Japan’s Mountain Trails and Countryside Walks in November
November is a rewarding time to explore Japan on foot. The heat of summer has passed, trails are firm and dry, and the forests are painted with autumn colours. From well-known hiking areas near Tokyo to remote countryside paths, this is the month when walking connects travellers directly with the country’s landscape and pace.
The Appeal of Walking in Autumn
Japan’s geography favours walkers. Mountains cover roughly three-quarters of the country, and even within cities, hills and rivers shape routes. November’s temperatures, averaging 12–18°C in most regions, allow long walks without discomfort. Visibility is at its best, and the lower humidity makes air crisp and clear.
Classic Autumn Routes
- Kumano Kodo (Wakayama Prefecture): This network of pilgrimage routes through forests and valleys has been used for over a thousand years. November adds layers of gold and red to the cedar-lined paths. Travellers can walk sections between Nachi, Hongu and Koyasan, staying in local inns that serve simple mountain cuisine.
- Nakasendo Trail (Gifu and Nagano): Once linking Kyoto and Edo, this Edo-period route passes preserved post towns such as Magome and Tsumago. The combination of historical architecture and autumn scenery makes it one of Japan’s most atmospheric walks.
- Mount Takao (Tokyo): A one-hour train ride from central Tokyo, Takao offers several routes of varying difficulty. The view from the summit, especially around mid-November, captures the city skyline framed by autumn leaves.
- Daisetsuzan National Park (Hokkaido): For those visiting early in the month, the northern mountains present the last of their colours, with traces of snow already visible on the peaks. The contrast creates a sense of transition unique to Hokkaido.
Countryside Paths and Villages
Beyond major routes, small villages offer walking experiences that reveal everyday life. In Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, thatched houses sit among terraced fields. Paths follow streams lined with maples, and the smell of wood fires fills the air. In Nara Prefecture, the Asuka countryside combines ancient tombs, temples and rural roads ideal for cycling or walking.
Practical Tips for November Hikes
Short daylight hours—sunset around 4:30–5:00 pm—make early starts important. Layered clothing helps adjust to cool mornings and mild afternoons. Trails are well marked, and many provide rest areas with vending machines or small teahouses. In mountainous regions, carrying cash for local inns and buses remains practical, as electronic payments may not be available.
Walking as Connection
In Japan, walking is more than recreation; it carries spiritual meaning. Ancient pilgrims used these routes to seek purification, and even today the act of steady movement through nature encourages reflection. In November, when the landscape glows with its final colours of the year, these trails embody the Japanese idea of wabi-sabi—beauty in impermanence. Each step becomes both a journey through geography and a quiet lesson in the rhythm of the seasons.
