Over ten days, you’ll experience the progression from urban trails to remote mountain paths. We start with Tokyo’s network of park runs and temple paths before heading for higher ground in the Northern Alps.
Each day brings new terrain: forested mountain trails, alpine meadows, ridgeline tracks with views stretching to Mount Fuji, and ancient paths connecting mountain villages. Our routes mix famous trails with hidden gems, including sections of Japan’s most celebrated ultra-running courses.
But it’s not just about the running – you’ll soak in outdoor hot springs, learn the proper etiquette for traditional bathhouses, taste local sake, and perhaps spot snow monkeys watching from the forest edge.
By journey’s end, you’ll have experienced a side of Japan that most visitors never see, where ancient traditions and modern adventure meet on the trail.
*Trip details and itinerary are subject to change. Final routes and accommodations will be confirmed closer to departure dates.
Welcome to the Balkans! We’ll gather at Dubrovnik airport and waste no time hitting the road towards the stunning village of Perast situated on the shores of the Bay of Kotor. As we wind our way through the countryside, you’ll get your first taste of the breathtaking landscapes that await us. We’ll arrive at our beautiful villa in this picturesque town as we settle in, enjoy a welcome dinner, and brief you on the exciting week ahead.
Today’s run takes us up to the historic fortresses overlooking Perast and the Bay of Kotor. We’ll climb to Fort Sanik and Fort Saint Andrija, rewarding our efforts with panoramic views of the bay before a steep descent back into the village for a delicious local meal along the water’s edge.
Get ready for a unique running experience through the Reka Crnojevica Delta. We’ll navigate trails that wind through lush wetlands, passing remains of an old fortress and finish at the Kom Monastery. After our run, we’ll hop on a small boat and enjoy a tour along the windy river en route to lunch. In the afternoon we will make our way to Theth, where the real mountain adventures await.
Today will be your first introduction to the towering Albanian Alps! We will stretch the legs out running along a river bed towards the emerald waters of Blue Eye. En route we’ll climb to the Grunas Waterfall before descending back towards the river path and finishing with lunch. After refueling we’ll hike as a group to the mesmerizing Blue Eye Lake, a natural wonder that lives up to its name.
Today kicks off our journey deeper into the Accursed Mountains of the Dinarica mountain range. With massive peaks and deep river valleys surrounding the region, we’ll move through the challenging mountain terrain together as a group, climbing to the iconic and breath-taking mountain pass before descending into the neighboring valley of Valbona.
With a reluctant departure from the beauty of Valbona we’ll embark on a challenging, yet breathtaking group hike for our biggest mountain day yet! Moving through the Dinaric mountains, we will start in Albania and hike across the border back and forth to Montenegro not once, twice, but three times. Ascending high mountain passes with sweeping views of iconic peaks, jumping in crystal-clear alpine lakes, navigating technical and rocky terrain and descending to the neighboring valley… today’s a big one!
Tired yet? We hope so! After some massive days out in the mountains, we knew we couldn’t leave them just yet. Waking to the fresh mountain air with surrounding peaks in the Grebaje Valley, we’ll enjoy one last hike/run in the valley and a fresh, hyper-local meal at the eco-village before making our departure back to Montenegro for our final dinner and awards.
Here are some of the key regions that make running in Japan so special – from the soaring peaks of the Northern Alps to the cultural treasures of the Kamakura coast.
Japan’s most famous peak has long captivated runners and mountaineers alike. While it’s technically possible to run to Mount Fuji’s summit – a challenging 3,000 vertical meters over 21 kilometres – the most rewarding running experiences often come from the network of trails that surround this sacred mountain. Here, you can enjoy perfect views of Fuji’s distinctive silhouette while running through some of Japan’s most scenic terrain.
The Fuji Five Lakes region, with Lake Kawaguchi at its heart, offers an extensive network of trails that combine authentic mountain running with postcard-perfect Fuji views. From ridgeline routes to lakeside paths, each trail provides a different perspective of Japan’s most iconic peak.
Notable Trails & Routes:
The Ohachimeguri Trail network offers perfectly graded paths around Lake Kawaguchi, where Mount Fuji’s reflection creates a mirror image on calm mornings
Mount Ishiwari delivers a rewarding mountain experience with panoramic Fuji views from its summit, featuring 500-700 meters of elevation gain over runnable terrain
The Lake Yamanaka trails provide a mix of forest paths and open ridges, serving up some of the region’s most dramatic Fuji viewpoints
This region balances challenge with accessibility, offering routes for every ability level while maintaining that crucial element that draws runners from around the world: those perfect Mount Fuji views.
When the snow melts from Nagano’s legendary ski slopes, Japan’s most dramatic mountain playground transforms into a trail runner’s dream.
The Northern Japan Alps, anchored by the historic mountain town of Hakuba, have long been renowned for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics and drawing powder-seekers from around the globe. But it’s what happens after the thaw that makes this region truly magical.
As spring warmth creeps up the mountainsides, a network of trails emerges – from pilgrim paths to technical ridge routes that trace the spine of Japan’s most dramatic alpine range.
The Northern Alps deliver a perfect mix of accessibility and true mountain wilderness, where crystalline streams tumble past mountain huts and rocky summits pierce through clouds.
Notable Trails & Routes
The iconic Hakuba Ridge Trail offers 15-25km of perfectly graded mountain running, mixing forests and open ridgelines with panoramic views stretching to the horizon
Mount Shirouma-dake presents one of Japan’s most distinctive mountain experiences, where summer runners cross the remarkable Daisekkei Snow Valley en route to soaring alpine views
The Togakushi-jinja trail network combines technical mountain running with cultural significance, linking ancient mountain shrines through pristine forests
The running here ranges from moderately challenging valley routes to serious alpine adventures. What sets it apart is the infrastructure – traditional mountain lodges (many with natural hot springs) dot the range, offering Japanese hospitality in the most unlikely of places.
The Kamakura Alps offer some of the most culturally rich trail running in Japan. Just 90 minutes from Tokyo’s buzz, these coastal hills have been home to important temples and shrines for nearly a millennium, all connected by an intricate network of ridgeline trails that once served as natural fortifications for Japan’s first shogunate.
What makes running here special isn’t the challenge of the terrain but rather the constant interplay between nature and culture – you might round a corner to find a hidden shrine, pause at a centuries-old temple, or catch glimpses of the Pacific Ocean through bamboo forests.
Notable Trails & Routes:
The Daibutsu Trail connects the iconic Great Buddha statue to the bamboo groves and temples of western Kamakura, offering a perfect blend of cultural sites and natural beauty
The Ten’en Hiking Course provides the signature Kamakura running experience, linking ancient temples along ridgelines with constant views over the Pacific Ocean
The Zuisenji network leads runners through quiet valleys and past hidden temples, where carefully tended gardens transition seamlessly into wild forest
These trails offer an ideal introduction to trail running in Japan. The routes are surprisingly quiet despite their proximity to Tokyo, and the relaxed pace of Kamakura provides a perfect contrast to the capital’s energy.
We are putting the finishing touches on our inaugural Run Japan trips. To be the first to hear about dates and details, join our priority list below.
The Japanese Alps and Mount Fuji region offer one of Asia’s most spectacular running experiences. This Japan running tour takes you through stunning landscapes where ancient pilgrim paths meet modern trail systems amid breathtaking mountain scenery.
Japan, renowned for its perfect blend of tradition and innovation, combines the allure of iconic landscapes with legendary hospitality and cuisine that will make you fall in love with the region. From serene temple trails to challenging alpine routes, this adventure showcases Japan’s natural beauty and cultural depth.
The run tour price includes pre-trip communication & guidance, airport transfers to and from Tokyo, 9 nights accommodation, all meals from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the final day, transportation, drivers, experienced running guides, local logistics team, organized supported runs, onsen hot spring experiences, cable car tickets, drinking water, and Rogue Expeditions swag.
The cost does not include flights to/from Tokyo, alcohol, tips, personal purchases, or transport to/from unscheduled destinations.
This Japan run tour is designed for experienced runners with a good fitness level. The longest runs could be up to 15 miles with significant elevation gain, and some days may involve challenging mountain trails with up to 2,000 ft of elevation change, though these will not be a daily occurrence.
Multiple distance options are always available for our run days, but some routes follow point-to-point trails that require adequate fitness to complete the full route (or skip and transfer by van to the next accommodation).
Expect diverse and sometimes technical terrain throughout your Japan running tour. You’ll encounter mountain trails, forest paths, pilgrim routes, ridgeline tracks, and some road running. The routes include single-track trails, dirt paths, and possibly some paved sections. Be prepared for technical terrain, especially in the Northern Alps region, and some sections with rocky footing that may require careful navigation.
Your Japan run tour includes activities such as soaking in natural onsen hot springs, visiting ancient temples and shrines, exploring local mountain towns, and experiencing traditional Japanese culture and cuisine. You’ll also have time to relax and recover in beautiful settings like Lake Kawaguchi with views of Mount Fuji and the scenic Northern Alps valleys.
Accommodations vary throughout your Japan running adventure, including Western-style hotels, traditional ryokan inns, and mountain lodges. Examples include comfortable hotels in Tokyo, authentic ryokans in the Mount Fuji region, and mountain lodges in the Northern Alps. Expect a mix of Western beds and traditional Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats. All accommodations feature the signature Japanese attention to detail and cleanliness.
Weather can vary significantly given the diverse terrain and elevation changes. Generally, expect mild to warm days and cooler nights in spring and fall. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for sudden changes and potential rain during your Japan running tour. The Northern Alps region can experience cooler temperatures, especially in early mornings and evenings.
You’ll enjoy a variety of traditional dishes, from sophisticated Tokyo restaurants to hearty mountain lodge meals. Enjoy fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, handmade soba noodles, and regional specialties. Experience multi-course kaiseki dinners, warming mountain hut fare, and perhaps the famous Hida beef of the alpine regions. Most special diets can be accommodated, but please check with us in advance about any specific dietary requirements.
We’ve done our best to create a cancellation policy that balances flexibility with our advance costs. For detailed information on cancellations, transfers, and refunds, please review our full Booking Terms & Conditions. We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance to cover potential cancellations.
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