June is a wonderful time for hiking!

June is probably my favorite time to go hiking out here in the countryside of Niigata. The snow has cleared from lower trails, the mountains are fully green again, and it's still before the heavy heat and humidity of  peak summer kicks in.

My local area from above on a relatively easy mountain hike!

From a practical point of view, it's one of the easiest months to be out for a few hours at a time. I can walk longer routes without feeling like I'm constantly overheating, and the air still feels relatively fresh. The rice fields in our area have also been freshly planted, which makes for some lovely scenery!

It's also quieter on the trails compared to peak summer, which I prefer. That said, I'm always a bit more mindful about wildlife this time of year. Bear activity is something I keep in mind, so I'll usually carry a bell and avoid hiking too deep into remote areas alone.

If you hike here, what is your favorite time of year for it?