Beyond the busy streets and bright lights of its cities Japan's mountains which cover over

70% of its surface are a world in themselves

Hikers at any level can find inspiring trails all over the country, but for those willing to take on more challenging terrain

Japan offers some of its most breathtaking landscapes

For as long as mountain hiking has been popular in Japan the Japanese Alps

have been the ultimate playground for those looking for adventure in the mountains

And that is where I'll be hiking for the next two days

Here's the plan

In the northeast corner of Nagano Prefecture

Straddling the edge of the famous snow resort town of Hakuba lies Mount Shiroumadake

Shirouma has one of the most unique hikes in the Alps

The trail starts at 1250 meters above sea level

Then climbs up a perennial snow field called the Daisekkei and eventually reaches the mountains' ridgline

where I'll drop my pack off at a mountain hut and finish the ascent to the summit of Shirouma

Before finally heading back to the hut where I'll stay the night

The next morning after catching the sunrise

I'll hike along the ridge hitting the summit of nearby Shakushidake

before reaching our high point for the day Yarigatake

From there, I begin the long descent with one important stop along the way

Hakuba Yari Onsen a natural mountainside hot spring located at an elevation of 2100 meters and

After a relaxing soak. I'll make my way back to the trailhead.

I'm Joe Mignano, web developer and staff writer for Japan guide com

Today I'm on assignment in the northern Japanese Alps

Taking on one of japan's best mountain hikes

climbing Mount Shiroumadake

Day one

Welcome to the Daisekkei

In Japanese this literally means big, snowy, mountain stream

The Daisekkei is a year-round snow patch leftover from the massive amounts of snow this area gets in the winter

Before climbing it's best to check the conditions at the previous hut this area is known to have rock slides

We're at about 2,000 meters above sea level right now almost to the top of the Daisekkei

and just in the distance there is our destination

Shiroumadake

To the left, Yarigatake, our destination for tomorrow

We made it we're at the ridge line now

behind me is Yarigatake bathed in some clouds

we're at the ridge line and the

Mountain hut our destination for the night is just ahead

As well as the peak of Shiroumadake

Day two

We just made it to the top of Shakushidake

It's an intermediary peak between Shiroumadake and where we're headed today our highest point for today

Yarigatake

Once you get above a certain elevation

The world below you just disappears

Suddenly you're amongst the clouds dragon flies buzzing around your head

It's a different world

We've made it this is Hakuba Yari onsen

At 2100 meters above sea level, it's one of the highest

Onsen in all of Japan probably one of the most remote places to take a bath

I hope this video has given you a glimpse into the world of hiking in Japan and

maybe a little inspiration to hit the trail and explore Japan's incredible landscapes for yourself

For more information about hiking in Japan or to watch another video

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Or head over to japan-guide.com your comprehensive, up-to-date, travel guide first-hand from Japan

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Happy travels