Japan Hiking & Walking Small Group Tours & Trips

Highlights

• Explore beautiful and fascinating Kyoto
• Enjoy historic pilgrimage walks along the Kumano Kodo
• Immerse in Japanese culture off the beaten track
• Walk the Nakasendo Way from Tsumago to Magome
• Learn about the pearl-collecting Ama Divers while staying in Toba

Highlights

• Experience two of the main religions in Japan – Buddhism and Shintoism – by following the footsteps of ancient pilgrims on their quest for faith along the Koya-san and Kumano Kodo trails.
• Discover two of the major cultural hubs of Japan on foot, walking the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto and strolling through the Dotombori district in Osaka.
• Join in the morning prayers and share a traditional shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian) meal during an overnight temple stay in Koya-san, deep in mountainous Wakayama prefecture.
• Soak in an onsen after a day of trekking in Yunomine – there's no better way in Japan to relax and rejuvenate than in the natural mineral waters of a hot spring.
• Explore Kyoto on a couple of nearby hikes for a different perspective on the life and culture in this notable city, as well as visiting some sites of natural and religious significance.

Highlights

• Cycling allows you to get closer to the real Japan – from bicycles to Pokemon, serene temples to the organised chaos of the big cities, this classic adventure has it all.
• Choose to end rewarding days in the saddle with amazing Japanese feasts of sushi, unagi, tempura or even fugu, all washed down with a traditional sake or Sapporo beer.
• Ride both bikes and trains for the ultimate change of pace.
• Cycle through peaceful landscapes that show a land far from the big city lights of Tokyo.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

Highlights

• Hike between the preserved post towns of the Nakasendo Way and reconnect with the Edo history on this ancient trail connecting Edo (now Tokyo) and Kyoto.
• Discover one of Japan's best cycling routes – the Shimanami Kaido, which links Honshu with Shikoku across the scenic Inland Sea – and enjoy a cycling and kayaking experience through lush seaside landscapes.
• Temple-hop through the historic city of Kyoto with a guided bike ride past some of the major religious sites in the city – on two wheels is the perfect way to explore this ancient capital.
• Hike a section of the Kumano Kodo – one of only two UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage trails in the world. Along the ancient route, you’ll see the spectacular Nachi Falls and Nachi Taisha Shrine.
• Relax your muscles in Toba’s hot spring onsens and maybe even one of Kyoto’s sentos (traditional bath houses) - a must-do experience while in Japan!

Highlights

• Day hikes to the legendary temples of Shikoku
• Explore the traditional Iya Valley, with its thatched houses and vine bridges
• Meet pilgrims and hikers, sample Shikoku’s delicious fresh seafood with elusive umami—the “fifth taste”
• Kochi Castle and Matsuyama-jo, two of the most famous original castles in Japan

Highlights

• Visit the excellent Hiroshige Print Museum before transferring to the start of the walk on the outskirts of Nakatsugawa
• Enjoy your walk to Magome, a delightful hill-side post-town that was home to Shimazaki Toson
• Visit an onsen thermal hot spring bath for a relaxing
• Walk onto Tsumago and spend time exploring this beautifully maintained, traditional post-town
• Experience the walk using snowshoes through the snowy landscapes of the Kaida Plateau

Highlights

• Experience walking Tour of Osaka
• Walk through main areas of the city and through the Yasaka Shrine
• Tour to the famous Fushimi-Inari Shrine, this shrine is famous for its thousands of red torii gates
• Explore Tokyo
• Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine, ‘cause you can’t leave Tokyo without visiting this spectacular Shinto Shrine next to the Yoyogi Park.