Unspoken Rules of the Japanese Trail
The first time I climbed Mt. Fuji—my first real hike in Japan—I was struck by two things: the endless zigzags up a volcano of loose rock, and the chorus of greetings—“ganbatte!”, “konnichiwa!”, and the occasional “osaki ni”—that echoed up and down the trail. Virtually every hiker, whether heading up or down, offered a friendly word or nod. Coming from Australia, where trails are usually met with a silent nod or, at most, a casual “g’day” on a bushwalk, this was something entirely new.
Over time, I came to realise that these greetings weren’t just a quirk of Fuji’s popularity—they were part of a wider and deeply ingrained trail culture in Japan. While some aspects of Japanese hiking are clearly marked out in guidebooks or trail signage, others are unspoken. Yet they shape the mountain experience just as much as a good pair of boots or a detailed topographic map. These unspoken rules often stem from deep-seated cultural values and a shared understanding of respect for nature and fellow hikers.
Here’s a look at some of the unspoken rules of hiking in Japan—and why they matter.
Greeting Fellow Hikers
Saying “konnichiwa” to those you pass on the trail is more than just being friendly—it’s a quiet recognition that you’re sharing the same path. It’s most common between mid-morning and late afternoon, though a cheerful “ohayō gozaimasu” often starts the day early on the slopes. On steeper trails, you might hear a quick “ganbatte!”—a classic encouragement meaning “hang in there” or “you’ve got this.” On the odd occasion a greeting goes unanswered, it can feel a little jarring.
In a country where interpersonal harmony (wa) is culturally significant, even a brief exchange carries weight. You’re not just greeting someone—you’re acknowledging their presence and effort. And if, heaven forbid, you run into trouble later on, having built even a little goodwill with those fellow hikers might make it easier to ask for help. Additionally, these greetings serve a deeper purpose beyond social courtesy: they create a subtle but critical safety network, allowing hikers to mentally note those they pass—observing clothing, equipment, and general condition—which becomes invaluable information if someone goes missing or needs assistance.
“Osaki ni” – Letting Others Pass Gracefully
Another phrase you’ll hear is “osaki ni”—a humble and polite way of saying “excuse me, I’ll go ahead.” It’s typically used when overtaking on the trail, often followed by a soft thank you. It’s also common to give right-of-way to those climbing uphill when possible. If there’s enough space to step aside, most hikers will do so without hesitation. On narrow trails, Japanese hiking etiquette encourages stepping to the mountain side rather than the valley side when letting others pass. This helps prevent accidental slips or falls, which can be especially hazardous on steeper trails. There’s no race to the summit—just a shared understanding that effort should be respected.
Keep the Noise Down
Japan’s mountains are generally quiet—not just because of their remoteness, but because hikers make a conscious effort to avoid unnecessary noise. Portable speakers are rare, though now and then you’ll still come across an old-timer with a radio blaring from the back of their pack. Even conversations are typically kept to a manageable level. The main exception tends to be larger groups, which are naturally a bit more boisterous. And dare I mention bear bells—the bane of my existence out on the trail, especially those with that sharp, metallic tinkling that cuts through the air. It’s not about being antisocial; it’s about letting nature speak. Birds, wind, and the crunch of your boots are part of the soundtrack, and disrupting that is considered inconsiderate.
The same goes for drones—if you’re intent on using one, use discretion and follow any specific guidelines in place.
Sleeping in Silence (Mostly)
If you’ve ever stayed in a Japanese mountain hut, you’ll know that shared sleeping quarters demand a special kind of etiquette. Quiet packing, subdued conversations, and early bedtimes are the norm, with lights out usually no later than 9 pm., if not sooner. Alarms—if set—are silenced quickly. That said, one unspoken rule can’t always be followed: no snoring. It’s generally tolerated with Zen-like patience. (Though I still reckon mountain huts should have designated snoring rooms!)
Pro tip: always pack some earplugs if you plan on staying at a sansō (mountain hut) or hinangoya (refuge hut). And if you have a booking, it’s good form to aim to arrive by 3 pm.
Carry Out What You Carry In
It’s common knowledge that you should leave no trace—but in Japan, it’s a matter of pride. Mountain trailheads don’t have rubbish bins, and even tissue or toilet paper is expected to be packed out at some mountain huts. Most hikers carry a small plastic bag expressly for this purpose. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a fundamental principle, reflecting respect for the mountain and those who maintain it.
Stick to the Trail
Though you won’t often see fences or enforcement, straying off the path is both uncommon and a quick way to endanger yourself and damage the delicate environment. Trails here are seen as carefully maintained corridors—going off-route risks erosion, plant damage, or getting lost and injured. There’s an unspoken trust that hikers will follow the route without the need for barriers.
Barriers are typically only installed where trails have widened enough to cause confusion or in heavily trafficked areas with fragile vegetation.
Conservation and Legal Protections
Much of Japan’s natural beauty is safeguarded under the Natural Parks Law (1957), which designates various protection zones within national parks. In special protection zones, collecting plants, animals, or even insects is strictly prohibited—something some visitors might not immediately recognise as a violation (e.g., picking a seemingly harmless wildflower). Activities such as insect catching or wildflower picking, which may be tolerated in other countries, can result in penalties within Japan’s protected areas. The national park system relies heavily on hikers being aware of and practicing conservation etiquette, rather than on strict enforcement.
Time Management on Japanese Trails
Japanese hikers typically begin early in the morning—a habit shaped by the absence of daylight saving time and the fact that weather conditions are often more stable in the morning than in the afternoon. It’s advisable to plan your hike so that you’re off the mountain by around 4:00 pm. This buffer primarily helps avoid being caught on unfamiliar trails after dark, when navigation becomes significantly more difficult—even with a headlamp. It’s not just good planning; it’s considered standard practice.
Seasonal Considerations
Japan’s hiking trails undergo dramatic seasonal changes that influence both safety and etiquette. Each season brings its own set of challenges: spring’s lingering snowfields and muddy paths (requiring careful footing and potentially avoiding certain areas), summer’s heat and typhoons (necessitating extra caution and awareness of weather forecasts), autumn’s early sunsets (reinforcing the importance of early starts), and winter’s need for specialised gear and knowledge. Being attuned to these seasonal shifts not only enhances your safety but also shows respect for the mountains and those who maintain them.
Where Does This All Come From?
Much of this etiquette is rooted in broader Japanese social values—mutual respect, humility, and not imposing on others. But it also ties back to spiritual connections with the mountains themselves. Japan’s peaks have long been places of worship, pilgrimage, and purification. Reverence still lingers in the way hikers tread carefully, speak quietly, and greet one another along the way.
Is Trail Etiquette Changing?
As more foreign visitors take to Japan’s trails and younger generations embrace hiking in their own way, there are signs that these unspoken rules are evolving—such as the rise of larger, chattier groups or hikers wearing earbuds instead of engaging with others. But for the most part, these customs persist—not because they’re enforced, but because they genuinely enhance the mountain experience for everyone.
There’s something reassuring about this quiet code of conduct. It asks little yet offers much—connection, harmony, and a sense that the mountains belong to all of us. So next time you’re hiking in Japan and you pass someone on the trail, don’t be surprised when they say “konnichiwa.” Say it back. It’s more than just a greeting—it’s a way of being part of the mountain.
I firmly believe that the West, particularly Australia, can learn a great deal from Japanese culture. Australia has lost many of the cultural values that Japan has successfully preserved, and this article highlights the importance of maintaining strong cultural traditions and principles.
It is a well-written article, with correct use of English grammar and spelling—a pleasure to read.
Thank you for reading, Iain. I’m glad you enjoyed the article. I tend to agree; there’s a lot we can learn from how Japan has preserved not just traditions, but a deep sense of shared respect and consideration, especially in everyday activities like hiking.
Thanks for the nice reminder on how to be considerate when hiking in Japan.
I appreciate the ‘konnichiwas’ from fellow hikers, although like you, could do less with the bear bells (unless it is a trail runner and in that case it is more a warning that they are coming up behind you and hopefully they’re fast so you don’t hear it very long).
Mike, thanks for reading. As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve come to the conclusion that bear bells aren’t really worn to repel bears–strange as that may sound. You often hear them in places with a steady flow of hikers, like Mt. Takao or on high, exposed ridgelines that are basically outside a bear’s natural habitat. This suggests they’re more of a habit or personal talisman than a practical necessity–kind of like a lucky pair of socks!