What are the best Japanese walking tours for me?
If you’ve never been on a multi-day walking tour in Japan before, then you’re in for a real treat! We’re here to help you select the best Japanese walk for you. Whichever one you do choose, however, comes with a range of unique experiences that go with almost every visit to Japan, and certainly every visit to the Japanese countryside.
Mountains and forests galore
First of all, Japan is very much defined by the fact that it’s on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a 40,000km stretch of seismic activity that created two thirds of the world’s volcanoes. As a result, Japan is covered in mountains (four-fifths of Japan to be exact), and forests, making it a delightful place to walk around. The mountains pushed the people out to the sides to live in mega cities like Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka. A bit like Australia, although we’re pushed out to the edges because of the desert and heat.
A natural love of nature
The earliest indication of habitation in Japan dates back to about 30,000 years ago. They’ve been there for a long time and developed a deep respect for nature that evolved into a religion – Shinto – one of the strongest faiths in Japan to this day. The Shinto gods often take the form of natural elements such as wind, rain, mountains, trees and rivers. If you’re interested in Shinto then the Kumano Kodo may just be the walk for you. Either way, the result is that they really look after the environment, so all of the walks in Japan are in great condition.
Soak away your aches & pains
The volcanic origins of this country also combine nicely with a total immersion in nature (literally!) in the form of hot springs that you’ll find all over the place. And trust us when we say there is no better way to relax and revitalise your weary limbs after a long walk in Japan, than soaking in a traditional Onsen. The Onsen culture has been around for thousands of years, and it’s one that you won’t get anywhere else in the world.
OK, so that’s just a starter, now which Japanese walking tour is the right one for you? It depends how long you have, and what you’re looking for. Here’s a quick overview, where we’ll aim to identify the essence of each walk, and you can click through for more details!
Nikko National Park in autumn
The Kumano Kodo Nakahechi An Ancient Spiritual Pilgrimage
Days: 5 – 9 (10 if including Koyasan)
Distance: 70kms
Where: Kii Peninsula
Overview:
The Kumano Kodo is an ancient pilgrimage that along with the Camino de Santiago are the only two UNESCO World Heritage listed pilgrim walks in the world. If you’ve already completed your Camino and received your Compostela, you might be tempted to walk the Kumano Kodo and become a ‘Dual Pilgrim’. This glorious pilgrimage has been around for thousands of years for very good reason. The misty Kumano mountains on the rugged Kii Peninsula is quite simply, an incredibly beautiful place full of spectacular waterfalls, towering cedar forests and restorative hot springs. The Yunomine Onsen, for example, is 1800 years old and is thought to be the oldest in Japan, which is why it’s no wonder that it’s listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in its own right! Driven by their reverence for the natural world, the Japanese people were drawn here to celebrate beauty, peace and the spiritual nature of the land that they believed to be infused with the ‘kami’ spirits of the Shinto gods. Three shrines were built in honour of these spirits, and centuries later when Buddhism took prominence the two religions combined, with the spirits now believed to be emanations of Buddha, and the three shrines are now collectively worshipped as the ‘Kumano Sanzo’. There are a few different routes around the mountains, however all of them touch on these shrines as the centre piece of the walk. Walking around in this rarified air you’ll also take in Japan’s highest waterfall, stay in traditional often family run accommodations, soak in hot springs and eat incredible food, wander through rice paddies and tiny little villages, and generally come out the other side a better person than you were when you started the walk. Seriously!
Choose this Japanese walking tour if…
You want to immerse yourself in a mystical, spiritual journey through one of the most beautiful mountain regions in Japan, and walk in the footsteps of monks, emperors and samurai who’ve all paid their respects to the shrines of nature right here, for thousands of years.
Immerse yourself in our Kumano Kodo walks here
Seigantoji Temple Pagoda and Nachi Waterfall, Kumano Kodo
The Nakasendo Trail A Walk into Japanese History
Days: 5 – 8
Distance: 540kms (Full route)
Where: Kiso Valley
Tokyo to Kyoto (Full Route)
Overview:
The Nakasendo Trail is an inland mountain pass that runs through the Japanese Alps connecting Tokyo to Kyoto, and was originally developed in the early 1600s, at the start of the Edo period of Japanese history. Most people don’t walk the full route nowadays, and the highlights can be covered in 5 – 8 days, however a little knowledge of the history really helps put your experience into perspective. The peaceful Edo period lasted for 120 years, and coming on the back of 150 years of civil war, peace was long overdue. The Japanese population doubled from 15 to 30 million, and one of the contributing factors to ongoing peace was the fact that feudal lords had to live in the capital city for part of the year. Edo, now known as Tokyo, needed decent transport routes then, and the Naksaendo Trail was one of the main routes. Even when the Samurai and Daiymo weren’t leading their processions along the highway, the route was used continuously for trade and communications, with one particular stretch through the Kiso valley, known as the Kisiji, being the location of 69 ‘post towns’ dotted along the way. Some modern buildings popped up over the years, but fortunately a concerted effort was made to remove them all in the ‘60’s, with the Edo period buildings all restored to their former glory. Now, thanks to these efforts you can walk the Nakasendo Trail and it’s like walking into the past. If you’ve ever watched one of those old Samurai movies, with the roving warriors either saving the day, or laying waste to little villages depending on the movie (!) then that’s the world you’re about to inhabit. Watch The Seven Samurai before you go, and that’ll get you in the mood. In addition to the historic atmosphere you’ll enjoy along the Nakasendo, it’s also incredibly beautiful and full of old growth forests, bubbling brooks and bamboo groves, temples and waterfalls. Now and again you’ll walk past a little carved rock at the side of the road, a loving couple that’s actually a Shinto icon called a Dosojin, that’s believed to protect travellers just like yourself. Walk on, relax, and enjoy.
Choose this Japanese walking tour if…
You’d like to combine your love of nature, with an appreciation of Japanese history and architecture in a beautiful, fully immersive walk that takes you back to the time of the Samurai.
Explore our Nakasendo walks here
Magome Town with view of Kiso Valley, Nakasendo
Kyoto, Nakasendo & Kumano Kodo A Taste of it All
Days: 14
Distance: 15-20kms a day
Where: Kyoto, Nakasendo, Kii Peninsula
Overview:
We’ve already covered the Nakasendo and Kumano Kodo, so now, we’ll take a look at the Kyoto part of this multi-location, multi-day walking tour. The charm of Kyoto comes from the fact that it’s a perfect blend of ancient history and tradition, combined with everything you’d expect from a 21st Century city, surrounded by glorious mountains and wonderful scenery. For four days you’ll hike the best parts of the Kyoto Trail, exploring sites like the Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle and the oldest Shinto Shrine in the country, the Shimogamo Shrine. Nijo Castle was built in 1603, right next to the Imperial Palace and as you wander round you’ll see ancient politics come to life in the very fabric of the building. The castle was the seat of power for the military commander, and was purposely decorative to demonstrate the rising power of the Shogun, compared to the more simplistic Imperial Palace and the declining power of the Emperor. If you’ve got the time before you go, Shogun by James Clavell will give you a great insight into this world of Machiavellian manoeuvring in early Japan. It’s a long book, but well worth the effort and the story is sooooooooo good it’s become one of the best-selling novels of all time (!) with a solid 4.4 out of 5 on Goodreads too. Another day you’ll walk the Philosopher’s Path and climb Mount Daimonji, enjoying a rest at the top to take in the city view and contemplate the meaning of life, perhaps. Or instead, maybe to cogitate on what culinary feast you’d like to consume in Kyoto this evening. The next day you’ll take another mountain path to ponder and pay homage to the creator of the Universe itself. Sonten is said to have arrived right here at the top of Mount Kurama, six million years ago, and is believed by exponents of Reiki to be the source of all creation. Certainly, the Kurama-dera temple you’ll visit here is a source of endless inspiration, as are the giant Cedars surrounding the mystical trail you’ll enjoy on your path to enlightenment. Finally, after four days of exploring Kyoto, you’ll delve into the best parts of the Kumano Kodo and the Nakasendo, completing a wonderful couple of weeks in Japan.
Choose this Japanese walking tour if…
You’re a film and TV location hunter, or simply an eternally curious human being who loves a good walk, exploring some truly unique places and being absorbed in a culture and history that’s as rich, as it is rewarding. Enjoy, and read Shogun before you go 😉
Uncover this EPIC adventure here
Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto
Michinoku Coastal Trail (MCT) The Alps of the Sea Walk
Days: 6 or 7
Distance: 10-17 kms a day
1000 kms (Full route)
Where: Kitayamazaki Coast, Northern Japan
Overview:
This is one of Japan’s newest long walks, and if you’ve ever walked any of the long coastal trails in New Zealand then you’re in familiar territory. The essence of this trip is the natural beauty of the coast running from the Aomori to the Miyagi prefecture, combined with little fishing villages and a host of delicious seafood dishes you’ve probably never heard of, but will remember for years to come. If you like Oysters then you’re in for a treat, fresh tuna abounds and a particular speciality of the area are the wonderfully named Kirakiradon – ‘sparkling seafood bowls’ – that change according to the season. A little hint the walk is in the colloquial name for this stretch of coast in Northern Japan, the Alps of the Sea, with many of the cliffs rising up to 200 metres out of the Pacific Ocean. Take from that what you will, but your legs will be given a workout for sure. Think Three Capes in Tasmania, and once again you’re on the right track as you’ll plunge into dense forest sections, before the vegetation parts and you get a glimpse incredible ‘sharks tooth’ pillars of stone emerging from the ocean in front of you. As with most walks in Japan, you’ll get to warm yourself at the end of the day in an Onsen now and again, and the warmth of the local people you’ll meet along the way is another source of joy on this trip. This coast was hit by a devastating earthquake in 2011, and the entire population helped with the revitalisation of the area, and creation of this walk in the following years. The result being, every time you meet a local in this wonderfully remote location, they’re incredibly thankful you’re there, and proud of showing you around.
Choose this Japanese walking tour if…
You want to feel more like a traveller than a tourist, walk beautiful beaches like a local and truly enjoy the path least taken.
Dive into all the details for the Michinoku walk here
Coastal views on the Michinoku Trail near Jodogahama Beach
Shikoku The 88 Temple Pilgrimage
Days: 6-8
Distance: 15-20 kms a day
Where: Shikoku Island
Overview:
if you wanted to complete the full circuit of Japan’s smallest main island it’s about 1200km, and would take you 6 weeks to complete. Instead, we’ve curated a ‘best of’ for you. To start with Shikoku is a serene mountainous land full of waterfalls and forests, where you can steep yourself in tradition, and hot springs, at the same time. There are bamboo forests, and avenues covered in green and gold showers of Ginkgo leaves, and all that you’ve come to love about Japanese walks so far. The essence of this trip, however, is trekking to visit the wilder, more beautiful temples on the 88 Temple Pilgrimage, and to appreciate what that’s all about we need to introduce you to a poet, scholar, artist, engineer and monk called Kobo Daishi. Born in 774 on Shikoku, Kobo Daishi’s search for knowledge eventually led to him to China to learn more about Buddhism, and when he returned he was a revered master of the discipline, establishing the Shingon School of Buddhism that survives to this day. The central tenant of Shingon is that you, me and every single one of us can achieve enlightenment in our lifetimes, and everything we need to do so is already within us. In search of such wisdom people have been making pilgrimage to the 88 temples ever since Kobo passed, over a thousand years ago. Now as you join the historic line of pilgrims you’re invited to don the traditional robes, and as such you’re welcomed as honoured representatives of the great man himself. Simple gifts are often given, and you really feel as if you’re part of the tradition, as opposed to an interloper from overseas merely wandering through enjoying the view. You’ll walk through misty forests and visit mystical temples, delve into secret caves and devour wonderful cuisine, and every other night you’ll be able to soak in a hot spring to rest and rejuvenate.
Choose this Japanese walking tour if…
You want to become part of a thousand year old story, exploring ancient temples in search of spiritual enlightenment, ending your trip at Temple 88 Okubo-ji, where pilgrims’ wishes are finally fulfilled. Want to know more…?
Find all you need to know about Shikoku here
Dogo Onsen Honkan, one of the oldest and most famous hot springs in the whole of Japan
Nikko Waterfalls & Yumoto Onsen The ‘Get out of Tokyo’ Walk
Days: 4
Distance: 8 – 14 kms a day
Where: Tochigi Prefecture
Overview:
As amazing as Tokyo is, it can be a little overwhelming if you’re visiting for too long, and if that’s the case this four day walk could be just what you need. Only 100km’s north you’ll find yourself in the mountainous Tochigi prefecture, and you’ll feel as if you’re a million miles away from the largest city on the planet. This short break will give you a little taste of each of the longer walks too, and may be the perfect introduction to Japanese walking if it’s your first time. You’ll start in Nikko, and explore Nikko National Park where you’ll wander between a range of beautiful temples and shrines. The most notable being the UNESCO heritage listed Nikko Toshogu Shrine, which is a memorial to the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu who unified Japan at the beginning of the 1600s, ending 140 years of civil war and ushering in a new era of peace. This shrine is probably one of the most elaborately decorated in the whole of Japan, with the entire complex combining Shinto and Buddhist flourishes, along with a wooden freeze of the, now famous, ‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil monkeys’ – a wee taste of what’s to come… Autumn is a particularly beautiful time to visit here, and as you finish the day along an avenue lined with Narabi Jizo statues, the colours as you gaze across the river to the red Shinto bridge will be picture postcard stuff. OK, so culture, history and religion all covered in your first day (!) now it’s time to dive into mountains, forests, waterfalls and lakes – and you can actually dive into the calm emerald waters of Lake Karikomi. Although while you’re resting in the peaceful surrounds, watch out for a snow monkey clambering out of the forest and climbing in beside you. Seriously, there are tribes of monkey’s who call this place home, and if you’re lucky you’ll get a peek at their antics. You’ll also trek to the gorgeous Yudaki that cascades gloriously through the greenery, and further along the river you can decide if the Ryuzu Falls really do look like a dragon’s head. At night you’ll lay your head in a Ryokan in the traditional Onsen village of Yumoto Onsen, and by the end you’ll be happy to return to Tokyo. Or, perhaps, you’ll be reading this article again and searching for your next walk in Japan…
Choose this Japanese walking tour if…
You’re staying in Tokyo and you’ve had enough of city, your soul is crying out for a horizon that’s crowded with mountains not skyscrapers, and you’ve only got a few days up your sleeve.
Take a quick dip into our Nikko & Yumoto Onsen walk here
Shinkyo Bridge in Nikko at sunset
brett
Nice!