1. Mount Fuji
Located less than 2 hours from Tokyo, Mt Fuji is Japan's most recognizable landmark and visited by thousands of people each year. A symbol of Japan, it is popular among Japanese authors and illustrators alike and is also popular with hikers. The climb up Fuji is so popular, there is a post office at the top of so that those who reach the summit can send a postcard back home from the crest of the 3,800 meters (12,400 foot) high peak.
Travelers looking for a less taxing experience can enjoy spectacular views of Fuji from nearby Tenjo-Yama Park where a cable car takes visitors 1,000 meters (3,000 feet) up to the Fuji Viewing Platform.
2. Mount Aso
This mountain consists of 5 separate volcanic peaks which together make it the largest active volcano in Japan. It is located in one of the largest calderas in the world, there are even cities in this caldera. One of the five volcanoes, Mount Nakadake, is still active and is the area’s main attraction, but when the volcano spews gases, the entire area is shut down. Other peaks are popular destinations as well. Treks around the region range from short walks to day-long hikes. Near the Mount Aso Museum is a heliport where visitors can arrange for breath-taking albeit expensive flyovers.
3. Mount Asama
This volcano located in Joshinetsu Kogen National Park is the most active on the island of Honshu and while it isn’t in the top ten highest mountains in Japan. Mount Asama stands 2,568 meters above sea level, towering over the resort town of Karuizawa. The mountain is Honshu’s most active volcano, erupting as recently as 2009 and sending ash as far away as Tokyo. Despite the potential danger of another eruption, Mount Asama remains a popular holiday destination. Visitors come to ski on the peak’s adjacent slopes and soak in the region’s natural hot springs.
4. Mount Hachimantai
Located in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, this mountain is the highest peak out of a group of volcanoes all located on a volcanic plateau. It was included in a book of Japan’s 100 famous mountains. Around this mountain and this park, there are many walking trails and onsens, but in particular, around the Goshogake Onsen, there are fixed walking paths for visitors to see a really steaming hell valley. Besides the usual steaming vents you can see Japan’s biggest mud mountain, this bubbling mud monster is only a few feet tall, but it is a truly nightmarish creation.
5. Mount Unzen
Near the city of Shimabara on the island of Kyushu lies the group of volcanoes known as Mount Unzen. Eruptions from these volcanoes date back six million years, but until recently, they were thought to have become dormant. A national park was established in 1934 and a small village sprang up to accommodate visitors. In 1990, one of the volcanoes, Mount Fugen began a series of eruptions. Today, the mountain lies dormant again, and visitors can climb the 1,359 meters (4,459 foot) peak to enjoy panoramic views. To shorten the trek, most hikers approach the climb from Mount Myoken, which is reached by a three-minute gondola ride from Nita Pass.