Japan small group walking holiday

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION
We are committed to offering low impact holidays, which benefits the countries and communities we visit, as well as our travellers. As most of the time on our tours is spent exploring on foot, it is important that our staff, local partners and customers are aware of the delicate balance that exists in the places we visit.

We are also dedicated to promoting sensible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimise our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible.

Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.

This holiday is a mixture of sightseeing and walking, although as most of the sightseeing is done on foot it is a very active holiday. Please note: This itinerary has been planned to be busy and full-packed so that you make the most of your time and experience as much as possible. There will be some free time during the tour for you to explore on your own or relax, and details will be confirmed locally by your leader and the local guide.

Many of the hotels in this tour has implemented several sustainability-oriented practices, from eco-friendly housekeeping options and energy- and water-saving efforts to 100% plant-based, biodegradable toothbrushes, and recycled water bottles in rooms.

We include 12 breakfasts whilst in Japan, 9 dinners and 5 lunches. Dinners will be a good mixture of Japanese table d’hote or buffet, sometimes with western options. Vegetarians (though not pescatarians) and especially vegans can sometimes struggle in Japan, but we will endeavour to make sure you get tasty food and do not go hungry. On some evenings in Kyoto dinner is not included. For one of these evenings we strongly recommend buying a bento box for the bullet train journey back from Hiroshima. On the other nights you a free to choose your own restaurant or follow your tour leader. There is so much more to Japanese food than sushi and California rolls! There’s teppanyaki where the food is cooked in front of you on a huge iron griddle, yakitori where chicken is barbequed on skewers, okonomi stuffed pancakes, tempura, a great variety of noodles.

For newcomers to Japanese food, the following terms might prove useful:
• Onigiri, a rice ball wrapped in seaweed, eaten as a snack.
• Miso soup, traditional soup made from miso paste, dashi (broth), served with rice.
•Tamagoyaki is a rolled omelette seasoned with salt and soy sauce.
• Noodles, Udon is a white, flour noodle served hot, thicker than soba noodles, made of buckwheat, served cold with miso and wasabi.
• Sushi, in Japan it is fish with vinegared rice, mostly raw.
• Sashimi is thinly sliced raw food, usually fish and seafood.
• Tempura consists of seafood and vegetables, coated in a thin batter and deep fried.
• Ramen is noodle soup with a broth base, with wheat noodles and an assortment of toppings, normally roast pork.
• Sukiyaki consists of meat which is slowly cooked or simmered at the table, alongside vegetables and other ingredients in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin.
• Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savoury pancake layered with yakisoba noodles, fried egg, and pork belly drizzled with a delicious sauce.

People

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
We operate a ‘leave no trace’ policy in national parks, archaeological sites, monuments and other sensitive areas like beaches and coastlines; these should be treated with the ultimate respect to maintain them for future generations. Our tour leaders are trained to promote this message to our customers during the holiday.

LOCAL ECONOMY
We provide ample opportunity to explore the local areas on foot, where you can shop for local wares and crafts and immerse yourselves into the country's rich cultural heritage. As well as an experienced tour leader, you’ll be accompanied by a local guide throughout, and in Kyoto and Tokyo you’ll travel by public transport, so you’ll move around the cities as a local, not as a tourist.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY
We are committed to responsible and sustainable travel practices that support both the local environment and surrounding communities. By selecting environmentally conscious accommodation, encouraging reduced waste, and prioritising sustainable transport where possible, we aim to minimise our footprint. Through respectful engagement and conscious travel choices, we strive to protect natural landscapes while delivering enriching and memorable experiences.

Our walking tours are thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in local heritage and culture, building meaningful connections with the places and people we visit - including the employment of local tour guides. As a company we believe in workplace diversity and equal employment, with opportunities available to everybody regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or nationality.