Welcome to the Oku Japan blog, full of our latest news and stories about Japan. Here you can find anything from practical information for your next trip, interesting stories of the local people living along our trails, or trivia about the Japanese culture.
Ilse Montald
A small book that folds out like a paper screen, adorned with calligraphy in red and black ink…or sometimes with a cute animal. The ancient tradition of collecting goshuin (御朱印/red seal) is still alive and well, but now has a few modern twists.
Samantha Marino
After more than a decade of working with the local community, in 2019 Oku Japan became the first and only tour operator to open a branch office in the Nakasendo post-town of Tsumago.
Tania Jensen
‘There’s a sense of sincerity here. The people hold onto their roots, and their treasure is the land itself.’
Adrien Peilleron
Even now, the area stands – or rather floats, like a gigantic cloud – at the top of my consciousness.
Tania Jensen
Many visitors to Japan put Kyoto on their list of must-see places. It’s no wonder – the city is rich in history and traditions from its over-1000-year tenure as Japan’s capital. But did you know that there are even older capitals of Japan that are just as magnificent?
Ilse Montald
While walking in Japan, you’ll ikely spot small stone statues shaped like children or depictions of Buddha. These may seem like mischievous forest sprites, but their real identity tells a different story.
Ilse Montald
While there is a plethora of rules connected to Japanese cuisine, the truth of the matter is that they have become quite relaxed over the years as foreign cuisine started to mix with mainstream culture.
Oku Japan
The Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James, and the Kumano Kodo, are both listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites because of their cultural and historical significance. In fact, these two pilgrimage routes are the only ones with UNESCO status in the world.
Oku Japan
The white-clad figures that pop up frequently during a search about the famous Shikoku 88 pilgrimage have an official name. They are called Ohenro. It is not an exclusive term - anyone can become one when walking the trail.