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Our walking tours combine the best of Japan's cultural destinations with off-the-beaten-track walking or hiking. Varying from easy to strenuous, but they all offer the visitor a wonderful opportunity to see Japan from a perspective bypassed by most foreigners. From village-to-village walking along the Kiso Valley or hiking the volcanoes of Kyushu, the countryside will unfold before your eyes, affording a truly up-close experience. Walking in Japan is made all the more civilised by the abundance of natural hot springs, and the freshest Japanese food, beautifully prepared by your host.
If you unsure of the right trip for you, please contact us!
Nakasendo Trail
Tokyo to Kyoto and Nara 12 days
Easy/moderate - 4 days of village-to-village walking from 2 to 5 hours per day on flat paths and mountain trails with some moderate ascents
2013
1 - 12 April
8 - 19 April
15 - 26 April
6 - 17 May
15 - 26 July
12 - 23 August
7 - 18 October
21 October - 1 November
11 - 22 November
2014
31 March - 11 April 2014
14 - 25 April 2014
05 - 16 May 2014
14 - 25 July 2014
06 - 17 October 2014
03 - 14 November 2014
Highlights: Four days of village-to-village walking on the old Nakasendo trail – Imperial Nara and Kyoto – modern Tokyo - the mountaintop village of Yoshino - visit sacred Mount Koya and stay in a shukubo (temple lodging) – relax in the bath at a lovely hot spring ryokan – travel on the bullet train
Land of Fire
Kyoto to Kyushu 15 days
Easy - city and countryside sightseeing on foot (normally up to 2-3 hours of walking per day) plus short hikes on Yakushima Island (up to 4 hours).
2013
11 - 25 May
30 September - 14 October
2014
10 - 24 May
29 September - 12 October
Highlights: Imperial Kyoto – Asuka – Kurokawa Hot Springs – Mount Aso, one of the world’s largest active volcanoes – Traditional Yokagura dances at Takachiho – Kagoshima – Hot sand baths on the beach – Accommodation in traditional ryokan – natural hot spring baths – UNESCO World Heritage site of Yakushima Island – Nagasaki
Kumano Ancient Trail
Village-to-village hiking in the sacred Kii Peninsula 9 days
Moderate/Strenuous - 4 or 5 days of walking from 2 to 7 hours per day on mountain trails
2013
06 - 14 May
04 - 12 November
2014
14 - 22 April
03 - 11 November
Highlights: Exploring the Kii mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and walking part of the old pilgrimage route to
the great Kumano shrines - Accommodation
in old hot spring villages - Boat ride through the
Doro-kyo Gorge - a spectacular hot spring hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean
Mountain Spirits
Tokyo and Northern Japan 13 days
Moderate - 6 days of walking and hiking from 2 to 5 hours per day on flat paths and mountain trails with some climbs
2013
19 - 31 July
20 September - 02 October
2014
18 - 30 July
19 September - 01 October
Highlights: Ultra-modern Tokyo – the UNESCO World Heritage site of Toshogu shrine at Nikko – spectacular walking in the Oze marshland – accommodation in traditional ryokan – natural hot spring baths – a temple stay in the sacred mountains of Dewa Sanzan – gentle walks and cycling in the Tono valley – Samurai houses and gardens at Kakunodate – relax in the milky-white waters of the remote Nyuto hot spring – travel on the bullet train
Please see also our self-guided walking trips - customisable to your level of walking and you can start them on any day.
Fully Tailored Itineraries:
We can also arrange tours to suit your dates or even put together a trip customised to your needs, with or without an element of walking or hiking. Please fill out our enquiry page to discuss your requirements.
Newsletter
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