You might have noticed that the topographic maps or app you use at home doesn’e have a lot of detail for Japan – where are all the mountains? Below I share some of the best free topographic map and app options for Japan and provide some steps you could take before going on any trail hikes in Japan.
Should I use an app or carry a map?
Why not both? While I see many these days simply use a phone while hiking – it is not wise to hike without a printed map or proper GPS especially in the harsher seasons. Phones can go flat (more so in cold weather) and if you’re not a local you don’t want to get caught out.
I recommend printing a copy the map for your hike and also familiarising yourself with some basic kanji as the maps are likely to be in Japanese.
1. Download or print a topographic map of your hike
If you’re looking for free printable topographic maps “地形図” of Japan the Japan GSI have an online map that you can print from. The website is in Japanese but have a look at the image below to see how to do it. You can print to A3 or A4. Steps below – otherwise this Yamareco page makes printing the maps a little easier.
Click ”シール” then ”印刷” to print off a map in A4 or A3 size for free. You can also purchase them if you’ll use it regularly.
2. Learn to read a topographic map
While many people hike using GPS devices it is highly recommended to make yourself familiar with a topographic map of the area you are hiking in. There are many sites on the internet where you can learn how to read and use a topographic map and compass like this one. People who hike without knowledge of what a topographic map is and how to find your location may eventually find themselves in trouble.
Even though I have GPS available I always carry a compass and a paper copy of a topographic map with me! This is a good site with a lot of information about topographic maps and navigation in Japan.
3. Learn basic kanji for hiking and running in Japan
If you cannot read Japanese or Kanji you’re going to have a harder time when you hike in Japan. It’s also a fun way to study! Some of the basic kanji that you’ll see a lot on hikes are below:
- mountain (山)
- river (川)
- trailhead (口)
- pass (峠)
- summit (山頂)
- hut (山小屋)
- altitude / height (高崎)
- danger (危ない 危険)
Here is a great site explaining some useful Kanji and map features.
4. Use a navigation app as backup or to record progress
I use two different navigation apps when I am hiking in Japan and other places like Australia. First, I use the Android Wikiloc app to record my hikes as I go and then I upload the trails afterwards. This allows me to see how long the hike took me exactly, and record where I went. From the WikiLoc website you can download the .gpx files of over 5,000,000 hikes, walks and bike trails from around the world.
I also use the AllTrails app. While its more useful features are behind a trial/paywall I find it worth it if you’re hiking a lot!
Yamap, which has a comprehensive list of hikes and maps in Japanese now also has an app on Android and iPhone (in Japanese). If you’re willing to practice Kanji – I recommend taking this along side any English languag app – as the maps they use may reveal more details than what might be available on an English language map (they appear to use the Japan GSI basemap above).