Wakasa Province in central Japan has roots dating back to the Nara period (710 to 794). Owing to its direct proximity to the Japan Sea, the region has thrived and today retains important cultural monuments, abundant nature and traditional industries that helped support the local people for generations. Our adventure travels along the coastline of the Japan Sea, from culturally rich northern Kyoto or ‘Kyoto by the sea’, from historic shrines and temples, to the iconic sandbar Amanohashidate, and Nariaiji temple, both affording spectacular views over the bay, through to rural Fukui, with its pristine beaches, laid-back daily life and remarkably preserved cultural treasures. Each day provides a unique theme on how Wakasa has informed the life here, from mountain folk tales, spiritual sites, local customs, important historic sites through to preservation cultures.
If you would like to book this tour, please enquire using the "Ask a question" button below.
Northern Kyoto to Fukui: Self-Guided Walking 5 Days Premium
Northern Kyoto to Fukui: Self-Guided Walking 5 Days Premium
Number of travellers
Start date
Tour details
If you would like to do multiple tours in one trip or have a question about any of our tours, do not hesitate to contact us with the button below.
- Duration: 5 days
- Trip level:Active
- Availability: Recommended from late March to November
- Type:Self-guided
- Price: USD 2,300(Price per person, based on 2 travellers sharing a room)
- Experience gentle hikes through unspoilt nature, spiritual forests, important historic sites and lovingly preserved traditional villages
- Take in local culture and crafts, including optional experiences, such as traditional paper-making in a functioning Washi village
- Stay in four premium Japanese accommodations, taking in onsen baths, wooden Machiya townhouses, local experiences and delicious regional cuisine
- Learn the deep culture and nature of Wakasa Bay, and how the proximity to water has informed the lifestyle, the nature and the scenery here
- Walk along iconic Amanohashidate, featuring scenic views of the Japan sea on both sides
In partnership with
Wakasa Province in central Japan has roots dating back as far as the Nara period (710 to 794). As an active trade area, owing to its direct proximity to the sea, the region has thrived and today retains important cultural monuments, abundant nature and traditional industries that helped support the local people for generations. Wakasa bay, as the gateway to the Japan sea, has played an integral role in the region’s development.
Our varied journey begins from cultural and historical centre Kyoto, heading to iconic sandbar Amanohashidate via the key spiritual and historical Moto Ise Naigu shrine; a gentle hike here provides an introduction to the spirituality, history and nature so abundant in remote northern Kyoto. After overnighting at a comfortable premium Onsen inn, explore iconic sandbar Amanohashidate, which offers great views out over Wakasa Bay, and is connected by Chionji Temple to the south and Motoise Kono Shrine on the northern coast; offering unique spiritual and architectural waypoints on both sides of the walk. There are a myriad of delicious freshly caught seafood restaurants on the route for lunch, and after an optional visit to mountaintop temple Nariaiji with spectacular views over the sea from above, the itinerary then heads to Fukui Prefecture and to quiet, beachside Obama to enjoy the slow life and traditions passed between generations; a delightful and low-key rest stop on the trip. The next day involves a visit to a remote temple, and an overnight stay at a premium inn providing local experiences, including farming for ingredients used in the evening meals. This key location is closely connected to the temple, and offers appropriate Shojin Buddhist meals; providing a contrast from other stays, as well as breakfast and morning chanting ceremonies at the temple itself before heading onwards. Enroute, we also have an optional visit to a lovingly preserved Juku town; a picturesque exploration of the storied Saba (Mackerel) trade route, and photogenic wooden houses and backstreets.
Heading north, we pass unique Mikata Goko, or “Five lakes” beside eastern Wakasa, affording great views and gentle, optional cycling, before visiting a local craft village, enabling us to see first-hand the process of local craftsmen at their workshops, then overnighting close to Wakasa in a comfortable traditional inn. From Fukui, the tour then finishes with a nice walk and visit the historic fort ruins at Ichijodani, an important cultural and historical marvel, where participants are invited to learn about the turbulent Sengoku Jidai period of civil upheaval and war. Each day provides a unique theme on how Wakasa has informed the life here, from mountain folk tales, spiritual sites, local customs, important historic sites through to preservation cultures, ensuring a varied and enriching experience.
Our standard tour features entry-level, optional hikes and cycles. In Northern Kyoto, it is possible to extend the trip with an additional night in Amanohashidate, enabling further exploration of the region through local experiences, including rental e-bikes, the folktale-centric Onii trail or the ability to join an immersive waterfall experience undertaken by the local priests at certain times of year.
 |
4 nights at premium Japanese accommodations |
 |
4 breakfasts & 4 dinners |
 |
Train tickets starting in Kyoto and and ending in Fukui (with Premium Green Class seats where appropriate) |
 |
Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions |
 |
Topographical maps |
 |
Local support by telephone from our Kyoto based team |
 |
Our Preparing for your trip and Travelling in Japan Guidebooks |
 |
Optional orientation at our Kyoto office |
 |
Flights |
 |
Airport transfers |
 |
Pay locally for drinks with meals and for lunches |
 |
Pay locally for museum and gallery entry fees |
 |
Pay locally for other transportation options |
 |
Single room supplement(s) if required |
Tour itineraries are subject to change. We will inform you of any amendments as soon as we become aware of them.