Page 42 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Japan

Hiking the Heights
Pulling on walking boots and
heading into the mountains
is a popular pastime in Japan,
and trails are easy to access
and well-maintained. Our
favourite is the three-day
circuit through the North
Japan Alps from Kamikochi
DISCOVER Japan Your Way can hike Mount Fuji, which, at
(p175). Those looking for a
once in a lifetime experience
12,390 ft (3,776 m) high, is
Japan’s highest peak (p158).

Hikers in the final
stages of ascending

JAPAN Mount Fuji
OUTDOORS

Although Japan is one of the most densely populated countries in
the world, over 70 percent of its terrain is mountainous or forested.
Such an untamed landscape offers a rich array of outdoor activities –
a veritable nature playground for the adventurous.

TOP Snorkelling
3 MOUNT FUJI This island nation provides
in Okinawa
TRAILS
plenty of opportunities to get up
Mount Fuji is divided close to charming sea turtles,
up into 10 stages, with neon-colored clownfish, and
most hiking routes flapping mantaray. The tropical
starting from the 5th island of Okinawa (p282) offers
stage, the last place some of the best experiences –
accessible by vehicle. Cape Maeda’s blue cave is one of
the most popular spots. Odo
Kawaguchi-ko Kaigan, near Gyokusendo Cave
Takes five to six hours (p288), is a more off-the-beaten-
from the 5th stage, and path option. Set in shallow
three hours down.
water, just off the beach, this
coral reef is perfect for families.
Subashiri
This route is four hours
30 minutes up from the
5th stage, and three Snorkeling with a
hours down. turtle in the tropical
waters off Okinawa
Gotenba
The longest route at
eight hours up from the
5th stage, followed by
three hours down.

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