Our walking holidays in Japan
Walking holidays 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 holidays 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 trips
Japan self guided walking holiday, Nakasendo Trail
From
£915 to £1315
5 days
ex flights
Self-guided walking along Japan’s ancient Nakasendo trail
Tailor made
Nakasendo Trail walking tour, Japan
From
£3580 to £3960
12 days
ex flights
Village-to-village walking on the historic Nakasendo trail
Small group2026: 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 walking holiday, Japan
From
£3060
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
Shikoku Pilgrimage self guided walking tour, Japan
From
£1100 to £2710
10 days
ex flights
Shikoku 88 Pilgimage route self-guided walking
Tailor made
Nikko and Yumoto Onsen walking tour, Japan
From
£1285 to £1425
4 days
ex flights
Explore Nikko and hike in the beautiful Oku Nikko plains.
Tailor made
Japanese Alps walking tour
From
£4999
13 days
ex flights
Tradition & history on the trails of the Japanese Alps
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
Nakasendo Trail winter tour, Japan
From
£2750
8 days
ex flights
The tranquil magic of winter on the Nakasendo trail
Small group2027: 5 Jan, 22 Jan, 12 Feb, 25 Feb
Kumano Kodo trail self guided walking holiday, Japan
From
£910 to £1425
6 days
ex flights
Self guided walking on the Kumano Kodo Trail
Tailor made
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More about our walking holidays in Japan
Nakasendo Trail walking holiday 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 holidays also allow some time in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Kumano Kodo Trail walking holiday 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 holiday 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 holidays are self guided, and will cover terrain that is sometimes challenging through mountains, rice paddies, fishing villages and hot spring towns.
Nikko & Yumoto walking holiday 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 holidays 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.
Latest reviews
4.6
111Walking holidays in Japan reviews
Suzie Duncan19 Oct 2026
So many things were wonderful! Waka was an exceptional guide who made the whole experience magical :)... 5 star. Great accomodation. Great food. Great scenery. Great historical adventure.read more
Dot Woollacott18 Oct 2026
Excellent, with a incredibly friendly and professional guide.read more
Jose Andres15 Oct 2026
We loved it all. The hike from Magome to Tsumago as well the hike to Narai were very nice and had great views of nature. Hotels/Ryokans selected by the tour operator and their support before and during the travel were outstanding.read more
Natalie Banner13 Oct 2026
Amazing. Despite 3/5 days being relentless downpours, it was a unique and memorable experience.read more
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