You'll love walking in Japan

Kumano Kodo, Nakasendo Way, Michinoku Coastal Trail

Japan is one of our all-time favourite destinations, and we’ve got the best hikes!

The sacred 1000-year-old Kumano Kodo trail is famous for its challenging terrain, beautiful temples and scenery. The shrines, mist, forests and waterfalls create an entrancing hike. Some sections will have you huffing and puffing up steep inclines, while others offer serene pathways to let your thoughts roam free. The sense of accomplishment is incredible!

For something easier, you can walk in the footsteps of Samurai warriors on the delightful Nakasendo Way. This ancient path offers a stunning journey steeped in history and is ideal introduction to walking in Japan. Many of the post towns along the route are well-preserved and relatively unchanged since the trail’s heyday.

For those with a penchant for adventure, we invite you to discover the magic of the new Michinoku Coastal Trail. Located in the beautiful Tohoku region, it’s one of the most diverse and immersive trails you’ll find in Japan. The 1025km trail hugs the famed Sanriku Coast and is destined to become one of the world’s most iconic hikes.

Japan will surprise and delight you at every turn. Food is a work of art. Onsen culture is truly unique and iconic. And every season, the landscapes undergo a breathtaking transformation – cherry blossoms adorn the trails in spring, while fiery foliage adds a touch of magic in autumn.

Inspired? Check out all our walks. Your adventure starts here!

View Our Walks

Japan

Michinoku Coastal Trail - Northern Section (Self Guided)
8 Days

Michinoku Coastal Trail

Michinoku Coastal Trail – Northern Section (Self Guided)

Challenging - Strenuous Self-Guided
  • Self-guided hike along the Japan’s new coastal trail
  • Spectacular walking in the rugged and remote Tōhoku region
  • Soothing onsen, historic shrines and temples, and the freshest seafood 
  • Wonderful Japanese hospitality
from

$3,290.00

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Michinoku Coastal Trail
7 Days

Michinoku Coastal Trail

Michinoku Coastal Trail – Northern Section (Guided)

Challenging - Strenuous Group Guided
  • Exceptional guided hike along Japan’s newest coastal trail
  • Wild and rugged coastlines, pristine inlets, lush forests
  • Iconic and picturesque Jodogahama Beach
  • Oceanside accommodation and luxury glamping
from

$5,095.00

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7 Days

Kumano Kodo

The 7 Day Trail – Kumano Kodo

Challenging - Strenuous Self-Guided
  • Walk the full length of the Nakahechi trail
  • Stay in traditional guesthouses
  • Gain insights into life in rural Japan and the spiritual history
  • Enjoy delicious handmade Japanese food with fresh local ingredients
from

$2,450.00

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Kumano waterfall
8 Days

Kumano Kodo

The Spring Trip – Kumano Kodo

Challenging - Strenuous Group Self Guided
  • A great option for solo travellers
  • Stay in traditional guesthouses
  • Spring is a wonderful time to hike the Nakahechi Trail
  • Enjoy delicious handmade Japanese food with fresh local ingredients
from

$2,790.00

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8 Days

Kumano Kodo

The Autumn Trip – Kumano Kodo

Challenging - Strenuous Group Self Guided
  • Stay in traditional guesthouses
  • Beautiful, changing colours are a highlight for people on this trek
  • Enjoy delicious handmade Japanese food with fresh local ingredients
  • A great option for solo travellers or enjoy the company and support of others
from

$2,790.00

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Kumano_thumbnail
10 Days

Kumano Kodo

Kumano Kodo in Depth with Mike Rhodes

Challenging - Strenuous Group Guided
  • Hike the full length of the Nakahechi route
  • Gain a great understanding of this ancient pilgrimage trail
  • Be enlightened by the experience, enthusiasm and knowledge of your local guide Mike Rhodes
from

$4,750.00

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Kumano_Tori_gate
6 Days

Kumano Kodo

The Highlights Trip – Kumano Kodo

Moderate - Challenging Self-Guided
  • Stay in traditional minshuku and ryokan accommodation
  • Experience a traditional boat ride along the Kumano-gawa river 
  • Savour delicious Japanese food using fresh local ingredients
  • Visit all 3 grand shrines, collectively known as the Kumano Sanzan
from

$2,190.00

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10 Days

Kumano Kodo

The Extended Trip – Kumano Kodo

Self-Guided Strenuous
  • Hike the full length of the Nakahechi route
  • Enjoy a day on the challenging Kohechi route
  • Journey along the Kumano-gawa river in a traditional boat
  • Experience the life of a monk by staying in a Buddhist monastery
from

$3,595.00

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Koyasan, Japan
9 Days

Kumano Kodo

Koyasan and Kumano Kodo

Challenging - Strenuous Self-Guided
  • Beautiful nature walking through rugged, forested mountains, quiet rural valleys and alongside rivers.
  • Visit temples, shrines and traditional gardens
  • Stay at a Japanese Buddhist temple
  • Learn about traditional daily rituals, join a spiritual ceremony
from

$3,195.00

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Kumano stamp
8 Days

Kumano Kodo

The Dual Pilgrim Trip – Kumano Kodo

Challenging - Strenuous Group Self Guided
  • Participate in a Purification ceremony
  • Experience Kumano Hongu Taisha Spring Festival
  • Annual festival held in Hongu to honour the Kumano Deities
  • Receive a commemorative Dual Pilgrim shirt and Tenegui
from

$2,950.00

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Kumano Kodo
12 Days

Kumano Kodo

Nakahechi & Kohechi trip – Kumano Kodo

Self-Guided Strenuous
  • Challenging hike through the rugged forested mountains
  • Walk the full length of both the Nakahechi and Kohechi routes
  • Journey along the Kumano-gawa river in a traditional boat
  • Stay in a Buddhist monastery in Koyasan
from

$4,355.00

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Nakasendo way ancient stone path
7 Days

Nakasendo Way

The Self-Guided Trip – Nakasendo Way

Moderate - Challenging Self-Guided
  • A journey through the heart of Japan
  • Walk the historical Nakasendo Way through the Kiso Valley
  • Walk on ishidatami (stone paving) dating back over 400 years
  • Visit Nakatsugawa, Magome, Tsumago, Kiso Fukushima and Narai
from

$2,995.00

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Japan Yoga group0000
8 Days

Nakasendo Way

The Group, Self-Guided Trip – Nakasendo Way

Group Self Guided Moderate - Challenging
  • Trek in a group of like-minded travellers
  • A journey through the heart of Japan
  • Visit Nakatsugawa, Magome, Tsumago, Kiso Fukushima and Narai
from

$3,250.00

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Nakasendo way Mountains
8 Days

Nakasendo Way

The Group Guided Trip – Nakasendo Way

Group Guided History Moderate - Challenging
  • Fully guided walk with our qualified Japanese guide
  • Dive into the colourful history of the Shogun/Samurai
  • Walk on ishidatami (stone paving) dating back over 400 years
  • Visit 16 of the original post towns from the Nobi plain land to deep in the Kisoji valley
from

$4,200.00

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Nakasendo way, Narai
6 Days

Nakasendo Way

The Highlights Trip with Shimosuwa Onsen – Nakasendo Way

Group Guided Moderate - Challenging
  • Visit Shimosuwa, the only hot springs district
  • Understand the feudal history with our local guide
  • Walk the historical Nakasendo Way through the Kiso Valley
  • Visit Nakatsugawa, Magome, Tsumago, Kiso-Fukushima and Narai
from

$3,095.00

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Nakasendo way Magome
5 Days

Nakasendo Way

The Kiso Valley Highlights Trip – Nakasendo Way

Moderate - Challenging Self-Guided
  • A short hike offering a great introduction to walking in Japan
  • Walk the historical Nakasendo Way through the Kiso Valley
  • Walk on ishidatami (stone paving) dating back over 400 years
  • Understand the history of the Nakasendo Way with our local guide
  • Visit Nakatsugawa, Magome, Tsumago, Kiso-Fukushima and Narai
from

$2,145.00

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Nakasendo way _gallery0045
9 Days

Nakasendo Way

The Shimosuwa Trip – Nakasendo Way

Moderate - Challenging Self-Guided
  • Journey through the heart of Japan
  • Visit Shimosuwa, the only hot springs district
  • Walk the historical Nakasendo Way through the Kiso Valley
  • Walk on ishidatami (stone paving) dating back over 400 years
  • Visit Nakatsugawa, Magome, Tsumago, Kiso Fukushima and Narai
from

$3,750.00

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Travellers pointing at a world map

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