Hiking in Japan

The mountainous interior of the smallest of Japan’s 4 main islands offers a number of scenic and secluded hikes. In addition, the highest peak in Western Japan, Mt. Ishizuchi, affords a chance to encounter yamabushi(esoteric Buddhist mountain priests). The valleys around Mt. Tsurugi are also worthy of further exploration. I’ll eventually expand this section to include some pleasant walks through steep mountain gorges.