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Small Group Walking Tours, Japan
These 2023 Walking Tours of Japan include a collection of unique, light walking tours through the cities, towns, and pristine wilderness of Japan.
A 2023 Walking Tour of Japan is an invitation to you to explore one of the world’s most beautiful countries on foot. With a light pack, these distinctive itineraries offer a new way to experience Japan’s rich culture and natural beauty. Walks are led by experienced guides who will introduce you to the unique features of each destination, along with a local perspective on rich historical sites, pristine wilderness and cuisine.”
Each relaxed walk is designed to create a new traveling experience in Japan. You’ll visit the hidden gems of Japan’s cities, see off-the-beaten track attractions, and explore the little-known pristine wilds.
These refined modern style walking tours in Japan offer you the opportunity to experience the best parts of some of Japan’s most spiritual pilgrimage walks, such as Three Mountains of Dewa, Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage and Kumano Kodo.
Then there is the sheer beauty of Nikko National Park and the timeless Nakasendo Way. The breathtaking natural scenery in the Japanese Alps, including Kamikochi, are high on the list too, to mention but just a few of the choices.
Walking through Japan’s cities and villages gives an amazing insight in to the life and culture of the people. Steeped in history, each walk is a story tale of its own.
These more luxurious Walking Tours of Japan aim to offer walks of 6-9klms and often and option to extend if the guests are keen.
Tour Type
Signature
Our Signature tours offer the most comprehensive cultural exposure.
Active
Our Active tours provide up-and-close encounters with traditional life and natural landscapes into the more remote regions of Japan.
Comfort
With a focus on comfort and ease, our Comfort tours deliver an authentic experience with a few extra creature comforts to make for a more relaxed and supported trip.
Seasons
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14 day tour
2023 Walking Tour of Japan Alps in Autumn
This tour takes you to one of the Japan’s most pristine and stunning remote landscapes with the Japan Alps high above you at the autumn’s peak. A variety of short walks (8-10km) through the national parks and small villages is the best way to absorb the brilliant autumn colours.
Next Departure 2nd Oct, 2023
12 day tour
2023 Walking Tour of Central Japan in Autumn
An unforgettable hiking experience along the Nakasendo Way – Japan’s most famous walking route. You also delve deeper into less explored walks in the iconic cities of Kamakura, Kyoto and Takayama.
Next Departure 18th Nov, 2023
13 day tour
2023 Walking Tour of Northern Japan in Autumn
2023 Walking Tour of Northern Japan in Autumn takes you through spiritual mountains, national parks ablaze in autumn colours and authentic onsen villages. An ideal opportunity to experience the beautiful Japanese rural landscapes and the warm traditional hospitality of northern Japan.
Next Departure 8th Oct, 2023
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Walking Tours Features
2023 Season of Japan Walking Tours
There are three Walking Tours of Japan in the 2023 season, each with a special theme.
The Walking Tour of Central Japan in Autumn features a walk on the ever-popular Nakasendo Way.
The highlight of the Walking Tour of Northern Japan is a spiritual pilgrimage walk on the Three Mountains of Dewa.
The Walking Tour of Japan Alps in Autumn offers early autumn sceneries in the alpine environment.
Why travel with us
At Journey to the East we are committed to providing authentic and most memorable experiences in Japan – for both Small Group Tours and custom-built Private Tours. Whether it is your first visit or you have been several times to Japan, you will always find something new and have special experiences with Journey to the East. Our travel style is chosen to immerse you in the culture and landscape of the country and expose you to a rich variety of unique experiences.
We do this by taking you beyond the tourist hotspots to explore the lesser-known parts of Japan. Our tours are designed to strike the right balance between the classic highlights and local secrets, the urban and the rural, the historic and the contemporary, and in doing so, reveal the true heart of Japan.
With Journey to the East, you will have fun and be safe on your deeply rewarding journey through this endlessly fascinating country!
We are specialists that just handle tours within one country, Japan. Whether you are from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand or beyond we meet you at the airport upon arrival into Japan and ensure a smooth and stress-free time in a foreign land.
Accommodation styles
Ryokans
Ryokans is a Japanese style accommodation, mostly consists of Japanese style rooms with tatami matt floor and futon bedding, and private ensuite. Some ryokans have a western style room with beds. A Japanese style room always has a low table and flat cushions to sit on, but the room may or may not have chairs. Most ryokans have an additional large public bath for guests and includes kaiseki style dinner. Breakfast can be Japanese style (rice, miso soup, fish etc.) or western style buffet.
Western Style Hotels
Size and standard vary from 5-star large international chains to regional small business hotels. Generally, in Japan twin rooms (two single beds) are more common than double rooms (one double bed), and some hotels in regional cities only have twin rooms. Room sizes are generally smaller in cities. Also beds and pillows tend to be firmer than those in western countries.
Minshuku
Size and standard vary from 5-star large international chains to regional small business hotels. Generally, in Japan twin rooms (two single beds) are more common than double rooms (one double bed), and some hotels in regional cities only have twin rooms. Room sizes are generally smaller in cities. Also beds and pillows tend to be firmer than those in western countries.
Shukubo (temple lodging)
The vast majority have Japanese style rooms and shared bathroom although there are limited number of temples with a western bedroom with ensuite. The stay at shukubo includes Buddhist vegetarian dinner and breakfast. Dinners are served early, around 5pm. They are run by monks, and facility and services are basic. Guests can attend morning service in the main hall.
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