Best day and weekend hikes in and around Tokyo

The nearby Mt Takao (599m) is one of the most heavily trafficked mountains in the world, attracting about 2.6 million visitors annually. So, for a less crowded route, head down the road to Mt Jinba, famed for the slightly phallic white statue (it’s meant to be a horse) at its summit. The 18.5km (total) route ends at Takao and the flat traverse along the ridge can be completed in about six hours.
Difficulty level ★★
How to get there From Shinjuku Station, take the Keio or Chuo line to Takao Station, then hop on the bus towards Jinba Kogenshita and get off at the last stop.

At the centre of Ibaraki Prefecture, Mt Tsukuba (877m) is often seen as a place of great spiritual energy, especially around the 800-year-old Japanese cedar tree (Shihosugi) and various rock formations. Along the trail, one pile of boulders depicts two ships passing in the sea, while another portrays a frog with an open mouth. Follow one of two three-hour round-trip courses: the winding 2.8km Shirakumobashi course or the steep 2.5km Miyukigahara course.
Difficulty level ★★
How to get there From Asakusa Station, take the Tsukuba Express to Tsukuba Station, then take the Tsukuba shuttle bus to Tsukubasan Jinja Iriguchi.

From Mitake Station, it's about 35 minutes on foot to the hiking trail leading up to Mt Mitake. During your 90-minute long trek to the summit, graced by the ancient Musashi Mitake Shrine, you'll pass through the tiny Mitakesan village. Here you can shop for souvenirs or stop by old minshuku (Japanese-style inns) that have been serving both pilgrims and tourists for decades. One of the oldest minshuku is the combined guest- and teahouse Higashibaba, which serves traditional Japanese sweets or light meals.

There's another 90-minute hiking trail that starts and ends at the shrine and loops around the mountain, taking you through dense forest. On your way, you’ll pass the Nagaodaira Observatory as well as the Ayahiro Falls and a rock garden with impressive moss-covered stone formations.
Difficulty level ★
How to get there From Shinjuku Station, take the Chuo line to Ome Station, then take the Ome line to Mitake Station.

The Musashi Mitake Shrine at the summit of Mt Mitake is also the starting point for the hike to Mt Otake (sometimes spelt 'Odake'). It's an extended version of the hike around Mt Mitake and takes two to three hours to complete. The semi-strenuous trek takes you through the natural rock landscape and past Ayahiro Falls. The summit also offers the obligatory view of Mt Fuji.
Difficulty level ★★
How to get there From Shinjuku Station, take the Chuo line to Ome Station, then take the Ome line to Mitake Station.

Overlooking the scenic river valley of Okutama (pictured), Mt Kawanori’s main attraction is the beautiful Hyakuhiro Falls. In summer, this hike isn't so remarkable, but autumn and winter bring serenity and gorgeous views of the snow and ice. It takes three-and-a-half hours to reach the summit, with some challenging climbs and descents. The return trip takes another three hours to reach Hatonosu Station, for a total hike of 14km and roughly seven hours. 
Difficulty level ★★★ 
How to get there From Shinjuku Station, take the Chuo line’s express train to Okutama Station, then take a local bus from stand No 1 to Kawanoribashi.

The well marked trail from Mitsutoge Station to Mt Mitsutoge offers a bit of variety, comfortably combining steep climbs, switchbacks and bridges. Near the top, you’ll pass the 88 Buddhas (there are only 81 remaining) dressed in red, and the popular rock-climbing wall. There are splendid views of Mt Fuji along the entire 15km, six-hour trip, and the descent is a rolling path overlooking Lake Kawaguchi.
Difficulty level ★★ ½
How to get there From Shinjuku Station, take the Chuo line to Otsuki Station, then hop on the Fujikyuko line to Mitsutoge Station.