Hiking in Japan around mid-April to early May?

I’m planning my first trip to Japan, a lifelong dream of mine, from February till May. I’ll be taking full advantage of the 90 days I get to spend there without a visa 🙂 My Japanese is sort of intermediate, so I hope to work on it when I’m there.

I am generally a city guy who loves museums, shrines, etc. but I also want to step out of my comfort zone and include a lot of nature. For example, I’ll be in Takayama in mid April for the spring festival, and then I’ll probably do the alpine route.

But I also want to do something more adventurous and hike for 2-3 days, including camping somewhere. Sleep in a tent, be one with nature, all that. Problem is, I leave Japan on May 9th, and from what I understand, the mountains are still pretty cold and wintery.

So, are there any spots worth doing during that timeframe, mid-April 2023 to the first week of May?

I should mention that I have no hiking experience, but I am 27, tall, pretty thin (some would say too thin), traveling solo, and willing to put in the effort for an unforgettable experience. I want to challenge myself.

I don’t intend to carry with me camping equipment during the 3-month trip just for a few days, so I’ll have to rent things like a tent. So far Kamikochi seems like a good fit – what do you think? I might also consider something longer than 2-3 days, if it’s really worth it.

Of course, if anyone has any other recommendations for my trip, it would be much appreciated. I know about the main attractions, so I’m thinking more of things that are unique for this time of the year. For example, I will include in my itinerary the Sapporo Snow Festival, the festival in Nara in March, Mount Yoshino for sakura, the emperor’s birthday, the pride parade in Tokyo, etc.