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Japan Northern Honshu Lakes & Mountains Hiking

Tour, Escorted tour

Tokyo, Japan to Tokyo, Japan

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In Japan, mountains are objects of worship where powerful spirits reside. This itinerary explores Northern Honshu's revered mountain destinations, dripping with legend and tradition, bookended with tours of modern Tokyo and historic Nikko. From Nikko National Park's UNESCO-listed temples to the volcanic Hakkoda Mountains and Dewa Sanzan—home to sacred mountains and Shugendo's holiest shrines—experience the connection with nature that infuses Japanese life and culture. Hike along sparkling lakes and mountain streams, and rejuvenate in a charming onsen. Explore northern Japan's beautiful, sacred spaces on this specially crafted adventure!

Highlights:
  • Escape to northern Japan and hike it's unspoiled lakes, high-altitude wetlands, and lush gorges
  • Discover Japan's "mountain faith" — Shugendo, with deeply rooted spiritual traditions, in sacred Dewa Sanzan
  • See Nikko's UNESCO-listed sites, unwind in natural hot springs, and overnight in traditional ryokans

Important Trip Details:
You will be walking 2-5 hours and 1-8 miles a day on flat paths and mountain trails through the Japanese countryside, visiting idyllic villages, ancient temples, and traditional inns. Elevations are between 500 and 3,500 feet. There are some steady climbs that require stamina. You need to be in good health and physical condition for this trip.

Minimum Age: 13

Interests
  • Adventure and Active
  • Hiking/Trekking
12 Nights Starting At

CALL

September 14, 2025 through September 26, 2025
Book by:
September 10, 2025 7:00 PM
Itinerary Overview
Day 5
See Yamadera’s Temple & the Scenic Ginzan Onsen
Day 6
Hike from Haguro-san
Day 8
Travel to Oirase or Sukayu Onsen
Day 9
Hike on Mount Hakkoda
Day 10
Walk in Oirase
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Dates & prices
Additional
Offers
Starting From Additional Details
12 Nights from CALL
September 10, 2025 7:00 PM
12 Nights from CALL
July 09, 2025 7:00 PM
12 Nights from CALL
August 27, 2025 7:00 PM
Additional
Offers



Accommodations
MT Sobek: Sacred Lakes & Mountains of Northern Japan

Guides
MT Sobek: Japan Northern Honshu Lakes & Mountains Hiking

Naomi Honda
Naomi earned her master’s degree in sports tourism and marketing to complement her travel agency background and expand her knowledge of the tourism industry. During her study, she organized and managed events for international students for the purpose of cross-cultural exchange. In 2014, she passed the national tour guide exam and since then, she has been working as a guide. She is interested in Japanese history, food, culture and sports. Currently, she is studying to be qualified as a Kikisake-shi (Master of Sake).





Tomomi Shimazu
Tomomi was born and raised in Tokyo. After completing her degree in international relations, she studied in the UK and the US. Later she lived in Hawaii and Israel for years and traveled extensively in Europe, the US and Middle East. She now lives in Tokyo, close to its center and loves gardening, walking, cycling and yoga. Tomomi enjoys guiding and sharing her knowledge of both traditional and urban cultures of Japan. Meet Tomomi on MT Sobek's adventures in Japan.





Inclusions/Exclusions
MT Sobek: Japan Northern Honshu Lakes & Mountains Hiking

Inclusions
Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
Snacks and water between meals
Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
Baggage transfers and porterage

Exclusions
International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
Travel Protection Program
Personal expenses
What To Expect
MT Sobek: Japan Northern Honshu Lakes & Mountains Hiking

Reason #01

MT Sobek has been operating award-winning adventures in Asia since 1969, working with the best local guides to ensure an immersive and unforgettable adventure.

Reason #02

This well-paced 13-day hiking adventure takes you from Tokyo to Nikko, combining rewarding valley and mountain hikes with the wonders of cultural touring. Carry only your daypack on the trail!

Reason #03

Our local expert guides go the extra mile and are the perfect travel companions. Gain a unique understanding of the Japanese relationship with mountains and how this imbues Shintoism and the Shugendo faith.

Activities

Moderately paced hikes up to 8 miles a day on paved and dirt trails, cultural touring, and scenic train rides. Includes a ride on a bullet train.

Lodging

Rejuvenate at traditional ryokans (inns) — many with onsen (hot springs) — set in scenic mountain locations.

Climate

Late July to September is very hot (75°F to 95°F) and humid. The weather can be cooler in the mountains.

Who will meet me on arrival?

You will take a pre-booked shared taxi from either Narita or Haneda Airport to the hotel, where your MT Sobek guide will meet you in the evening for a trip briefing and dinner.

What days will I be without my luggage during this trip?

On this trip we enjoy an authentic experience, traveling as many Japanese people do on the excellent train and bus system. Large bags are not accommodated on public transportation so we make use of a clever bag forwarding system known as "takuhaibin," unique to Japan.


You will have access to your main suitcase at the start and end of the trip as well as select nights in between - specifically, nights of Day 1, Day 4, Day 7, and Days 11 and 12. During the segments when your larger suitcase is in transit, you will carry a small duffel with your essentials for 2-3 nights at a time, along with your daypack. We take care of the small duffel so that you only ever need to carry a daypack on the actual hikes. We find this is a fantastic way to get an authentic travel experience, while still having access to replenish your smaller duffel with fresh clothing from your larger luggage at strategic intervals on the trip.

Can I still travel to Japan if I’m gluten-free?

Yes, you can, but please let us know as soon as possible so we can manage your request.

Can I travel to Japan if I’m allergic to fish or shellfish?

Fish is a more challenging allergy to manage due to the ubiquitous nature of dashi (fish broth), but we will relay your request to the cooks along the way.

What is staying in a ryokan or minshuku like?

The ryokans vary significantly, but usually have tatami mats for flooring and futon beds that are laid out each night. Baths may be communal and divided by gender.

What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.Will I need to bring hiking poles?
Yes, hiking poles are recommended for several days of hiking.
Responsible Travel

At MT Sobek, sustainability isn’t just a principle; it’s woven into the very fabric of how we operate. We don’t simply observe the world’s unique cultures and fragile ecosystems—we take an active role in their preservation. Supporting organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and community well-being is part of our DNA. Over the years, we have contributed over half a million dollars to conservation efforts and volunteered hundreds of hours to initiatives like Yosemite Facelift. Our programs work to ensure that the wild and beautiful places we visit will continue to thrive, with a special emphasis on sustainable practices and positive social impact. From funding reforestation projects to supporting local artisans, our commitment to sustainability goes hand-in-hand with unforgettable adventure.

MT Sobek: Sacred Lakes & Mountains of Northern Japan

MT Sobek: Japan Northern Honshu Lakes & Mountains Hiking

Naomi Honda
Naomi earned her master’s degree in sports tourism and marketing to complement her travel agency background and expand her knowledge of the tourism industry. During her study, she organized and managed events for international students for the purpose of cross-cultural exchange. In 2014, she passed the national tour guide exam and since then, she has been working as a guide. She is interested in Japanese history, food, culture and sports. Currently, she is studying to be qualified as a Kikisake-shi (Master of Sake).





Tomomi Shimazu
Tomomi was born and raised in Tokyo. After completing her degree in international relations, she studied in the UK and the US. Later she lived in Hawaii and Israel for years and traveled extensively in Europe, the US and Middle East. She now lives in Tokyo, close to its center and loves gardening, walking, cycling and yoga. Tomomi enjoys guiding and sharing her knowledge of both traditional and urban cultures of Japan. Meet Tomomi on MT Sobek's adventures in Japan.





MT Sobek: Japan Northern Honshu Lakes & Mountains Hiking

Inclusions
Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
Snacks and water between meals
Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
Baggage transfers and porterage

Exclusions
International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
Travel Protection Program
Personal expenses
MT Sobek: Japan Northern Honshu Lakes & Mountains Hiking

Reason #01

MT Sobek has been operating award-winning adventures in Asia since 1969, working with the best local guides to ensure an immersive and unforgettable adventure.

Reason #02

This well-paced 13-day hiking adventure takes you from Tokyo to Nikko, combining rewarding valley and mountain hikes with the wonders of cultural touring. Carry only your daypack on the trail!

Reason #03

Our local expert guides go the extra mile and are the perfect travel companions. Gain a unique understanding of the Japanese relationship with mountains and how this imbues Shintoism and the Shugendo faith.

Activities

Moderately paced hikes up to 8 miles a day on paved and dirt trails, cultural touring, and scenic train rides. Includes a ride on a bullet train.

Lodging

Rejuvenate at traditional ryokans (inns) — many with onsen (hot springs) — set in scenic mountain locations.

Climate

Late July to September is very hot (75°F to 95°F) and humid. The weather can be cooler in the mountains.

Who will meet me on arrival?

You will take a pre-booked shared taxi from either Narita or Haneda Airport to the hotel, where your MT Sobek guide will meet you in the evening for a trip briefing and dinner.

What days will I be without my luggage during this trip?

On this trip we enjoy an authentic experience, traveling as many Japanese people do on the excellent train and bus system. Large bags are not accommodated on public transportation so we make use of a clever bag forwarding system known as "takuhaibin," unique to Japan.


You will have access to your main suitcase at the start and end of the trip as well as select nights in between - specifically, nights of Day 1, Day 4, Day 7, and Days 11 and 12. During the segments when your larger suitcase is in transit, you will carry a small duffel with your essentials for 2-3 nights at a time, along with your daypack. We take care of the small duffel so that you only ever need to carry a daypack on the actual hikes. We find this is a fantastic way to get an authentic travel experience, while still having access to replenish your smaller duffel with fresh clothing from your larger luggage at strategic intervals on the trip.

Can I still travel to Japan if I’m gluten-free?

Yes, you can, but please let us know as soon as possible so we can manage your request.

Can I travel to Japan if I’m allergic to fish or shellfish?

Fish is a more challenging allergy to manage due to the ubiquitous nature of dashi (fish broth), but we will relay your request to the cooks along the way.

What is staying in a ryokan or minshuku like?

The ryokans vary significantly, but usually have tatami mats for flooring and futon beds that are laid out each night. Baths may be communal and divided by gender.

What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.Will I need to bring hiking poles?
Yes, hiking poles are recommended for several days of hiking.

At MT Sobek, sustainability isn’t just a principle; it’s woven into the very fabric of how we operate. We don’t simply observe the world’s unique cultures and fragile ecosystems—we take an active role in their preservation. Supporting organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and community well-being is part of our DNA. Over the years, we have contributed over half a million dollars to conservation efforts and volunteered hundreds of hours to initiatives like Yosemite Facelift. Our programs work to ensure that the wild and beautiful places we visit will continue to thrive, with a special emphasis on sustainable practices and positive social impact. From funding reforestation projects to supporting local artisans, our commitment to sustainability goes hand-in-hand with unforgettable adventure.

About MT Sobek
MT Sobek logo

This is where adventure travel began! Since our first Everest Base Camp trek in 1969, we’ve been connecting adventurers to the world through genuine, active and immersive experiences. We can’t think of anything more fulfilling than being outside and going deep into nature, exploring hidden places and getting to know local people. It’s what we love to do, so let us share it with you.

To feed your spirit of adventure, Mountain Travel Sobek offers a wide range of unique and perfectly paced itineraries led by incredible local guides. We keep groups small, usually fewer than 10 people, and seek out great food and characterful accommodations everywhere we go. Beyond the seamless logistics and careful attention to detail, our aim is to create a space for truly special moments in unforgettable places.

We are the Adventure Company—come explore with us.

Read More

About MT Sobek

This is where adventure travel began! Since our first Everest Base Camp trek in 1969, we’ve been connecting adventurers to the world through genuine, active and immersive experiences. We can’t think of anything more fulfilling than being outside and going deep into nature, exploring hidden places and getting to know local people. It’s what we love to do, so let us share it with you.

To feed your spirit of adventure, Mountain Travel Sobek offers a wide range of unique and perfectly paced itineraries led by incredible local guides. We keep groups small, usually fewer than 10 people, and seek out great food and characterful accommodations everywhere we go. Beyond the seamless logistics and careful attention to detail, our aim is to create a space for truly special moments in unforgettable places.

We are the Adventure Company—come explore with us.

Read More

Prices are per-person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted.