Michinoku Coastal Trail walking holiday, self guided

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

This two-week walking holiday has a naturally lower carbon footprint since most of the journey is done on foot.

We also encourage the use of public transportation, such as trains and buses in Japan, to help cut down on carbon emissions. As advocates of ecotourism, we collaborate with conservation groups that maintain the trails and support local projects that protect national parks. Our goal is to help preserve nature and wildlife while promoting sustainable travel.

We offset our emissions with Green Fleet reducing the carbon footprint of the tour and planting trees in the interim.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

We’re proud to hold an Advanced Eco Tourism certification and have been champions of sustainable travel and environmental conservation for over 30 years.

By leading with action, we inspire others to embrace responsible tourism. Our goal isn’t just to provide an unforgettable holiday—it’s to instill a deep appreciation for nature, so our guests leave as environmental ambassadors.

We take sustainability seriously. That means staying on designated trails, avoiding damage to vegetation, and carrying out all waste—often picking up litter left by others. We encourage travelers to take only photos, ensuring nature remains untouched. Our walks are carefully planned with access to toilets, and when facilities aren’t available, we provide clear guidance on responsible waste disposal. We observe wildlife respectfully, never feed native animals, and prohibit smoking and open fires during walks. Our motto is simple: “Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos, and pick up a piece of someone else’s litter.”

Beyond responsible travel, we actively support conservation efforts in Japan. For every kilometer walked, we invite guests to donate 10 cents, and we match their contribution—funding vital local environmental projects.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, including our office, which is designed with double glazing, solar panels, evaporative cooling, and green power. We follow a simple rule: reduce, reuse, and recycle whenever possible.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

On our trips, we focus on providing comfortable and charming local accommodations. Each night, we use beautifully designed Japanese accommodations that reflect the country's rich culture.

The Japanese hotels come in various styles, from more traditional structures with tatami mats , shoji sliding doors and futons for sleeping on and a few hotels which has western style beds. The rooms have ensuites, and be prepared for a little luxury when it comes to the heated toilet seats. The bathing area is often the pride of the hotel, especially when they’re located near the sea with ocean views and most of them have onsens.

Breakfast is provided each morning and it is generally an elaborate affair. Some Western dishes and breads are also provided. Lunches can easily be obtained from the many small supermarkets that sell fresh sushi or at one of the many local eateries. When dinners are provided they are elaborate affairs including a buffet dinner on the last night with never-ending sushi and sashimi.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

By traveling this way, we support regional Japan’s economy and its communities, which have long faced population decline as younger generations migrate to cities. Tourism plays a vital role in sustaining these areas, making your journey both meaningful and memorable.

Operators are encouraged to support local employment, especially in relation to the hiring of local guides. Where possible we support those involved in farming local and organic food, producing local arts and crafts and running restaurants especially those that support ecotourism development in their region.