MANY HEAD to Japan for the food. Some come for the ultimate big-city cultural experience in Tokyo. Others make the journey north to Hokkaido each winter for some of the best powder skiing on the planet. But, this island nation is also an ideal destination for trekking, offering a variety of multi-day hikes for everyone, from summit seekers to wildlife explorer to wannabe-poets. Here are seven of the most beautiful trekking routes in the country.
1. Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes, Kii Hanto
Length: Up to 191 miles, broken into segments
Time: Four to five days to see thee full Kumano Sanzan
Kumano Kodo, located southwest of the Kyoto Prefecture, is actually a series of routes covering 191 miles across the Kii Hanto Peninsula. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the pilgrimage routes originated over a thousand years ago as a way to reach Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha, and Nachi Taisha, collectively known as Kumano Sanzan, the Grand Shrines of Komono. Base yourself in the city of Tanabe and bus to trailheads throughout the region. You’ll stay overnight in traditional Japanese inns called ryokans.
Read more from source: 7 beautiful trekking routes in Japan you should do this year
