Japan

The Kumano Kodo

This track is a network of ancient pilgrimage trails on the Kii Peninsula and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. These trails lead to sacred sites such as Kumano Hongu Taisha, offering a spiritual journey through forests and mountains. The walk ends at the stunning Waterfall and temple in Nachisan.

The Nakasendo Trail

The track is an Edo-period commercial route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto, passing through forest and well-preserved post towns like Magome and Tsumago. It is also not far from the Kaida Plateau and Mount Otake which are great places to walk. This trail provides a historical perspective, showcasing traditional Japanese architecture and culture. A big portion of it has been used for transport and there are some real stand-out sections.

The Shikoku Pilgrimage

This is a 1,200-kilometer route visiting 88 temples on Shikoku Island, associated with the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi. However, it is best to walk the Shikoku Pilgrimage in shorter segments as much of the walk has been paved over and used for day-to-day transport. Walking through natural areas on the more beautiful tracks and via temples offers the best experience on this route.

The Michinoku Coastal Trail

The Michinoku Coastal Trail stretches over 1,000 kilometres from Hachinohe to Soma, and features rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush forests. You will get up close to Japanese culture, especially in the fishing villages and areas recovering from the 2011 tsunami. The highlights include Sanriku Fukko National Park, Hiraizumi, and Kesennuma. The walks are stunning and as you travel through the different towns you will marvel at the Japanese resilience and ingenuity in the face of the disaster.

Nikko National Park and Waterfalls

Nikko National Park is a standout amongst many other stunning locations as it offers the best of both worlds: stunning temples and shrines, but also superb mountain, forest and waterfall walking – and is only 2 hours from Tokyo.

Kyoto

Kyoto rocks its socks off when it comes to hiking. The Kyoto Trail almost circumnavigates the city over the surrounding mountains and via many of the key temples and gardens. We have walked the whole track and put together the best sections.  The remote walk into Arashiyama is superb: once you get there it’s stunning but crowded.  The walk from Fushimi Inari via the mountains, the Emperor’s family graveyard, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple to the Gion is also quite amazing.

The Alps and National Parks

The Japanese Alps, including the Northern, Central, and Southern ranges, offer stunning alpine scenery and challenging hikes.  National parks like Daisetsuzan in Hokkaido or the Shin Etsu Track near Nozawa Onsen provide diverse flora and fauna, hot springs, and breathtaking landscapes.

Ryokans

Ryokans: These are Japanese guest houses that come in a variety of styles, from traditional wooden structures to more of a modern hybrid hotel. Ryokans have Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats, shoji sliding doors, and futons for sleeping. Few Ryokan Hotels have rooms with actual beds. The rooms may or may not have ensuites. However, be prepared for a little luxury when it comes to the heated toilet seats. The bathing area is often the pride of the Ryokan, especially when they are located in an onsen area. These are usually communal and separated by gender.

Meals are elaborate affairs from a Western point of view served in a traditional dining area. A traditional Kaiseki set meal is what is usually offered. Sometimes there is the option of a buffet at the larger Ryokans.

Minshukus

This style of accommodation are family-run accommodation that are often found in rural Japan. There is a fine line between a Minshuku and some smaller Ryokans, making it hard to distinguish between the two. Most Minshukus are very small, with only a few Japanese-style rooms, a bit like a Bed and Breakfast Japanese style. Staying at a Minshuku has its advantages, as it is a good chance to meet the local people and get right up close to the Japanese culture.  The atmosphere is often like that of a home with traditional meals served much like at a Ryokan but with even more intimacy. Be prepared, as baths and toilets are often shared.

Japanese Hotels

Hotels are often stylised with Japanese design in mind. The rooms often have tatami mat floors and offer a blend of modern amenities and traditional hospitality. They can vary from luxury five-star establishments to budget-friendly business hotels, providing comfortable accommodation with essentials like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms.

Many hotels feature restaurants offering both Japanese and international cuisine, fitness centres, and sometimes spas. Japan’s hotel service is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and exceptional customer service, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable stay for all guests.