In Japanese, the word “hike” comes with the feeling of undergoing an extreme workout. If you tell someone in Japan that you like hiking, they look at you as if you are some kind of superhuman or Olympian. “You mean, you climb mountains for fun?” To be fair, hiking up some of Japan’s mountains can be extremely strenuous and is undoubtedly not for the faint of heart. But hiking doesn’t have to be extreme. Mirriam-Webster describes the word ‘hike’ as “a long walk, especially for pleasure or exercise.” Where I’m from (Devon in the UK), hiking involves a leisurely stroll around the countryside and soaking in all the beauty that nature offers. So my image of hiking is a little different from the Japanese one. It is not strenuous; it is relaxing, refreshing, and enjoyable. As for how long a hike is, well, that is subjective. A long hike for my grandmother might be a 10-minute walk around the park, while a long hike for my best friend is maybe a three-day trek across the moors. For me, it depends on the day.

Hike To The Clouds hopes to banish the idea that hiking (especially hiking mountains) is only for the super-fit, extreme outdoor enthusiasts (although we do love the outdoors… a lot). Let’s redefine the meaning of hiking in Japan. Hiking is for everyone, and it is the ultimate antidote to overcoming the stresses of everyday city life.

But can “I” hike mountains?

Of course you can! We have put together a website to show you how you, yes YOU, can get out and enjoy the stunning countryside, no matter what your fitness level. There is no need to be intimidated by hiking or the outdoors. And if you have mobility issues or are disabled, don’t let that stop you. There are still plenty of places where you can get out and enjoy nature in all its splendour.

What do I need? Isn’t hiking gear costly?

You don’t need expensive gear to get started. You can manage fine on the easier, well-maintained paved routes as long as you have a good pair of trainers (sneakers/runners). As you tackle more advanced natural trails, getting a sturdy pair of hiking boots might be a good idea. Hiking boots come in a variety of styles and price ranges (see our article How To Choose The Right Hiking Boots if you’d like some help). For beginners, getting a pair of boots with ankle support is essential. Other than a good pair of shoes, we also recommend having a light waterproof coat, t-shirts and sweaters that you can layer. Try not to wear cotton when hiking. A famous phrase in the hiking world is “Cotton kills.” Cotton soaks up sweat, but instead of pulling it away from your skin (like most sweat-wicking sportswear), it keeps it right next to it. Although that’s not necessarily a bad thing in the summer, it can pose a significant risk of hypothermia - one of the biggest killers in the mountains.

Is hiking dangerous?

It can be, but so can crossing the street. How dangerous a hike is depends on various factors, including how remote the trail is, the weather conditions on the day you hike, your health conditions, if you have other hikers with you or not, and what animals live in the area. But don’t worry, if you are a beginner, we won’t advise you to go anywhere dangerous. The trails in our beginner section are perhaps even less periculous than a walk in a city park, where you might get run over by a bicycle or an enthusiastic runner. We have also provided warnings about known dangers on each mountain or trail. Nature and weather can be unpredictable, but as long as you are careful, prepare well, and use common sense, you should be able to handle any situation.

Okay, but it still sounds like a lot of work. What are the benefits for me?

Being outdoors is beneficial to absolutely everyone. Stay with us for a minute while we tell you about some of the awesome scientific research on this subject (Hike To The Clouds loves science). Or just read the headers if you’re in a rush.

1. Just being in nature reverses stress and heals your brain.

According to a study tracking 20,000 people at the University of Exeter (UK), spending just 120 minutes in nature a week can provide you with a myriad of health benefits - and that's without even moving. Additionally, those two hours don’t even need to be all at once. You can spread out your time spent in nature over the entire week.
Over a thousand studies have shown similar health benefits of spending time surrounded by nature. Findings also show that spending time in the great outdoors lowers your blood pressure, reduces nervous system stress, lowers cortisol levels, improves your cognitive brain function, and chills you out! It calms feelings of anger and has an anti-anxiety and anti-depressive effect. Studies have also shown that your body heals itself more quickly when you spend time in nature, which leads to point number 2…

2. It helps your immune system.

Here in Japan, scientists have focused on the positive effects of forest bathing. Scientists here believe that forests produce phytoncides (an airborne chemical) that boost natural killer cells that attack tumours and infections when breathed in.

3. It boosts your energy levels.

Psychological studies have shown that spending time in nature makes you feel more alive and cherish life more. On top of this, hiking increases endorphin levels in a similar way to a runner’s high. With mountain hiking, endorphin levels are further boosted by the exhilaration and excitement of reaching a summit. And finally, let’s not forget the dose of energy-boosting vitamin D you will receive from being out in the sun.

4. Being outdoors boosts your creativity and focus.

If you are ever struggling with a problem at work, a walk in nature can help you creatively find a solution. As mentioned above, being outdoors boosts your cognitive function and lowers stress, contributing to a more productive mind.

5. Hiking is one of the best types of exercise you can do.

Hiking lowers the risk of heart disease, improves blood pressure and blood sugar levels, boosts bone density, builds lower body and core muscle strength, improves balance, helps control body weight, improves lung health, improves cognitive and memory function, lifts mood, and improves sleep. Need I say more?

6. Exercising is easier outdoors.

Studies have demonstrated that being surrounded by nature distracts you from feelings of exertion. Meaning most of us find it easier to exercise outdoors than at home or in a gym.

7. Being outdoors makes you a better person.

Psychologists believe that people who spend a lot of time outdoors have stronger values of friendship, altruism, and community. Furthermore, hiking has been proven to boost self-confidence.

Maybe I can do this...

There are no maybes about it! YOU'VE GOT THIS! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, including that little voice in your head. And remember, the Hike To The Clouds team is here for you. So what are you waiting for? Feel free to message us on our Instagram account with any questions concerning hiking in Japan. Check out our mountain pages and plan your next (mini or extreme) adventure! Tag a photo of your escapades with #thenatureantidote on Instagram so we can cheer you on.

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Resources and further reading:

Great article about how nature benefits your health.
Exeter University Study (published 2019)
Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review (2017)
Nature and Mental health (Mind UK)
Short article on the benefits of hiking from the Harvard Health website
Spending time in nature makes people feel more alive (University of Rochester)