Top 10 Best Places to Hike in Tokyo

Tokyo's most beloved hiking destination, this 599-meter sacred mountain offers multiple trails through pristine forests, a historic temple complex, and stunning views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. The summit is accessible via various routes ranging from easy paved paths to challenging natural trails.

A hidden gem in Setagaya ward, this lush ravine offers a tranquil escape with ancient trees, a gentle stream, and traditional Japanese garden. The 1km walking path leads to Todoroki Fudoson Temple and feels worlds away from the urban sprawl just minutes away.

A 170-acre forest sanctuary in the heart of Tokyo, created in 1920 with 120,000 trees donated from across Japan. The walking paths through this evergreen forest lead to the iconic Meiji Shrine, offering a profound sense of tranquility amid the bustling Shibuya district.

A mystical 929-meter mountain in the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, home to the ancient Musashi Mitake Shrine and traditional pilgrim lodges. The trails connect to neighboring peaks and offer some of the best autumn foliage in the Tokyo region.

Tokyo's westernmost area offers pristine wilderness, crystal-clear rivers, and challenging mountain trails. The region includes Lake Okutama, ancient cedar forests, and the dramatic Nippara Limestone Caves, making it perfect for full-day hiking adventures.

A 20-hectare natural sanctuary in Meguro that has been preserved since feudal times, featuring diverse ecosystems including wetlands, forests, and meadows. The limited daily visitor cap ensures a peaceful natural experience in central Tokyo.

One of Tokyo's most beautiful Edo-period strolling gardens, featuring a central pond, artificial hills, and carefully curated landscapes representing famous scenes from Japanese poetry. The meandering paths offer a meditative walking experience.

A magnificent 58.3-hectare park combining three distinct garden styles: French Formal, English Landscape, and Japanese Traditional. The expansive grounds offer peaceful walking paths, diverse plant collections, and year-round seasonal beauty.

A 857-meter peak that can be combined with Mt. Takao for an epic full-day ridge walk. The summit offers panoramic views and famous handmade soba noodles at mountain huts. The trail passes through diverse forests and offers excellent bird watching.

Tokyo's oldest surviving garden, dating to 1629, featuring a central pond, miniature landscapes representing famous Chinese and Japanese scenes, and a beautiful full-moon bridge. The compact layout offers a contemplative walking experience rich in history.

The recently enhanced nature trail system around the Takao 599 Museum offers interactive exhibits and newly maintained paths showcasing the mountain's unique biodiversity. The museum's free admission makes it a perfect starting point for hiking adventures.

The expanded metropolitan trail network connecting multiple parks and green spaces across Tokyo has become increasingly popular for urban hiking. New wayfinding signs and trail maps make exploring Tokyo's hidden green corridors easier than ever.

The remote Hinohara Village offers pristine waterfall hikes that have gained popularity among Tokyo hikers seeking untouched nature. The village's efforts to improve trail access while preserving wilderness make it a 2026 must-visit destination.

One of Tokyo's most spectacular hanami walks, the 4km path along the Meguro River is lined with over 800 cherry trees that create a magical pink tunnel during late March and early April. Evening illuminations add to the enchanting atmosphere.

Spring transforms Mt. Takao into a wildflower paradise with cherry blossoms at lower elevations giving way to mountain violets, azaleas, and rare orchids higher up. Trail 6 along the stream is particularly beautiful during this season.

Escape Tokyo's summer heat in the cool river valleys of Okutama. The trails following the crystal-clear Tama River offer refreshing swimming spots, dramatic gorges, and shaded forest paths that provide relief from the humidity.

The famous rock garden trail on Mt. Mitake features moss-covered boulders, fern grottos, and a mystical forest atmosphere. Summer's lush greenery and occasional mist create an otherworldly hiking experience unique to this sacred mountain.

Mt. Takao transforms into a spectacular tapestry of red, orange, and gold from mid-November to early December. The combination of maple-lined paths, temple architecture, and mountain views makes this Tokyo's premier autumn hiking destination.

The Hatonosu Valley in Okutama offers dramatic autumn scenery with colorful leaves reflected in emerald pools. The walking path along the gorge provides easy access to some of Tokyo's most spectacular fall foliage viewpoints.

Winter offers the clearest views of Mt. Fuji from Mt. Takao's summit, with crisp air and fewer crowds than other seasons. The mountain remains accessible year-round, and the hot soba noodles at the summit become especially welcoming.

From late February, the historic Koishikawa Korakuen garden bursts with early spring color as over 90 plum trees bloom in shades of white, pink, and red. The walking paths offer a peaceful preview of spring during the late winter months.