The Best Outdoor Pursuits

Climbing Mount Fuji: Okay, so climbing Japan's tallest -- 3,716m (12,388 ft.) high -- and most famous mountain is not the solitary, athletic pursuit you may have envisioned -- but with 600,000 people climbing it annually, it's a great, culturally enriching group activity. The most recent trend is to climb through the night with a flashlight and then cheer the sunrise from the top of the mountain.

Hiking the Old Nakasendo Highway (Japan Alps): Back in the days of the shogun, feudal lords were required to return to Edo (now Tokyo) every other year, traveling designated highways. Nakasendo was one of these highways, and an 8km (5-mile) stretch through a valley still exists between the old post towns of Magome and Tsumago. It's a beautiful walk, and the towns are historic relics.

Skiing in Honshu & Hokkaido: Host of two winter Olympics (in Sapporo in 1972 and Nagano in 1998) and riddled with mountain chains, Japan is a great destination for skiing, the most popular winter sport in the country. The Japan Alps in Central Honshu and the mountains of Tohoku and Hokkaido are popular destinations.

If you'd rather leave the planning to someone else, join a trip sponsored by the Shinyi Ski Club; contact Julia Nolet from 10am to 10pm Tokyo time; fax 03/3423-8859; jnworwor@gol.com.

Cycling (Matsuyama and Hiroshima): Hard to believe, but you can bike between Shikoku and Hiroshima Prefecture via the 69km (43-mile) Shimanami Kaido route, which actually comprises 10 bridges and six islands in the Seto Inland Sea. A well-maintained, dedicated biking path makes cycling one of Japan's best outdoor activities.

Shooting the Kumagawa Rapids (Kumamoto): You can glide down one of Japan's most rapid rivers in a long, traditional wooden boat or opt for a more adventurous journey on a raft guided by professionals. Either way, the scenery is great.

Fishing: Most foreigners laugh when they see Japanese fishing spots -- a stocked pool in the middle of Tokyo or a cement-banked river, lined elbow to elbow with fishermen. For more sporting conditions, head to Lake Akan in Hokkaido's Akan National Park, where you can fish for rainbow trout or white spotted char.

Active Vacations -- For more information on outdoor activities in Japan, including hiking, skiing, cycling, windsurfing, rock climbing, and even hot-spring spas, see www.outdoorjapan.com and www.skijapanguide.com.

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