May 6, 2023
In this article, I will recommend some of my favorite hiking trails around Tokyo that can be accessed using the JR Tokyo Wide Pass. It is available to non-Japanese passport holders, including foreign residents of Japan, priced at 10,180 yen and has a validity period of 3 days. Fyi, Japan Rail Pass is going to see a significant price hike of up to 77%, so it may no longer be a cost-effective option.
I have handpicked the most prominent mountains that would typically require higher costs to access without the Tokyo Wide Pass, and all of which are included in Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. For maximum value, consider hiking two or even three mountains within the three-day period of the pass (all are in close proximity except for Mt. Fuji).
Mt. Fuji via Kawaguchiko Station
The pass will take you to as far as Kawaguchiko Station. From there, you simply ride the local bus to Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station.
Mt. Nikko Shirane via Tobu-Nikko Station
The pass will take you to as far as Tobu-Nikko Station. From there, take the local bus to Nikko Shiranesan Ropeway.
Mt. Nasu via Kuroiso Station
The pass will take you to as far as Kuroiso Station. From there, take the local bus to Nasu Ropeway. To enjoy the fall colors, go in mid-late October.
Oze National Park and Mt. Shibutsu via Jomo Kogen Station
The pass will take you to as far as Jomo Kogen Station. From there, you can take a shuttle bus to Hatomachitoge.
Mt. Tanigawa via Echigo Yuzawa Station
The pass will take you to as far as Echigo Yuzawa Station. From there, you can take the local train to Doai Station.
If your goal is to hike the stunning Japan Alps, the Tokyo Wide Pass only gets you as far as Kofu Station, which is only midway. In this case, I recommend getting the JR East Pass, which can take you to most stations in Nagano, including Matsumoto. However, keep in mind that the JR East Pass is more expensive, costing around 18,000 yen.