Japan ancient capitals self guided walking tour

Planet

You will experience the Satoyama landscape of rural Japan, where cultivated rice fields meet the forested mountains. Shaped by centuries of traditional farming and woodland management, these landscapes provide habitats for a wide variety of plants and wildlife.

This tour focuses on a relatively compact area of Japan, avoiding long-distance journeys. Where possible, we use public transportation between destinations rather than privately chartered vehicles.

Accommodation along the route typically includes small, locally owned and operated inns, offering an opportunity to experience traditional Japanese hospitality. One example is Minshuku Wakimoto, a 200-year-old building run by a local couple, where guests can enjoy meals prepared using locally grown produce.

By choosing smaller, independently operated accommodations, we work directly with local businesses while providing guests with opportunities to experience the culture, traditions and everyday life of the communities they visit.

People

Focusing on the lesser-known walking routes of the Kansai region, this tour offers opportunities to experience rural Japanese life and connect with local communities. Accommodation typically includes small, family-run inns, where guests can enjoy warm hospitality and experience the traditions of the region.

By staying at locally owned accommodations, such as traditional *minshuku*, guests have opportunities to interact with their hosts and gain insight into everyday life in rural Japan. These independently operated businesses are an important part of the communities we visit, and we value the opportunity to work directly with local hosts.

Bringing visitors to rural communities, such as the peaceful agricultural area of Asuka, creates opportunities for local businesses to benefit from tourism. This is particularly meaningful in regions that have experienced population decline as younger generations have moved to larger cities. Through our tours, we hope to encourage an appreciation of the local culture, traditions and way of life that make these communities unique.