TRAIL RUN JAPAN: CONQUER THE ALPS,
SUMMIT MT FUJI & IMMERSE IN TIMELESS CULTURE
WHY JAPAN?
SACRED PEAKS, ALPINE TRAILS, AND THE SPIRIT OF JAPAN
Japan is a long, volcanic archipelago where over two-thirds of the land is rugged mountains with bubbling hot springs at every turn. From fastpacking hut-to-hut in the Japanese Alps to summiting the iconic Mt Fuji at 3,776 m, every day delivers challenge, beauty, and cultural immersion. Run through cedar forests, wildflower meadows, and past ancient shrines; soak in restorative onsens; and savour cuisine from hearty alpine hotpots to delicate sushi. Nights in mountaintop huts bring breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, while Tokyo’s vibrant streets reveal the perfect fusion of tradition and modern energy.
AUGUST 16th-25th, 2026
*This trip is now closed for 2026. See you in 2027!
ADVENTURE ITINERARY
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Meals: DINNER
Run/Hike: 5–8 km city shakeout, flat
Arrive Tokyo (Haneda or Narita Airport)
Group shuttle from airport *Shuttle only offered to Narita Airport. Those arriving to Haneda will need to arrange their own transport to the hotel
Hotel check-in
Evening run
Welcome Dinner
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch + Dinner
Run/Hike: 6–10 km around Zenkoji Temple, flat, scenic city paths.
Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Nagano,
Visit Zenkoji Temple,
Drive to Hakuba Lodge
Dinner
Briefing and packing for the fast pack portion of the trip
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Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Run/Hike: 10 km ridge traverse via Lake Ooike to Hakuba-Sansō
Gondola start
Hut arrival and check in
Optional afternoon run
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch + Dinner
Run/Hike: 10 km alpine traverse via Mt Yukikura and Asahi-dake to Asahigoya hut.
Breakfast at hut and packed lunch
Optional afternoon run
Dinner at Hut
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch + Dinner
Run/Hike: 10 km descent and traverse to Renge-Onsen hut; soak in natural hot springs.
Breakfast and hut-prepared lunch
Optional afternoon run
Onsen recovery
Dinner at hut
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch + Dinner
Run/Hike: 7 km trail out to Tsugaike-Kōgen
Breakfast at lodge and packed lunch
Overnight at Nozawa Onsen Lodge
Evening Sightseeing
Dinner
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch + Dinner
Run/Hike: Fuji-Sengen-Shrine
Drive to Fujiyoshida;
Check in to Fujiyoshida Hotel
Gear brief, route review and prepare gear
Early dinner and rest
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch + Dinner
Run/Hike: 20 km return Mt Fuji via Umagaeshi; 2,300 m vertical gain; steep volcanic terrain.
Early start and strict gear check.
Summit attempt
Celebratory dinner and karaoke
Overnight at Fujiyoshida Hotel
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch + Dinner
Run/Hike: 20 km return Mt Fuji via Umagaeshi; 2,300 m vertical gain; steep volcanic terrain.
*Today is an optional day to summit Mount Fuji if weather did not allow this on Day 8.
Early start and strict gear check
Summit attempt if needed
Celebratory dinner and karaoke.
If we were able to summit on Day 8, you have the option to sightsee or add an additional run
Overnight at Fujiyoshida Hotel
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Item Meals: BREAKFAST
Run/Hike: No run scheduled; optional morning walk; travel day and departures.
Drive to Tokyo; arrive approximately 1:30 pm
Evening flights *Check with us before booking flights
Transport to Narita Airport
Independent transfers to Haneda Airport will need to be arranged at an additional cost. Contact us for more details on this.
“I joined Trail Run Adventures for their Japan trip this year. We packed A LOT of adventure into the week - some highlights included a hut to hut fast pack in the Japanese alps, Mt Fuji summit, snow monkeys, onsens, great food, and great guides (almost forgot the Karaoke - legendary)! I walked away with a truly unique Japan travel experience and a new group of friends. In summary the trip was fantastic. I highly recommend Trail Run Adventures - Braz and team will take good care of you!”
WHAT TO EXPECT:
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This adventure blends city runs, alpine ridges, and Japan’s highest peak. Distances vary from 7–20 km per day, with challenging elevation and technical terrain.
Fastpacking is with light packs, going from hut-to-hut.
Mt Fuji adds a demanding 20 km summit day with steep terrain. Option to start halfway if needed.
The distance of the routes each day can be deceiving, due to the vertical +/- and technical aspects of the trails. Most of the runs will be slow moving, so prepare accordingly.
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3-4 (Moderate to Advanced Difficulty)
This trip is rated a 3-4, for moderately to advanced difficulty. The terrain is steep and technical, and some days you will have a heavier pack. We will have 3 guides, to help accommodate for different paces.
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Adventure Travel:
Transport during the trip is fully arranged and included, from shuttles to bullet trains.
Flights:
Once confirmed, book international flights in/out of Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND).
Airport Shuttles:
Group transfers to/from Tokyo Narita Airport. Those arriving to Haneda Airport will need to arrange their own transportation.
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Japan blends ancient tradition with modern convenience. The official language is Japanese, though English is common in cities and tourist areas. Currency is the Yen (¥). Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops, but cash is essential for mountain huts and rural areas. Etiquette in dining, onsens, and temples is an important cultural highlight.
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Your accommodation in Japan includes a mix of boutique hotels and mountain huts. In Tokyo and Fujiyoshida, you’ll enjoy private hotel rooms with modern comforts and local meals. In Hakuba, we base from a mountain lodge before fastpacking three nights hut-to-hut across the Japanese Alps. These huts, perched high on ridges, feel like small alpine villages, with hearty meals, dorm-style sleeping, and incredible sunrise and sunset views. The final nights return to comfortable hotels, where you can recover, relax, and enjoy Japanese hospitality before departure.
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August in Japan brings warm summer conditions. Expect daytime highs of 22–28°C in the valleys and cooler temperatures (10–15°C) at higher elevations. Evenings in the mountains can feel chilly. On Mt Fuji, weather is unpredictable and can be harsh, with wind, rain, or near-freezing summit temperatures. Prepare with appropriate layers and waterproofs.
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Breakfast: Daily buffet breakfasts at hotels and hearty set meals in huts.
Lunch: Mix of packed hut lunches and local restaurants.
Dinner: Evening meals feature traditional Japanese cuisine — from hotpots and rice bowls to sushi and seasonal vegetables. Hotel dinners and restaurant meals provide variety and authentic flavors.
THE ADVENTURE INVESTMENT
$4295 USD
$700 non refundable deposit required to secure your place. The deposit can be transferred to another adventure, and will be refunded in full if the adventure doesn’t go ahead.
Remaining balance due by 90 days prior to adventure. Registrations made within 90 days of the trip date must be paid in full.
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Airport transfers and all in-country transport
9 nights accommodation at boutique hotels (single rooms) and mountain huts (dormitory).
All meals per itinerary: hotel breakfasts, hut/restaurant lunches, lodge/restaurant dinners.
Three professional guides
Permits, hut bookings, Mt Fuji access fees, and scheduled onsen entries.
Tips for guides, drivers, and hut staff.
Karaoke party!
A guaranteed great time!
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International flights to/from Tokyo (NRT/HND).
Travel/medical insurance for mountain activities and evacuation.
Alcohol and other drinks.
Additional snacks/electrolytes/gels.
Optional activities not listed.
Personal expenses: laundry, souvenirs, phone/data.
Visa fees if required.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & PACKING LIST
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING
“In June, I went on my first trail running vacation with Trail Run Adventures in Madeira, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. From the meticulous planning and support from Anna and Braz, to the awe-inspiring trails we ran each day, every element of the trip was seamless.”
