Who We Are

Oku Japan operates guided, self-guided, and custom tours around Japan. Our trips combine the simple pleasures of enjoying the hospitality of close-knit communities deep in the countryside that preserve the traditions of a not-too-distant past: their home-grown food, carefully preserved buildings, and immense pride in where they live and who they are. We have our very own team in Kyoto, along the Kumano Kodo Trail and Nakasendo Trail – not representatives, not partners, but our very own staff members ready to support you and to show you facets of Japan you never knew existed.


Our guides are professional, trained guides who are bilingual in Japanese and English and have a deep knowledge of and passion for Japan's people, culture, and history.


Our main office is located in Kyoto, and we operate local branch offices in Chikatsuyu and Tsumago on the Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo, respectively. We are proud to be a part of these communities and welcome you to visit our branch office pages to learn more about the communities and our team members who are excited to meet you.



Our Philosophy

Vision

We strive to bring happiness to ourselves, our clients, and our partners through our one-of-a-kind, experience-based trips.

Mission

We create more than tours; we create precious memories to last a lifetime.

Values

We take a sustainable approach, prioritising open discussions and a diverse range of opinions.

Our branch offices on the trails

We strive to make a positive contribution to the local communities and do our best to help wherever we can. That is why we established our branch offices along our two most popular destinations: the Kumano Kodo and the Nakasendo.

Kumano Kodo branch

Find out how we contribute to the community in Chikatsuyu, a small town along the Kumano Kodo.

Nakasendo branch

Learn more about our contribution to the people of the post-town of Tsumago.

Responsible tourism

Acting responsibly as a tour company is at the core of our business. We want our small-group guided tours and our self-guided trips to contribute positively to the destinations they visit in Japan.

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