163 Hikes Later: A Deep Dive into Trail Types and Trends

More Mountains, Less Backtracking

There’s nothing quite like wrapping up a long day on the trail and hopping on a nearby local train or bus for the ride back to the burbs. No need to retrace your steps or worry about where you left the car. In Japan, this often seamless connection between hiking trails and public transport is truly one of the best parts of spending time in the outdoors here.

As I mentioned in a recent post, more than 95% of my hikes in Japan have started and ended with a train or bus ride—a fact that still amazes me. It’s all thanks to Japan’s remarkably efficient and far-reaching public transportation network. This world-class infrastructure has made it possible for me to explore a wide range of trails across the country, from the rugged, remote peaks of the Southern Alps to the quieter backcountry routes around Tokyo.

My Hiking Stats: Breaking Down 163 Adventures

Curious about how my preferences have shaped my hiking habits, I recently analysed all 163 hikes I’ve documented on this blog. The results were eye-opening. Thru-hikes—those point-to-point routes that begin and end at different trailheads—accounted for a hefty 66% of the total, with 108 hikes. Out-and-back hikes (commonly called “ピストン” or piston in Japanese) came in second at 22%, with 36 routes. Loop hikes rounded things out at 12%, with just 19 entries.

Understanding the Trail Types

Before diving into what the data reveals and why it matters, let’s take a moment to break down what each hike type actually involves.

• Out-and-Back (ピストン): A trail that follows a single route to a destination and then retraces the same path back to the starting point. These hikes are often the most straightforward option when time is limited and transportation logistics are tricky.

• Thru-Hike (Point-to-Point): A linear route that starts at one trailhead and ends at another. While these hikes often require a bit more planning—especially when it comes to transport—they offer the best of all worlds, allowing for deeper and more rewarding exploration.

• Loop: A circular trail that begins and ends at the same location without repeating the same path. Loop hikes strike a good balance between convenience and variety, often offering a good mix of scenery along the way.

The Japanese Public Transport Advantage

Japan’s approach to outdoor recreation differs fundamentally from that of many Western countries—such as Australia—where driving is often the only practical way to reach a trailhead. In contrast, Japan boasts an extensive network of trains and buses that reach deep into mountainous regions, with timetables and routes often designed with hikers in mind.

Have you ever finished a challenging trail only to realise you have to retrace every step just to get back to your car? It’s a common experience elsewhere—but one that’s largely avoidable in Japan. Thanks to the country’s superb public transport system, one-way, point-to-point hikes are not only possible but surprisingly easy to plan with a little know-how.

This is further supported by Japan’s excellent mountain hut system. Well-positioned huts along major routes allow hikers to tackle multi-day thru-hikes without the burden of carrying full camping gear—making even demanding traverses more accessible and enjoyable.

Why Thru-Hikes Stand Out

Of all the trail types, thru-hikes are my clear favourite—and the numbers back that up. I’ve completed more overnight hikes on thru-hikes than in any other category: 43 of them, compared to just 12 piston hikes and 7 loops.

So what makes thru-hikes so appealing?

1. Freedom from the Car
Unlike routes that start and finish at the same trailhead, point-to-point hikes don’t require you to circle back to where you began. This is a huge advantage in Japan, where excellent public transportation links trailheads across entire mountain ranges—even in areas that feel remarkably remote.

2. Going Deep into the Mountains
Thru-hikes often feel more natural—you begin at one trailhead and steadily venture deeper into the mountains without the psychological tether of needing to turn back. There’s something deeply satisfying about crossing an entire range or region, knowing that each step is carrying you forward on a true journey.

3. More Scenic Variety
Because you’re not retracing your steps, you’re constantly experiencing new terrain, new views, and new challenges. Many of Japan’s classic multi-day routes—especially in the Northern and Southern Alps—are designed as thru-hikes for exactly this reason.

When Loop and Out-and-Back Make Sense

That said, not every trail lends itself to a thru-hike. Loop hikes strike a comfortable middle ground—they’re more varied than out-and-backs, yet simpler to organise than point-to-point routes. They’re especially well-suited to day hikes, when time is limited or when driving to and from the trailhead.

Out-and-back hikes, while often less exciting due to the repeated scenery, are sometimes the only practical option—especially on less-travelled or dead-end ridgelines such such as Hiraga-take, or when transport connections at the far end are limited or nonexistent. On my Kaikomagatake hike, for example, public transportation wasn’t workable at the trail’s far end, so a piston route was the only realistic choice.

Importantly, all three trail types can support overnight adventures. In fact, 62 of my 163 hikes involved one or more nights on the trail, and every category—thru, loop, and piston—has a healthy share of those.

Essential Tools for Transportation Planning

When planning hikes around Japan using public transportation, a few key tools can make all the difference. These are three of my favourite transit apps, which are especially helpful for syncing your hike with train and bus schedules—and for uncovering those less obvious connections that can open up thru-hiking options.

• Ekispert: A reliable route planner that provides detailed train and highway bus timetables. Great for identifying tight connections and estimating travel times and costs.

• Navitime: Particularly useful for navigating rural or local bus services that might not appear on other platforms.

• Yamareco: While primarily a Japanese mountain-climbing community site, many user-submitted routes include practical access information, such as the nearest train stations and bus stops.

Tips for Planning Thru-Hikes in Japan

• Check Last Bus/Train Times: Rural services can be infrequent, especially in the late afternoon. Always check the final departure time—and have a contingency plan if you miss it.

• Carry Cash: Not all rural buses accept IC cards (like Suica or Pasmo), and ATMs are few and far between in the mountains. Bring a good supply of ¥1,000 notes, as larger bills often aren’t accepted.

• Consider Weather and Season: Some trails are only accessible in summer, and snow can linger on higher routes well into June. Many bus lines also operate seasonally and may stop running in the off-season.

• Learn Basic Transit Vocabulary: A few key Japanese phrases—like “このバスは[trailhead]に行きますか？” (“Does this bus go to [trailhead]?”)—can be enormously helpful, especially in rural areas. Even better, grab a copy of my Hiking Kanji Cheat Sheet!

Why Thru-Hikes Deserve a Closer Look

If you’ve mostly stuck to out-and-back hikes or loops for the sake of convenience, it might be time to give thru-hiking a try. While it takes a bit more planning—particularly around transportation—the rewards make it worthwhile: more varied landscapes and the sense of progress that comes from moving forward instead of doubling back.

In Japan, where public transport reaches remarkably far into remote areas, thru-hikes aren’t just feasible—they’re often the most rewarding way to experience the 山奥 (yamaoku), or remote mountainous areas.

What about you? Do you have a favourite type of hike—loop, out-and-back, or thru-hike? Let me know in the comments.