Guided Hiking Tours Tokyo

Private Guided Hiking Tours in Tokyo & Kanto

Tours are led by David Lowe (Australia) and Stuart Chapman (New Zealand), both long-term Tokyo residents and passionate hikers. Starting in 2025, we’ll also be guiding small groups of up to two people.

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

Benefits of Hiking with a Non-Japanese Guide
Typical Guests
Prices
Example Costs
Planning Flow
Overnight Hikes
Meeting Point
Gear & Equipment
Safety & Insurance
Booking Process
Payment & Cancellations
FAQ
Guests Reviews
Let’s Get Started!

  Benefits of Hiking with a Non-Japanese 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)

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※ Overnight hikes are subject to an additional fee of ¥5,000 per night.
※ The ¥10,000 per day surcharge for Yatsugatake hikes covers extra planning, detailed itinerary preparation, accommodation coordination, and local transportation logistics.
※ Some longer day trips in the Greater Tokyo Area (e.g., Tanigawa-dake, Nantai-san) may have an additional surcharge due to travel time and logistics. We’ll always confirm if a surcharge applies before you book.

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 (based on actual train/bus fare from Tokyo), 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: (Approx. 12 hours hiking over 2 days, 22.5 km total, elevation gain ↗ 1,800 m ↘ 2,350 m)

Day 1: Meet at Seibu-Chichibu Station, take a bus to Mitsumine Shrine, and hike via Kirimogamine. We’ll stay overnight at the Kumotori refuge hut (free), Kumotori Hut, or camp. Expect about 6 hours of hiking, covering roughly 10.5 km.
Day 2: From the hut or campsite, we’ll climb Mt. Kumotori, then continue on to Mt. Nanatsuishi and Nanatsuishi Hut before descending to Kamosawa for the bus back to Okutama Station. Around 6 hours of hiking, 12 km in total.

Mt. Takanosu Route: (Approx. 12 hours hiking over 2 days, 24.9 km total, elevation gain ↗ 1,950 m ↘ 2,100 m)

Day 1: Meet at Okutama Station, catch a bus to Kamosawa, and hike up to Nanatsuishi Hut and Mt. Nanatsuishi. Overnight stay at the Takanosu refuge hut (free) or camping, depending on group size. Expect about 6 hours of hiking, covering around 12.5 km.
Day 2: From the refuge hut, we’ll continue to Mt. Takanosu, pass Mt. Mutsuishi, and finish back at Okutama Station. About 6 hours of hiking, 12 km in total.

Please note: Itineraries may be adjusted based on weather conditions for safety reasons, and hiking times or distances can be tailored to match each hiker’s pace and ability.

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 & 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 & 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

To secure your spot, a non-refundable ¥1,500 booking deposit is required. This deposit will be deducted from your total trip cost and covers the time and effort involved in planning and coordinating the hike.

You can easily pay the deposit through my Ko-fi page: https://ko-fi.com/ridgelineimages

  Payment & Cancellations

Payment: Payments, including transportation fees, must be made via PayPal at least 10 days prior to the hike. A PayPal account is not required to complete the payment.

For those with Japanese bank accounts: To avoid payment fees, you can pay via Japan Post Bank or MUFG Bank. Transfers between accounts at these institutions are fee-free, or can be arranged at the post office without needing an account. Contact us for details if you prefer this method.

Booking Deposit: A non-refundable ¥1,500 deposit is required (see “Booking Process” for details).

• Cancellation by Us: If we need to cancel the trip due to inclement weather, natural disasters, or unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund of the original trip cost.

• Cancellation by You: A cancellation fee applies as follows:
   o 10 or more days before the trip: Full refund (100%)
   o 7–9 days before the trip: 80% refund
   o 3–6 days before the trip: 50% refund
   o Within 48 hours of the trip: No refund

Refunds are calculated based on the original amount you paid (gross amount). Any PayPal or bank processing fees are covered by us, so you will receive the refund amount stated above.

  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.

  Guest Reviews

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  Let’s Get Started!

Ready to hit the trails? Just reach out if you have any questions or are ready to book. I’ll help you plan the perfect hiking adventure around Tokyo and beyond.