Our walking vacations in Japan
Walking vacations in Japan leave the fascinating but crowded cities behind for countryside which is especially stunning during spring and summer, when the trees take on dramatic hues. Iconic pilgrimage walks such as the Shikoku Trail and the Kumano Kodo roam temple to temple through spectacular mountain and forest landscapes, while the Nakasendo Trail sees you follow in the footsteps of samurai. Usually tailor made and self-guided, though guided small group trips are available, our Japan walking vacations give you the pleasure of staying in family-run ryokans and minshukus, resting tired limbs in onsen hot springs, and dining on sumptuous locally sourced food.
Our top Hiking vacations in Japan
Japan self guided trekking vacation, Nakasendo Trail
From
US $1135 to US $1815
5 days
ex flights
Self-guided walking along Japan’s ancient Nakasendo trail
Tailor made
Kumano Kodo trekking vacation, Japan
From
US $3795
9 days
ex flights
Village to village walking in the sacred Kii Peninsula
Small group2027: 23 Mar, 6 Apr, 14 May, 3 Jun, 28 Sep, 13 Oct, 3 Nov
Nakasendo Trail walking tour, Japan
From
US $4440 to US $4915
12 days
ex flights
Village-to-village walking on the historic Nakasendo trail
Small group2026: 16 Oct, 17 Nov, 2027: 22 Mar, 5 Apr, 19 Apr, 10 May, 24 May, 7 Jun, 27 Sep, 6 Oct, 18 Oct, 23 Oct, 1 Nov, 12 Nov, 19 Nov
Kumano Kodo trail walking vacation in Japan
From
AU $2485 to AU $3070
7 days
ex flights
1200-year-old Kumano Kodo walk, major pilgrimage destination
Tailor made
Shikoku Pilgrimage self guided walking tour, Japan
From
US $1360 to US $3365
10 days
ex flights
Shikoku 88 Pilgimage route self-guided walking
Tailor made
Kumano Kodo trail self guided trekking vacation, Japan
From
US $1125 to US $1770
6 days
ex flights
Self guided trekking on the Kumano Kodo Trail
Tailor made
Walk the Nakasendo Trail highlights
From
AU $3295 to AU $3395
6 days
ex flights
Walk the most beautiful section via the Kiso Valley
Tailor made
Japanese Alps walking tour
From
US $6599
14 days
ex flights
Tradition & history on the trails of the Japanese Alps
Small group2026: 7 Nov
Nikko and Yumoto Onsen walking tour, Japan
From
US $1595 to US $1770
4 days
ex flights
Explore Nikko and hike in the beautiful Oku Nikko plains.
Tailor made
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More about our walking vacations in Japan
Nakasendo Trail walking vacation in Japan
Established in the 17th century to help feudal lords, their samurai guards and merchants easily get from Kyoto to Edo (now Tokyo), the Nakasendo Trail is over 500km long – but most walkers will only cover a short segment. The route links a series of ‘post towns’ which offer accommodation, often in traditional ryokans, where you can soak in a hot spring bath. You can walk the Nakasendo Trail at any time of year, but in winter it’s magical – dusted with snow and with few other people around. Most vacations also allow some time in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Kumano Kodo Trail walking vacation in Japan
When you walk the Kumano Kodo Trail through the Kii Mountains south of Kyoto, you are following in the footsteps of pilgrims who have made this journey for thousands of years. The Kumano Kodo links three sacred shrines, but the mountains themselves have immense spiritual significance too. Whether you bow to a deity or not, you cannot fail to enjoy the ethereal landscapes, as well as the many traditional villages that you’ll pass along the way. Almost 260km in length, the route can be broken up, with the mountainous Nakahechi – four or five days in total – the most popular section.
Shikoku Pilgrimage walking vacation in Japan
The Shikoku Pilgrimage loops around Japan’s smallest island for 1,200km, offering a path to spiritual enlightenment for the faithful. Many will break it up into stages, sometimes taking years to complete the route. Walks begin and end at Mount Koya, the spiritual HQ of Shingon Buddhism, and take in 88 official and 20 unofficial temples linked with the founder Kobo Daishi. You’ll identify followers by their distinctive white clothing, conical hats and staffs. Most Shikoku vacations are self guided, and will cover terrain that is sometimes challenging through mountains, rice paddies, fishing villages and hot spring towns.
Nikko & Yumoto walking vacation in Japan
Two hours north of Tokyo by train and set on Japan’s famous ‘Romantic Road’, Nikko National Park is home to the UNESCO-listed, 15th-century Toshogu Shrine. Lovely hiking trails thread the mountainous scenery, through forests and villages, and past hot springs and lakes, where you may encounter deer and monkeys. Nikko walking vacations are often combined with a stay at a ryokan in the nearby town of Yumoto, renowned for its thermal hot springs. Aim to come in October, when the colours in the foliage are divine; momijigari is the Japanese term for admiring autumn leaves.
Our Japan walking vacations reviews
4.6
105Japan walking vacations reviews
Yvonne Lockett19 Jul 2026
Excellent - helped by having a personable and knowledgeable guide who made a big effort to point out the many natural flora and fauna. Quality accommodation, lots of onsen opportunities and superb food.read more
Lucy Ferreira23 Jun 2026
It was really magical thank you.read more
Maria Jones17 Apr 2026
We met fellow travelers and made many friends. We loved all our accommodations although we didn’t like having a communal bathroom at Minshuku Chikatsuyu. The meals were excellent. The onsens were wonderful.read more
Tal Etkes23 Apr 2026
Waiting for it to start was the highlight,read more
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