Apr 16, 2023
Upon my arrival in Japan in 2014, I observed that a significant number of people did not view connecting with nature as a vital component of their lives. Instead, it was perceived as an activity for the select few who are mindful, and during my hikes, I predominantly encountered older individuals, with some even in their 70s or 80s.
I found it surprising that hiking seemed to be mainly enjoyed by older generations, in contrast to the western hiking culture I was familiar with where the average age is around 30. This discrepancy piqued my curiosity, prompting me to delve deeper into the history of hiking in Japan.
From Samurai Privilege to Modern-day Hiking
I discovered that in ancient times, Japanese people revered mountains as a sacred space where gods and spirits resided. This belief system gave rise to the practice of shugendo, which combined elements of Buddhism, Shinto, and animism, and involved physical endurance and ascetic training in mountainous regions.
During the feudal era, mountain climbing was a privilege reserved for the samurai and aristocrats who sought to improve their physical fitness and combat skills. It was also believed to be a means of spiritual purification and offered a way to escape the stress and rigors of court life.
In the modern times, as commercialization took hold, it became possible to profit from hiking tours and hiking gear. The target audience for these activities were people with sufficient money and time, such as retired individuals who were around 60 years old. This was because young people were not well-compensated under the seniority system in Japan and often had limited free time due to the culture of overworking. The fast-paced and stressful lifestyle of Japan has resulted in the working class prioritizing work over leisure, and as a result, hiking has never become a popular activity among younger generations.
Hiking is Popular Among Those Aged 45 and Above
Government data (e-Stat) reveals that for those aged 45-49 and above, mountain climbing and hiking ranked among the top physical hobbies. However, the younger generation prefers simpler pastimes like walking and bowling.
What Can We Conclude?
In Japan, the older generation is more involved in hiking and mountain climbing than the younger generation due to:
1) Historical and cultural factors, including the belief that mountains are a sacred space and reserved only for the privileged such as samurai and aristocrats during the feudal era.
2) Commercialization of hiking and nature sightseeing in Japan targeted retired individuals around 60 years old who had the time and money to engage in such activities. Younger generations in Japan, burdened by the culture of overworking and prioritizing work over leisure, have not embraced hiking as a popular activity.
What are the Recent Trends?
As Covid-19 restrictions were put in place worldwide, people spent more time at home. This led to a surge in the demand for outdoor activities, and hiking in particular became increasingly popular. In 2020, I noticed that camping became a hit across Japan, especially among friends and families. Tent sites were in such high demand that they were fully booked, and new camping shops began to pop up all over the place. However, I also observed that camping didn't always involve hiking or exploring trails.
Last year, I've noticed that sauna activities have become more popular, especially among younger generations. This trend may bring more people to nature since tent sauna setups by the riverside are seen as a luxurious and highly valued pleasure.
Recently, I have observed a positive shift in hiking trends in Japan. There is a noticeable increase in the number of younger hikers, and it's not uncommon to see groups of fit individuals in their twenties hitting the trails. It's encouraging to see the younger generation in Japan picking up on hiking, and hopefully, this trend will continue to grow, leading to a more balanced representation of all age groups in the hiking community.