 2: From Takanosu refuge hut, hike to Mt. Takanosu, continue to Mt. Mutsuishi, and finish at Okutama Station. 6hrs / 12.3 km
Please note: Itineraries may be adjusted based on weather conditions for safety reasons.
Typical Accommodation Costs (Separate from Guiding Fee):
• Sudomari (basic lodging): ¥8,000 per night (no meals)
• Full Board (lodging with dinner & breakfast): ¥12,000 per night
• Camping: ¥2,000 per night (no meals)
• Refuge Huts: Free basic shelter available in some locations
Meeting Point
Our meeting point will typically be a designated station, from where we’ll take a bus together to the trailhead. In some cases, we may begin hiking directly from the station or, if necessary, take a taxi to reach the trailhead. We can also recommend convenient transport hubs or hiking bases to stay at during your trip to Japan.
Gear and Equipment
Well before your hike, we will provide a detailed list of the necessary gear and equipment to bring. For overnight stays in a refuge hut, the bare minimum includes a sleeping bag and a sleeping mat. We also carry a one-person tent, which can be used at some refuge hut locations; in other areas, you will need to bring your own tent. In some cases, we can lend smaller items such as trekking poles.
Short-term equipment rentals are available through Yamarent, (English available) a highly recommended service in Japan. Yamarent offers a wide range of hiking and climbing gear, from boots and waterproof clothing to sleeping bags and tents. They provide delivery to hotels and other places of stay, as well as in-person pick-up and return at their Shinjuku shop in Tokyo. Orders should be placed at least 5 days in advance, and rentals over ¥10,000 qualify for free nationwide shipping.
Safety and Insurance
• Travel Insurance: we highly recommend obtaining a policy from a provider such as World Nomads or Insured Nomads. Their policies typically cover overseas medical expenses, some protection for personal belongings, and mountain accident insurance.
• Emergency Preparedness: For emergency purposes, we carry a Cocoheli transmitter, an emergency tracking device specifically designed for mountain rescue operations. We also use a Garmin GPSMAP 67 handheld GPS navigator or similar device to ensure accurate navigation and enhance safety during the hike.
Booking Process
After our initial contact, you can secure your spot by purchasing 3 Ko-fi’s (¥1,500) through my Ko-fi page: https://ko-fi.com/ridgelineimages. This deposit confirms your booking, helps cover the time and effort involved in planning and coordinating the hike, and will be deducted from the total cost of the trip.
Payment and Cancellation Policy
Payment: Payment, including transportation fees, must be made via PayPal at least one week prior to the hike. A PayPal account is not required to complete the payment. Please note that PayPal charges a 3.5% fee for processing credit card payments.
For those with Japanese bank accounts: To avoid payment fees, you can make a payment via Japan Post Bank or MUFG Bank, as internal transfers between accounts at these institutions are fee-free. Transfers can also be arranged at the post office without needing an account. If you’d prefer to pay via bank transfer, please contact us for the necessary details.
• Cancellation by Us: If we need to cancel the hike due to inclement weather, natural disasters, or unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund.
• Cancellation by You: A cancellation fee may apply as follows:
o 7 days or more before the trip: A full refund, minus any PayPal or bank transaction fees.
o 3–6 days before: 25% of the fee
o 48 hours before: 50% of the fee
o Within 24 hours of the trip: 100% of the fee
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need prior hiking experience to join?
No prior hiking experience is necessary. We’ll recommend hikes suited to your ability level, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or seasoned hiker. We’ll also provide advice on gear and preparation to ensure you’re ready for the trail.
What fitness level do I need?
A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, especially for hikes with significant elevation gain. We’ll tailor the itinerary to your ability and experience—from easy walks to challenging overnight treks.
Can I join as a solo hiker?
Yes! We welcome solo hikers, and our guiding service is designed around private tours, meaning you’ll get personal attention and a trip tailored specifically to you. In 2025, we’re also expanding to guide small groups of two people.
How long are the hikes?
Most of our day hikes range from 4 to 8 hours of walking time, depending on the mountain and route. We’ll recommend options that match your fitness level and preferred pace.
Do I need to carry all my own gear?
Yes, you’ll need to carry your own personal gear and water. For overnight hikes, we’ll advise on pack weight and can suggest rental options if you don’t have suitable equipment.
Can I hike if I don’t speak Japanese?
Yes! All guiding and communication are in English, and we’ll help with any necessary Japanese (transport, huts, trail signs, etc.) along the way.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety always comes first. If the forecast shows unsafe conditions (heavy rain, typhoons, strong winds), we may suggest an alternative hike, postpone the trip, or cancel if necessary. If we cancel due to weather, you’ll receive a full refund.
What should I bring with me?
After booking, we’ll send a detailed gear checklist based on the hike we’re planning. Essentials typically include sturdy hiking boots or shoes, appropriate clothing layers, a rain jacket, and a backpack. For overnight hikes, you’ll also need sleeping equipment, but rental options are available if needed.
Are meals included in the price?
Meals are not included. For overnight hikes, mountain huts often offer meal options, or we can plan to bring our own food. We’ll advise based on your itinerary.
Is Mt. Fuji included in the available hikes?
No, we do not offer guided trips to Mt. Fuji. However, there are many beautiful and less-crowded alternatives nearby that offer equally rewarding experiences.
— Tony (Singapore)
— Lena (USA)
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Let’s Get Started!
If you’re interested in booking a guided hike — or if you still have any questions — feel free to reach out. We’re happy to help you plan the perfect hiking adventure around Tokyo and beyond.