JAPAN WALKING
In the Land of the Rising Sun there’s plenty of off-the-beaten-track adventures that await tourists, especially with the Rugby World Cup around the corner
WALK Japan has a few unforgettable adventures that should be on everyone’s bucket list. A tour company established in 1992, it offers travellers a more intimate and authentic experience of Japan. It was also listed as one of 200 Best Adventure Travel Companies in the World by National Geographic. Recently, Paul Christie, the chief executive of Walk Japan, was in South Africa to showcase their offerings. “Simply described, we are skilled at taking all of our customers deep into Japan and its society. We do not just pass through Japanese society as observers, we become an active part of it. We provide authentic, trouble-free, fulfilling and satisfying experiences from the first contact until after the tour ends; serving up delightful memories to savour for many years afterwards.”
5 WANDERLUST EXPERIENCES TO TRY IN JAPAN The Nakasendo Way
A moderate walking tour along an ancient thoroughfare through central Japan. Travellers stroll along a historical road from Kyoto to Tokyo. The terrain covers the rural and mountainous countryside, where you will come across traditional and modern inns and find the heartiest of farmhouse cuisine. This 11-day, 10-night tour is available in March, April, May, June, September, October and November. It starts in Kyoto and ends in Edo, modern-day Tokyo.
Basho Tour: Narrow Road to the North
A walk through beautiful Tohoku, in northern Japan, to the rugged Sea of Japan coast. Guided, moderate walking following in the footsteps of Japan’s greatest poet, Matsuo Basho. Includes Nikko’s extravagantly opulent shrine to Japan’s greatest samurai, the pine-clad islands of Matsushima Bay and spectacular Japanese gardens at Hiraizumi. Accommodation at Shinto shrines and in traditional inns, Japanese cuisine and onsen (Japanese hot spring) baths. The nine-day, eight-night tour starts in Tokyo and ends in Kanazawa. The tour is offered in May, June, July, September, October and November.
Inland Sea Odyssey
An easy walking tour exploring Japan’s Inland Sea, a vibrant region of art, architecture and gourmet dining. This is the gentlest walking tour suitable for the most leisurely walker. A 10-day, nine-night tour, which is offered all year round, starts in Himeji and finishes in Hiroshima.
Izu Geo Trail
A walking tour through a spectacular geological park. This guided, walking exploration of the fascinating Izu Peninsula boasts a wealth of interest, including spectacular geological formations, beaches, waterfalls, literature and epoch-making history. Tours are offered in January, February, March, April and May as well as November and December. It’s a seven-day, six-night package, starting in Tokyo and finishing in Mishima.
Kunisaki and Yufuin Walk
A walking tour following paths once trod by monks in Kyushu. The guided walk is a gentler and shorter version of Walk Japan’s Kunisaki Trek tour. This five-day, four-night tour starts at Fukuoka’s Hakata Station and ends in Yufuin. It is offered in March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December.
Walk Japan has also introduced self-guided tours and have plans to roll out a new range of light-walking tours. For more information, visit: https://walkjapan.com