Walking in Japan travel tips
Jeremy Spencer from, Oku Japan, our leading supplier of walking vacations in Japan:
Money advice
“Take cash, as the Japanese banking system is actually a little behind. The post office ATMs do work with overseas cards, which is great. I got cash out from a remote spot on the Kumano Kodo trail, which is bonkers!”
What to pack
“Bring earplugs. If you are staying in a traditional Japanese accommodation, it could be that your room is only separated from the neighbouring room by sliding screens.”
Understanding the culture
“The codification of behaviour in Japanese society is based on very rigid codes of behaviour which deliver huge advantages to visitors. No one is going to pick your pockets, no taxi driver is going to take advantage of you. So it is a fine line between visitors appreciating the orderliness of everything, but also tolerating this when it goes overboard.”
Jim Eite, walking vacations in Japan expert from our supplier, Exodus:
Getting around
“We use trains for many of the transfers, so make sure your luggage is on wheels or easy to carry! The trains are excellent and easy to use. If you want to extend your time in Japan, ensure you get a Japanese Railpass – they are great value (versus buying tickets locally), the trains are easy to use and run like clockwork”.
Food tips
“Try the food. Most diets can be catered for, but if you are gluten free/vegetarian, write down a few phrases (or print them off in Japanese Kanji script) to explain to restaurants if away from the group. Soy sauce is a staple ingredient in a lot of dishes, and even sushi rice, while many vegetarian dishes will have a miso base.”
Health & safety
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Our Japan walking Vacations
Japan self guided trekking vacation, Nakasendo Trail
Self-guided walking along Japan’s ancient Nakasendo trail
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US $1150 to US $1805
5 days
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Honshu hiking vacation in Japan
A challenging walking and hiking vacation in Japan.
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Kumano Kodo trekking vacation, Japan
Village to village walking in the sacred Kii Peninsula
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Nakasendo Trail walking tour, Japan
Village-to-village walking on the historic Nakasendo trail
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US $4420
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Shikoku Pilgrimage self guided walking tour, Japan
Shikoku 88 Pilgimage route self-guided walking
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US $1395 to US $4000
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Nikko and Yumoto Onsen walking tour, Japan
Explore Nikko and hike in the beautiful Oku Nikko plains.
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US $1385
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Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Japan walking or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.

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Tips from our travelers
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travelers are often... other travelers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.
We have selected some of the most useful Japan travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation - and the space inside your suitcase.
We have selected some of the most useful Japan travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation - and the space inside your suitcase.

The most memorable part of the vacation was walking through remote woods and forests on the Nakasendo trail and coming across ancient shrines and stonework commemorating centuries old samurai battles.![]()

– Liz Bashford
“Make sure you take every opportunity to walk. The two long walks are both, for different reasons, outstanding experiences. They're not talked up in the notes nearly as well as they should be.” – David McRae on a self guided Nakasendo Trail vacation
“All of it was good. The highlight might have been the first sight of the Golden Temple in Kyoto, or the first proper Japanese meal. As it is primarily a walking vacation through woods, I would recommend one takes good walking boots and a stick.” – John Brennan walking the Kumano Kodo Trail
“Although there are ATMs in Japanese cities, they do not accept non Japanese debit cards even where the Visa sign is displayed. So either take cash, or look for 7/eleven stores whose shop ATMs oddly do accept them! For vegan / vegetarian travelers the local inns will be able to better accommodate your diet if planned in advance. Finding vegan restaurants in cities is tricky even with the address but the address is in English and the street /restaurant signs are obviously in Japanese.” – Lisa Thompson
“All of it was good. The highlight might have been the first sight of the Golden Temple in Kyoto, or the first proper Japanese meal. As it is primarily a walking vacation through woods, I would recommend one takes good walking boots and a stick.” – John Brennan walking the Kumano Kodo Trail
“Although there are ATMs in Japanese cities, they do not accept non Japanese debit cards even where the Visa sign is displayed. So either take cash, or look for 7/eleven stores whose shop ATMs oddly do accept them! For vegan / vegetarian travelers the local inns will be able to better accommodate your diet if planned in advance. Finding vegan restaurants in cities is tricky even with the address but the address is in English and the street /restaurant signs are obviously in Japanese.” – Lisa Thompson

The monastery at Koya San is not centrally heated, but very efficient kerosene heaters are provided. It is not as basic as was anticipated.![]()

– Gill Berry
“Do it!… Hiking the Nakasendo trail, seeing smaller towns, and staying at the ryokan in Kiso-Fukushima were extraordinary…But, don't carry a heavy pack; the trail can be challenging. Use the luggage courier services and train station lockers when possible.” – Vanda Galen
“Take your time on the walks - it's an easy schedule.” – Liz Bashford on a self guided Nakasendo Trail vacation
“The welcome, onsen bath surroundings were great and the cuisine though vegetarian was superb”. – Gill Berry on a self guided Nakasendo Trail vacation
“Take your time on the walks - it's an easy schedule.” – Liz Bashford on a self guided Nakasendo Trail vacation
“The welcome, onsen bath surroundings were great and the cuisine though vegetarian was superb”. – Gill Berry on a self guided Nakasendo Trail vacation