From March to May, Japan’s landscape delights with its vibrant, delicate Sakura (cherry blossom) and red foliage. Spring in Japan is one of the most uniquely special times to be on the island and we have selected six of our favourite tours to take advantage of this year’s blossom season, which begins in the southern tip of Kyushu.
Walk Japan are the leaders in authentic exploration of Japan’s less-travelled rural walking trails, and unique city walking tours, and are the perfect way to experience this intriguing country. With invaluable experience and knowledge amassed by Walk Japan since 1992, travellers can choose from a selection of guided or self-guided walking tours for a life-changing journey into the society and culture of Japan.
Kunisaki Trek – 10 Days, 9 Nights
Kunisaki is Kyoshu’s small coastal town located in the Oita Peninsula. This guided walking tour takes you on paths once trodden by monks, beginning in Fukuoka and ending in Yufuin. Explore the Kunisaki Peninsula, one of Japan’s hidden gems and be romanced by the beautiful and remote countryside; atmospheric ryokan (inns), ample and delicious local cuisine and soak in onsen thermal hot spring baths.
Tour level: 4
Tours start from: AUD$5,007 for a single person and includes support guide on 3 days, 9 nights’ accommodation, 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 evening meals, dedicated support vehicle on 1 day, luggage transfers, entrance fees, travel from tour start point to tour finish point.
Timing: from April 10, 2023
For more information or to book: https://walkjapan.com/tour/kunisaki-trek
Kyoto Tour – 2 Days
This two-day walking tour is perfect to add to any trip, be guided through the cityscape and history of one of the greatest capitals of the world. Take a unique look into Japan’s old capital, experience fabulous temples, exquisite Zen gardens and charming backstreets. This tour includes a tea ceremony, history and art experiences.
Tour level: 2
Tours start from: AUD$588 for a single person and includes tour leader, 2 lunches, chado Tea Ceremony experience, entrance fees, travel from tour start to tour finish point.
Timing: from March 29, 2023
For more information or to book: https://walkjapan.com/tour/kunisaki-trek
Self-Guided Kumano Wayfarer – 7 Days, 6 Nights
This is an unescorted walking tour following the Kumano Kodo, an ancient route travelled on foot by emperors, pilgrims and ascetic monks for over a thousand years. Drawn to Kumano’s message of universal acceptance, the devout would hope to attain spiritual rebirth in a landscape deeply connected to the Kojiki, Japan’s myth of creation. Today, pilgrims are few in number, but the route still remains an important part of Japan’s cultural heritage, cared for by those who live and work aside it. UNESCO has awarded the Kumano Kodo World Heritage status; alongside Spain’s Camino de Santiago, it is one of only two pilgrimages in the world afforded this distinction.
Tour level: 4
Tours start from: AUD$2,287 for a single person and includes 6 nights’ accommodation, 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 evening meals, luggage transfers, Wayfarer Route Booklet and in-country (Japan) 24-hour support, 2 rail tickets, one pre-booked taxi transfer.
Timing: from March 11, 2023
For more information or to book: https://walkjapan.com/tour/self-guided-kumano-wayfarer
Self-Guided Shikoku Wayfarer – 6 Days, 5 NightsThis is a self-guided walking tour following in the steps of Kakai (774-835), founder of the Shingon Buddhist faith, along Shikoku island’s renowned 88-temple pilgrimage. Travel along forest trails and quiet lanes to explore the many temples set in urban landscapes and picturesque mountainous countryside to the Pacific Ocean coast.
Tour level: 4
Tours start from: AUD$1,888 for a single person and includes 5 nights’ accommodation, 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 evening meals, luggage transfers, Wayfarer Route Booklet and in-country (Japan) 24-hour support.
Timing: from April 3, 2023
For more information or to book: https://walkjapan.com/tour/self-guided-shikoku-wayfarer
Onsen Gastronomy: Gifu – 5 Days, 4 Nights
An easy walking tour in rural Gifu Prefecture with strong emphases on onsen hot springs and Japanese gastronomy. On an Onsen Gastronomy tour, in the company of an expert Walk Japan tour leader, be immersed in the Japanese way of bathing; stay each evening in delightful Japanese inns almost always with their own onsen; and enjoy sumptuous meals that satisfy both the eye and the stomach. Guided, light strolling allows travellers to thoroughly enjoy the beautiful countryside visited and also aid digestion of the gourmet meals, delicious treats, sakes and other drinks included in the tour.
Tour level: 2
Tours start from: AUD$3,745 for a single person and includes 4 nights’ accommodation, 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 evening meals: selected drinks with evening meals, dedicated support vehicle, luggage transfers, entrance fees, travel from tour start point to finish point.
Timing: from April 2023
For more information or to book: https://walkjapan.com/tour/onsen-gastronomy-gifu
High res images can be found HERE
Shikoku Temple Pilgrimage – 11 Days, 10 Nights
This 11-day guided walking tour follows the pilgrimage trails linking some of the famed 88 temples on Shikoku, on Japan’s fourth main island a sparsely populated and beautiful, rural region. Follow centuries-old pilgrimage paths through picturesque scenery, following part of the 1,200 year old 88 Temple Pilgrimage dedicated to Kukai (774-835AD) – a.k.a Kobo-Daishi, a salient and still greatly revered figure in Japanese Buddhism. Stay in temples and inns, enjoying onsen thermal hot spring baths and local cuisine.
Tour level: 4
Tours start from: AUD$6,892 for a single person and includes accommodation, 10 breakfasts, 9 evening meals, dedicated support vehicle on days 3-10, luggage transfers, entrance fees, travel from tour start point to tour finish point.
Timing: From April 4 2023
For more information or to book: https://walkjapan.com/tour/shikoku-temple-pilgrimage
