Walk the Nakasendo Trail highlights

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

We have Advanced Eco Tourism certification. We have led the conversation in regard to the environment and tourism for nearly 30 years now.

Our contribution ranges from encouraging people to catch public transport such as trains and buses in Japan. This contributes to reducing carbon emissions whilst in Japan. Our walking vacations - being human powered - have minimal impact.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

We lead by example and encourage others to follow. We believe that we are doing our job well when our customers leave a tour having had a fabulous, fun-filled vacation but also come away with a broader appreciation of and respect for the natural environment. Ideally, they come to walk and leave as ambassadors for the environment. We stay on formed tracks, avoid trampling vegetation, insist that all rubbish is carried out, and pick up rubbish left by others. Group sizes on self-guided trips are usually only two.

We encourage people to only take photos of plants and animals, they must look after the environment wherever possible. We plan our walks to utilize toilets wherever possible and if not available, we provide clear instructions on burying waste and carrying out any sanitary items. We view wildlife from a distance and never feed native animals. We do not light fires in the woods and we do not allow people to smoke on walks. Our motto is “Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos and a piece of someone else’s rubbish”.

We raise money for conservation projects within Japan by asking our walkers to donate 10 percent per km walked on our booking form and we match their donation. These funds are used to assist with conservation on various projects.

We as Ecotourism operators are also encouraged to become actively involved with conservation organisations and the other groups that look after the tracks. We support local adventures that help create a better environment in the National Parks, so as we can preserve and protect our natural environment and the wildlife that exists within it.

People

On our trips, we prioritize comfortable stays in traditional Japanese accommodations, mainly Minshuku or Ryokan-style guesthouses, each with unique charm and character. These properties range from traditional wooden structures to modern hybrid designs and are carefully chosen by the owners. They are often small, family-run establishments located in picturesque settings.

In some remote areas, accommodation options may be simpler, with shared facilities typically divided by gender. However, the character and ambiance of these places more than make up for their lack of luxury ratings.

One of the highlights of this journey is staying in authentic, family-run Japanese guesthouses, whether it's a Minshuku or a small Ryokan. These stays offer an intimate experience, allowing guests to connect with local people and immerse themselves in Japanese culture. The atmosphere feels like a welcoming home, with traditional meals served in a cozy setting. Keep in mind that baths and toilets are often shared, and most accommodations feature onsens (hot springs); if not, a public one is usually nearby.

Traveling this way also supports regional Japan’s economy and its communities. Rural areas have long faced population decline as people move to cities for work. Tourism plays an increasingly vital role in revitalizing these regions and sustaining local livelihoods.