Japan is such a spectacular country to travel by foot, what a wonderful way to see the regions, up-close and personal, accessing all areas.
While we certainly do plenty of gentle walking @ Zenbu Tours I’m happy to leave more serious walking/hiking tours to the experts – folks far more sporty spice than myself – which honestly doesn’t take much.
As my guests will know, we don’t overly exert ourselves at Zenbu Travel – our focus is on deep diving into the cuisine and culture and we tend to avoid anything too steep, strenuous or uncomfortable. Sure there’s the odd hill and stairs etc, but we generally take things at a very achievable pace for all.
For those who haven’t travelled with me before, we allow for plenty of breaks etc and ensure folks are comfortable to move at their own speed, resting somewhere cosy if they feel a particular, shrine visit for example, has too many uneven stone stairs. On the other hand, we allow plenty of free time for those who wish to cram in a bit of extra exercise !
It’s win-win – unless you are seeking something with sustained walking at its heart. I know some of my readers are very much interested in focussed walking tours and if I didn’t have a dodgy spine, I’d be right there with you – instead, I’m happy to be the bearer of some exciting walking tour news.
Proper Walking Tours !
Recently a PR friend of mine, one of those enviable types who simply glows with the thought of moving around outdoors as much as possible (think long, brisk bush walks, kayaking, swimming in the sea no matter how bracing (she grew up in Tasmania and has long been at one with the elements), and generally having a good time of it) has been working with a company which runs excellent-sounding walking tours of Japan. As soon as we started chatting, I knew I needed to share the details.
Life’s An Adventure, is one of Australia’s premier walking tour operators, and they have just announced the launch of five new pack-free walking tours in Japan, offering a unique blend of breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and luxurious accommodations.
The new walking tours include:
- Nakasendo Trail (8 days) – Journey through history along this ancient route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto, featuring charming post towns and scenic mountain vistas.
- Kumano Kudo – Nakahechi Route (8 days) – Explore the spiritual heartland of Japan, walking the historic pilgrimage paths that have welcomed travellers for over a thousand years.
- Combined Nakasendo and Kumano Kudo Nakahechi Route (16 days) – Experience the ultimate adventure by combining the highlights of both the Nakasendo Trail and the Kumano Kudo Nakahechi Route.
- Kumano Kudo – Iseji Route (7 days) – Discover the coastal pilgrimage route leading to Ise Shrine, one of Japan’s most sacred sites.
- Kunisaki Spiritual Trail (8 days) – Delve into the serene beauty of the Kunisaki Peninsula, known for its ancient temples and tranquil forests.
In addition to these newly launched tours, Life’s An Adventure will unveil six more exciting walks in the coming months:
- The Salt Trail (Nagano) Shino No Michi Trail (7 days)
- Shinetsu Walk (Nagano) (7 days)
- Mt. Fuji from All Angles – Izu Peninsula (7 days)
- Michinoku Coastal Trail (8 days)
- Basho Narrow Road to the North (7 days) – Follow the footsteps of Japan’s supreme Haiku poet.
- Combined Michinoku Coastal Walk and Basho Narrow Road to the North (15 days)
Honestly, they all sound fantastic to me – what a range of destinations and concepts …following in Basho’s footsteps, Mt Fuji from all angles… love it!
In case you’re wondering… I have no affiliation with Life’s An Adventure , I have never travelled with them and I do not receive commissions, I just enjoy helping spread useful and interesting Japan travel information.
Hop on over and take a peek !
Safe and Happy Travels, Jane x
All images on this page were provided by Life’s an adventure.