>>2652300The Japanese trails are meticulously maintained, there’s public transit to most places which makes it easy access, and the scenery is gorgeous. You’re bound to stumble upon quaint shrines in the middle of the forest too.
Most places aren’t as strenuous as say the Rockies, though there are a few trails that are basically just straight up. If you like climbing active volcanoes this is definitely the place. There’s a lot of cool ones you can climb (I recommend Mt Aso, pic related).
I’d also suggest looking into the Kumano Kodo, it’s a multi day pilgrimage trail in Wakayama. You stay at these small Japanese home stays, they cook breakfast and dinner for you and send you off with lunch. It was a fantastic experience and nobody was there in May/June when I went. I never got to hike in Hokkaido but it’s supposed to be amazing as well.
Also be prepared to be mogged by 70 year old Japanese women. They WILL out hike you, but they’re so nice. A group I hiked with once “adopted me,” called me grandson, and bought me sweets when we finished.
It was a great experience, and the trails never got super crowded except Fuji, but it’s Fuji, so what else could you expect? If you go try to find a Japanese Inn or Ryokan in the area to stay in. It’s a tad expensive, but the service, the food, and the hot spring after a long day is well worth it.
