Top 10 Mountains in Japan

Being known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and flavorful cuisine, Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. Located in the eastern part of the continent, this island nation offers a perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. There are several temples, shrines, and castles that are centuries old and offer a glimpse into the fascinating past of the country. On the other hand, large metropolitan areas like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, etc. showcase a futuristic picture of Japan. In short, this place is an amalgamation of many things and will not disappoint you, regardless of what your interests are.

Although Japan is also home to lush green forests, crystalline rivers, and pristine beaches, more than 70% of the country’s landmass is occupied by majestic mountain ranges. This country is located along the western edge of the Ring of Fire and is one of the most tectonically active places on the planet. Since there is a high amount of tectonic activity in the area, it has resulted in the formation of several mountain ranges across the country.

Apart from Mount Fuji, Japan is home to several other iconic mountains which are among the highest ones in the world. This county has a strong culture of mountaineering and hiking, making it an ideal holiday destination for thrill seekers.

Top 10 Mountains in Japan

Here is a list of some of the most famous mountains in Japan:

• Mount Fuji
• Mount Tate
• Mount Haku
• Mount Kita
• Mount Takao
• Mount Yari
• Mount Mitake
• Mount Norikura
• Mount Yufu
• Mount Asama

Mount Fuji

Reaching a staggering height of 3,776 metres, Mount Fuji, or Fujiyama, is the highest mountain in Japan. Spanning the Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures on the island of Honshu, this is an active stratovolcano with a long history of major eruptions. Other than this, it is also among the three holy mountains and has been serving as an important pilgrimage site for centuries. Being a part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Mount Fuji enthrals a large number of visitors throughout the year.

Mount Tate

Often referred to as Tateyama, Mount Tate is located in the southeastern part of Toyama Prefecture, Japan. A part of the Chūbu-Sangaku National Park, this is another one of the Three Holy Mountains in Japan. With a height of 3015 metres, it is also one of the tallest peaks in the Hida mountain range. Overlooking the coastal city of Toyama, the summit of Mount Tate offers gorgeous panoramic views of the surroundings. Other than this, it also features a number of trails that are known to offer an enticing hiking experience.

Mount Haku

Situated on the borders of Gifu and Ishikawa, Mount Haku is a dormant stratovolcano in Japan. With an elevation of 2702 metres, this mountain is also among the Three Holy Mountains of Japan. A part of the Hakusan National Park, Mount Haku is the tallest peak of the western Japanese Alps. Currently, this mountain is the major source of water for farming in the region. Other than that, it also serves as a navigational landmark for fishermen and other travellers at sea.

Mount Kita

With an elevation of 3193 metres, this is the second-highest mountain in Japan, after Mount Fuji. This mountain is known for having a beautiful triangular pyramid-like shape that sets it apart from other peaks. Mount Kita is included in the list of the 100 most famous Japanese mountains and is also known as ‘the Leader of the Southern Alps’.

Mount Takao

Being home to a number of popular hiking trails, Mount Takao is another addition to the list of the most famous mountains in Japan. This mountain has an elevation of 599 metres, and it has been a sacred site for over 1,000 years. The peak is known for offering amazing views of Tokyo and other surrounding areas. Another major highlight of Mount Takao’s peak is the ancient Buddhist temple, which was established in 744. Be it as a sacred site or a hikers’ paradise, Mount Takao has a huge popularity that no other mountain in Japan can match.

Mount Yari

With an elevation of 3,180 metres, Mount Yari is the fifth-highest mountain in Japan. Located in the Chūbu-Sangaku National Park, this mountain is known for its spear-shaped peak. It lies in the southern part of the Hida Mountains of Japan and features a number of hiking trails. If you are a thrill-seeker looking for an adventurous hiking trail, there can be no better option than this.

Mount Mitake

Located in the Okutama region, the westernmost part of Tokyo, Mount Mitake is a part of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. Reaching a height of 929 metres, this mountain features a number of hiking trails and waterfalls that enhance its beauty even more. Mount Mitake is one of the most sacred mountains in Japan and holds great religious significance for the locals here. This mountain not only offers absolutely stunning panoramic views but is also less crowded compared to other mountains in Japan. This is undoubtedly one of the biggest reasons for its huge popularity among tourists.

Mount Norikura

Mount Norikura is a potentially active volcano that is located on the borders of Gifu and Nagano prefectures. With an elevation of 3026 metres, it is the third-tallest major peak of the Northern Japan Alps. When compared to other mountain peaks in the northern Alps, Mount Norikura has less complicated trails, making it a popular hiking destination. Due to the high elevation, the snow fields also remain on the slopes for a longer period of time. So, if you are planning a trip in early to mid-summer, this is one of the few mountains in Japan to remain snow-capped. Here, you can enjoy several adventurous activities, including skiing.

Mount Yufu

Located on the border of Yufu and Beppu in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, this is a famous mountain in Japan. Due to its appearance, Mount Yufu is often referred to as ‘Bungo Fuji’ which means Mount Fuji of Oita. The summit of this mountain reaches an impressive height of 1,583 metres and offers stunning panoramic views of its surroundings. Whether you want to witness the beauty of lush green meadows or indulge in some adventurous activities like hiking, this is the best place for you. The best thing about the hiking trails of Mount Yufu is the breathtaking natural vistas they offer. So, you can experience an adrenaline rush while admiring the natural beauty of this region.

Mount Asama

Situated on the border of Gunma and Nagano Prefectures, Mount Asama is the most active volcano in Honshu, Japan. With a staggering height of 2,568 metres above sea level, this is one of the most famous mountains in Japan. It has been formed from non-alkali mafic and pyroclastic volcanic rocks, which are believed to be thousands of years old. Overlooking the resort town of Karuizawa, Mount Asama has had several major eruptions, including two plinian eruptions in 1108 and 1783 AD. The most recent volcanic activity was recorded on August 7, 2019, which sent a plume of smoke into the air as high as 1,800 metres. Featuring a number of hot spring resorts on the slopes, the region surrounding this mountain has become a popular tourist attraction as well.

With this list of the top 10 mountains in Japan, you know exactly what places to visit for an adventurous holiday. To plan a hassle-free trip, you can explore Veena World’s range of Japan tour packages from India.