Unique experiences to bring you and the local communities together

Off-the-beaten-track Japan

'He described walking the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage in its entirety as a process of rebirth'.

Oku Japan featured in Vogue

Summertime in Japan is filled with lively festivals and outdoor adventures in landscapes blanketed in vibrant greens, blues, and pinks.

Your summer adventure

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<p style="text-align:justify">Weaving through the mountains of central Japan, the historic Nakasendo Trail connected Kyoto and Edo-period Tokyo. This trail stretches 534 km and the Juku villages along the way provided accommodation for weary travellers walking along this route dating back to the seventh century. Some of the best-preserved post towns offer a real glimpse into the past, with wooden buildings lining stoned paths and the sound of watermills evoking a connection to those who have walked there centuries ago. Amongst the 69 post towns along this ancient trail, Magome, Tsumago and Narai stand out thanks to the conservation efforts made by the local government and people who have lived here for generations. With modern power lines and advertising boards being outlawed, the locals here have preserved the traditional townscape and unique history of this region.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2 style="text-align:center"><strong><span style="font-size:20px">Highlights of The Nakasendo Trail</span></strong></h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">While portions of the trail have been converted to roads and railways, there are still some well-preserved sections that wind through bamboo forests, fields and along rivers and streams; our tours include hiking on these parts of the trail with accommodation nights in small family run Minshukus and Ryokans. The natural beauty of this region has long inspired many writers and artists and we hope that our guests are moved &nbsp;by the unique culture, architecture, cuisine and local people as well.</p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Visit the bio-diverse national parks of Kamikochi and Oku Hida.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Kamikochi, in the western region of Nagano prefecture, is located in the Azusa River Valley and surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. Walking in this area is a fantastic experience especially during the autumn foliage season.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Oku-Hida also offers stunning views of the Northern Japan Alps and is particularly renowned for their <em>rotenburo</em> (露天風呂/outdoor baths).</li>
</ul>


Nakasendo Trail

<p>Weaving through the mountains of central Japan, the historic Nakasendo Trail connected Kyoto and Edo-period Tokyo. This trail stretches 534 km and the Juku villages along the way provided accommodation for weary travellers walking along this route dating back to the seventh century.</p>


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<h2 style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:20px"><strong>THE PILGRIMAGE OF ANTS</strong></span></h2>

<p style="text-align:justify">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">The&nbsp;Kumano Kodo&nbsp;is a region of Japan comprised of branching pilgrimage routes that stretch into varying corners of the&nbsp;Kii-Peninsula.&nbsp;The pilgrimage itself dates back more than 1000 years and its routes have been walked by all levels of society; from commoners and artisans, to aristocrats and retired emperors, standing as a symbol of inclusivity for all seeking worship. The trails that comprise the region sprawl over mountain ranges and weave through lush valley greenery, each dotted with quiet hamlets and bustling hot-spring towns famous for their rejuvenating waters.&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">Of the trails that make up the Kumano Kodo, the&nbsp;Nakahechi&nbsp;trail was once considered the imperial route, leading from&nbsp;Takijiri&nbsp;on the western edge of the peninsula and stretching to&nbsp;Shingu&nbsp;on the eastern coast. The sheer number of pilgrims who would march in long processions earned the trail the nickname &ldquo;pilgrimage of ants&rdquo;, and the trail remains the most popular of the routes today.</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">In the other direction runs the&nbsp;Kohechi&nbsp;trail, forging its path that Buddhist monks still use in their pilgrimage of worship to&nbsp;Hongu Taisha. Due to its rugged terrains and higher elevation, this area can expect to see frost and snow in the late Autumn and Winter months making it untraversable. However this leads to more temperate walking conditions throughout the rest of the year, as the cooling mountain breeze re-energises pilgrims that are braving the climb.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<h2 style="text-align:center"><strong><span style="font-size:20px">Highlights of The Kumano Kodo Trail</span></strong></h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">Its isolation from the rest of Japan truly lends the Kumano Kodo an immense sense of calm, complemented by its striking scenery, the delicious food and the warmth of its locals. Being close to the pacific coast, the region is also famous for its tuna dishes, and local pilgrims will be well acquainted with the revitalising power of&nbsp;<em>Mehari-zushi</em>&nbsp;- salted rice balls wrapped in mustard leaves. Be it for a journey of self-discovery, a pilgrimage of worship, or simply for the joy of the hike, the Kumano Kodo is a must visit location for a walking tour in Japan.</p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Walk the Nakahechi as it weaves a path to the three grand shrines; Hongu Taisha, shaded beneath the towering tree canopy of Hongu, Nachi Taisha and its iconic vermillion pagoda set against the backdrop of Nachi falls, and Hayatama Taisha in Shingu which sits aside the gentle waters of the Kumanogawa river.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Hike the Kohechi trail, from bustling Yunomine Onsen to the spiritual Mount Koya, it is the most isolated of the Kumano Kodo trails. Cutting lines through steep mountainous peaks and sleepy boroughs, it is a tougher hike offering a great variety of untouched scenery and fantastic views rewarding you for your hard work.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Take steps towards your dual pilgrim certification. The Kumano Kodo - inclusive of its grand shrines and the pilgrimage routes that join them - was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in July of 2004, joined only by the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain as pilgrimage routes to be awarded this status.</li>
</ul>


Kumano Kodo Trail

<p>The Kumano Kodo is a region of Japan comprised of branching pilgrimage routes that stretch into varying corners of the Kii-Peninsula. The pilgrimage itself dates back more than 1000 years and its routes have been walked by all levels of society.</p>


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<h2 style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:20px"><strong>TOKUSHIMA, KAGAWA, EHIME, AND KOCHI</strong></span></h2>

<p style="text-align:justify">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">Lush with greenery, towering trees and majestic mountains, Shikoku is a welcome escape from the densely populated regions of Japan. The first expressway to connect Shikoku to the main island of Honshu was built in 1988, and so could previously only be reached by boat. This still gives the region an isolated nature that has protected the original characteristics of Japanese culture and its ancient traditions. The mountainous nature of the region means there is heavy snowfall in winter and mild temperatures in summer. Shikoku&rsquo;s rugged remoteness has attracted many travelers seeking a more unique part of Japan.</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">The island is also home to the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage, a spiritual journey following in the footsteps of Kobo Daishi, also known as Kukai, who reached enlightenment in the isolated mountains and decided to devote his life to the Buddha. Following intense study of Buddhism in China and the creation of the temple complex on Mount Koya, he never forgot his home island of Shikoku and undertook a journey to visit all of its 88 temples. Even today pilgrims from all over the world follow in his footsteps and visit the temples dressed in traditional garb, receiving blessings in the form of food and drinks from the locals.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<h2 style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:20px"><strong>Highlights of Shikoku Island</strong></span></h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">The majority of the population settled along the coast because of the flat terrain and established communities around the main temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. &nbsp;Walking temple-to-temple is not only a spiritual journey but also a cultural one that passes through cities rich with history and ancient stories. The Japanese term <em>dougyou ninin</em> (同行二人) literally means &lsquo;traveling together&rsquo; and in the context of the pilgrimage of the 88 temples this means that Kōbō Daishi always travels with the pilgrim and accompanies him/her in difficulties. This text is inscribed on the walking poles of the ohenro pilgrims and the hearts of the people of Shikoku.</p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Allow the soba noodles from Tokushima to fuel your journey to Takamatsu, where their famous Sanuki Udon will recharge your body, before taking a dip into the onsen hot spring at Kotohira Spa. Let the trails of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage not only fulfill you spiritually, but enrich your cultural knowledge and culinary palate.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Begin or end your cycling journey along the Shimanami Kaido. Flanked by brilliantly blue sea waters, riders can hop from island to island with the help of suspension bridges connecting each on their route towards Onomichi on the main island of Honshu.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Visit Ehime prefecture, where mikan oranges are in abundance and colour the landscape in vibrant shades of orange and green, and bathe in the waters of Dogo Onsen, one of Japan&rsquo;s most famous and oldest hot spring cities, home to the bathhouse that served as inspiration for Studio Ghibli&rsquo;s Oscar-winning animated feature, Spirited Away.</li>
</ul>


Shikoku

<p>Lush with greenery, towering trees and majestic mountains, Shikoku is a welcome escape from the densely populated regions of Japan.</p>


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<h2 style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:20px"><strong>FROM CITYSCAPES TO UNTAMED FRONTIERS</strong></span></h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">The island of&nbsp;Hokkaido, formerly known as Ezo, is not only Japan&#39;s second largest and most northern prefecture, but also its largest wild frontier. Home to sprawling national parks, Hokkaido&rsquo;s abundant nature and unique wildlife make it a special region of Japan unlike any other. Pockets of untouched scenery can be found in many regions of the island with some of the most famous being the pristine&nbsp;Lake Akan, the remote&nbsp;Shiretoko Peninsula, and&nbsp;Kushiro National Park, to name a few. Among these, Hokkaido has only a few cities with some of the largest being&nbsp;Sapporo&nbsp;and&nbsp;Hakodate, with both being on the south-west side of the island. Travel to Hokkaido is most commonly made by air through&nbsp;Chitose Airport&nbsp;near to Sapporo, or by under sea railway to&nbsp;Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station&nbsp;and these feats of engineering allow for travel between Tokyo and Hokkaido in just four hours.</p>

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<p style="text-align:justify">&nbsp;</p>

<h2 style="text-align:center"><strong><span style="font-size:20px">Highlights of Hokkaido</span></strong></h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">Hokkaido&rsquo;s wildlands attract adventurers undertaking activities such as hiking, canoeing, cycling and a variety of winter sports. Being Japan&rsquo;s coolest region, it&rsquo;s climate can be a mild escape from the hot and humid summers of the mainland, and makes it the perfect destination for an outdoor adventure.</p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Trek the wide array of natural spaces that Hokkaido has to offer; from the mountainous region of Daisetsuzan and the crystal clear crater lakes of Lake Mashu, to the alien landscape of Mt. Io and its rocks of yellow sulphur.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Catch a glimpse of Brown bears, Ezo squirrels and Ezo deer that can all be found roaming the island freely. As well as the endangered Red-crowned crane which migrate to Kushiro National Park annually, Hokkaido is home to its very own sub species of wildlife.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Learn about the Ainu people, who originally inhabited this region, offer a different cultural perspective to the island through the language, artwork, music, and cuisine that can all be experienced in Abashiri and Northern Hokkaido.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Get a taste of Hokkaido&rsquo;s specialist range of cuisine that suits all tastes. From high quality seafood to corn, wheat and dairy products - both domestic and international travellers flock here to have a taste of what is on offer.</li>
</ul>


Hokkaido

<p>The island of Hokkaido, formerly known as Ezo, is not only Japan&#39;s second largest and most northern prefecture, but also its largest wild frontier.</p>


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<h2 style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:20px"><strong>KYOTO, NARA, OSAKA AND MORE</strong></span></h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">Nestled between the Central and Western regions of Japan,&nbsp;Kansai&nbsp;serves as the ideal hub location from which to explore much of the country. With access by air from&nbsp;Kobe Airport,&nbsp;Itami Airport&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kansai International Airport, port entry leading to the Seto inland sea via&nbsp;Osaka&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kobe, and a sprawling rail network throughout, it&rsquo;s no surprise that many travellers choose this region to mark the beginning and the end of their trips to Japan. Before moving to Edo (now modern day Tokyo) in 1868, the Emperor called this region home and left behind flourishing cities of great historical and cultural importance that travellers still flock to today. Today, it continues to serve as the starting point of the&nbsp;Kumano Kodo&nbsp;pilgrimage and the&nbsp;Nakasendo&nbsp;trail, and provides a great taste of an eclectic mix of lifestyles in one region.</p>

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<h2 style="text-align:center"><strong><span style="font-size:20px">Highlights of The Kansai Region</span></strong></h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">Kansai has a great deal to offer both first time and repeat visitors to Japan; the castle town of Himeji and its majestic castle greeting you when you leave the station; the ancient Lake Biwa and its coasts of cherry trees; Mie and Ise Jingu, dedicated to the mother goddess of Shinto religion; and Wakayama, serving as the entry to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail, to name a few. Anyone would be hard pressed to run out of things to do.</p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Stroll through the expansive park grounds of Nara, where Sika Deer bow politely for treats, and temple hop from the grand wooden structure of Todaiji, to the hanging brass lanterns of Kasuga Taisha.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Experience the mesh of old Japan and new in Kyoto; from modern boutiques mixed into the temple town of Teramachi, to catching glimpses of Geisha and Maiko dashing between engagements in Gion.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Dive into the heart of Japan&rsquo;s Kitchen in Osaka by walking along the neon entertainment district around the Dotonbori and stroke the bottom of lucky god Biriken&rsquo;s feet for prosperity at Tsutenkaku tower.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Enjoy fine dining in Kobe which sits sandwiched between the mountains and the sea. Best known worldwide for their high grade Kobe Beef, the city hosts the lively Harborland port town and marks one of three gateways by car to the island of Shikoku.</li>
</ul>


Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara)

<p>Nestled between the Central and Western regions of Japan, Kansai serves as the ideal hub location from which to explore much of the country.</p>


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<h2 style="text-align:center"><strong><span style="font-size:20px">NAGANO, NIIGATA, GIFU, SHIZUOKA AND MORE</span></strong></h2>

<p style="text-align:justify">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">Central Japan is the widest part of &lsquo;Honshu&rsquo;, the main Island of Japan. The area features the vast Japanese Alps, which contain some of &nbsp;the highest mountains in all of Japan and separates the region into a North and South side with different climates. The Pacific Ocean brings a soft breeze and sunny winters while the Sea of Japan brings a cooler climate and snowy winters. Mt. Fuji, the icon of Japan, towers over the Pacific Ocean side that stretches from the corner of the Kanto region to the city of Nagoya near Kanto.</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">Crossing through Central Japan is the ancient Nakasendo trail, the old mountainous route between Kyoto and &lsquo;Edo&rsquo; (now Tokyo). Connecting small Juku villages, such as Tsumago, Magome and Narai to the larger towns in the area, such as Matsumoto and Kanazawa. The region is rich with unique areas such as the Noto Peninsula and Kamikochi, popular with more adventurous travelers who like exploring the vast wilderness of Japan.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<h2 style="text-align:center"><strong><span style="font-size:20px">Highlights of Central Japan</span></strong></h2>

<p style="text-align:justify">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">Follow in the footsteps of Samurai who fought major battles here during the Sengoku (feudal) era of Japan. Central Japan has always been a key to victory for dominance over Japan because of its strategic value, located between Kyoto and Edo (old Tokyo). Many famous warlords were born here as was the culture associated with them, giving the region a rich history dating back hundreds of years.</p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Explore the major manufacturing city Nagoya and visit Atsuta Jingu, a massive shrine complex that is home to one of the Three Sacred Imperial Treasures, or nearby Inuyama with one of Japan&rsquo;s oldest and still original wooden castles.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Go hiking in Kamikochi and spot wild monkeys against a picturesque alpine backdrop with cool rivers and lakes that glisten in the sun.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">See history with your own eyes in Matsumoto, famous for its unique black castle and delicately crafted temari (folklore art).</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">See the sights around the Fuji Five Lakes area by boat, train, or bicycle. The landscape is rich with lush greenery and hidden cave complexes.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">The Noto Peninsula is a geographical marvel that extends 100km into the Sea of Japan. Its secluded nature attracts many visitors that visit the peninsula&rsquo;s &ldquo;pocket parks&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>


Central Japan

<p>Central Japan is the widest part of &lsquo;Honshu&rsquo;, the main Island of Japan. The area features the vast Japanese Alps, which contain some of the highest mountains in all of Japan and separates the region into a North and South side with different climates.</p>


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<p style="text-align:justify">Nestled between central Kansai to the east and Kyushu Island to the far west, Western Honshu features the key destinations of Hiroshima and Okayama. This area is called Chūgoku, meaning &ldquo;middle country&rdquo;, because of its important location between Kansai (the gateway to Central Japan) and Kyūshū (the gateway to mainland Asia). Its importance was imperative in bringing Western and Chinese culture to the capital of Edo during the 220 years of self-imposed isolation, &nbsp;in which only one port in Kyūshū was allowed foreign trade. The road along the inland sea traveled by merchants developed into a string of bustling port towns, while the remainder of the region enjoyed a quiet rural peace.</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">Western Japan has distinct four seasons with hot and humid summers and moderately cold winters. The &nbsp;Chūgoku Mountains running through the area see plenty of snowfall in winter and are popular for snow sports. Trailing the coastline from Tottori to Yamaguchi are sandy beaches and amazing views of the Sea of Japan. The Seto Inland Sea connects Western Japan to Shikoku by boat or by its famous island-to-island cycling route.</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">&nbsp;</p>

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<h2 style="text-align:center"><strong><span style="font-size:20px">Highlights of Western Japan</span></strong></h2>

<p style="text-align:justify">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">Japan&rsquo;s indigenous Shinto religion has a strong presence with important shrines such as Itsukushima on the island of Miyajima, &nbsp;and Izumo Taisha in Shimane prefecture. This could explain why the region is home to some amazing landscapes such as the Tottori Sand Dunes, where it seems like you have been transported to a different country, or the cobalt blue ocean of Tsunoshima.</p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Visit the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima to learn about an important part of history and to try some local Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Be mesmerized by the enormous red wooden torii gate of Itsukushima Jinja, reflecting in the water as you hike around the island followed by wild deer.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Stroll around the preserved canal area of Kurashiki to relive Japan&rsquo;s Edo Period. Many of the former storehouses have been converted into shops or museums and retain their original architecture.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Go island-hopping on the Shimanami Kaido as you make your way from Onomochi to Imabari while enjoying sandy beaches and breathtaking ocean views.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Spend some time in Korakuen, one of Japan&rsquo;s Three Great Gardens, located in Okayama City. Be sure to visit the nearby Okayama Castle where you can climb to the top for an amazing view of the garden&rsquo;s pond.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Take a boat to the Art Island of Naoshima to visit the many museums and Kusama Yayoi&rsquo;s famous pumpkins.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Relive the creation myth of Japan at Izumo Taisha, one of Japan&rsquo;s oldest and most prominent Shinto shrines. Enshrined here is Okuninushi no Okami, the deity said to have created the land of Japan and pulled it from the sea.</li>
</ul>


Western Japan

<p>Nestled between central Kansai to the east and Kyushu Island to the far west, Western Honshu features the key destinations of Hiroshima and Okayama.</p>


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<h2 style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:20px"><strong>YAMAGATA, FUKUSHIMA, AKITA AND MORE</strong></span></h2>

<p style="text-align:justify">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">Northern Japan, collectively known as the&nbsp;Tohoku&nbsp;region, connects Tokyo in the south-east with the island of Hokkaido in the north. The area itself is coated in forest and mountain with most of the population concentrated within the lowlands. As such, the region features six of Japan&#39;s most rural prefectures; from&nbsp;Yamagata&nbsp;to&nbsp;Aomori&nbsp;to the very north of Honshu. Sitting higher on the northern hemisphere, Tohoku experiences cooler summer temperatures but also harsher winters. With the advent of the shinkansen bullet train and a great range of domestic airports, it is simple to travel to all six of Tohoku&#39;s prefectures either on land or by air. For example, you can reach&nbsp;Shin-Aomori&nbsp;station from Tokyo station in roughly three hours - a distance of nearly 700km. From there, regional trains and buses reach out across the region, allowing visitors and residents to travel around easily from town to town.</p>

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<h2 style="text-align:center"><strong><span style="font-size:20px">Highlights of Northern Japan</span></strong></h2>

<p style="text-align:justify">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">Tohoku was traditionally considered the granary of Japan thanks in part to the city of Sendai being the key supplier of rice to Tokyo markets, where it provided &nbsp;20 percent of the entire nation&#39;s rice. Tourism has since boomed in the region significantly, with visitors travelling towards the area&rsquo;s several national parks, scenery and beautiful natural hot springs.</p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Get swept away by the stunning vistas of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, located within the mountainous region in the northern part of Akita and Iwate Prefectures. The area is far removed from Japan&#39;s bustling cities and truly offers some of the country&#39;s best hot springs.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Join the festivities of Nebuta Matsuri - one of the Tohoku Three Great Festivals - is a summer festival held in Aomori city every year from the 2nd to the 7th of August. The enormous lantern floats are a highlight as they are paraded down the busy streets, adorned with images of fierce warriors and auspicious creatures.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Take a dip in Zao Onsen, known for its hot springs and ski resort in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture. It is one of the only places in Japan where you can see juhyo &quot;ice trees&quot;. The trees can take on very interesting and unique shapes due to the heavy snowfall and freezing winds.</li>
</ul>


Northern Japan

<p>Northern Japan, collectively known as the Tohoku region, connects Tokyo in the south-east with the island of Hokkaido in the north. The area itself is coated in forest and mountain with most of the population concentrated within the lowlands.</p>


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<h2 style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:20px"><strong>FUKUOKA, NAGASAKI, BEPPU AND MORE</strong></span></h2>

<p style="text-align:justify">Kyushu&nbsp;is the third largest of the islands that comprise the Japanese archipelago and is easily accessible via boat, plane or train. The island itself is popular for its temperate climate as it maintains a few additional degrees of warmth compared to other parts of mainland Japan. It also offers an equally vast array of scenery ranging from built up cityscapes to luxuriant hot-spring resorts, rich with greenery. The hub of most transportation on to and off of the island is the city of&nbsp;Fukuoka, which sits towards the north. Within Fukuoka sits one of the most compact districts in the world,&nbsp;Hakata, hosting an international airport, train stations and a port, all packed into a small 2.5-kilometer radius. Whether a city dweller, adventure traveller, hot-spring enthusiast or even simply a lover of Japanese anime, Kyushu serves as an idyllic destination for any repeat traveller to Japan searching for something new.</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2 style="text-align:center"><strong><span style="font-size:20px">Highlights of Kyushu Island</span></strong></h2>

<p style="text-align:justify">Travelling slightly west from the entry hub of Fukuoka will take visitors to the historically iconic landmark of Nagasaki, which played a major role in foreign trade with the rest of the world. Then, following the curve of the island back to the east sits Oita prefecture and one of Japan&rsquo;s most well-known hot spring resorts, Beppu, with its affectionately named &#39;Hells&#39; collection of hot-springs. And those searching away from the built up areas don&rsquo;t have to look too far, with Mount Aso sitting steadfast in the island&rsquo;s centre and Yakushima floating nearby the island&#39;s southern coast.</p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Dine at the streetside yatai (屋台/food stands) which serve as a focal point of Fukuoka&rsquo;s unique food culture; either draped in plastic tarpaulin in the cooler seasons to cocoon the patrons in warmth, or left open to allow the sea breeze to cool them down.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Discover the Hells of Beppu that dot the city districts with their assortment of vivid colours, from sea blue to blood red. Evidenced by their bubbling surface, these aren&#39;t used for bathing, but can be put to good use for making soft boiled eggs instead.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Stroll through the man-made port island of Dejima in Nagasaki and its impressive architectural style, influenced by Danish traders. Then travel north to visit the tranquil Nagasaki Peace Park which commemorates the city&rsquo;s history and those who lost their lives in Japan&#39;s second atomic bombing.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Brave an active volcano by climbing to Aso&rsquo;s caldera - considered to be one of the largest in the world with a circumference of 100 kilometres. Sometimes the area is closed to visitors due to an increase of the volcano&rsquo;s toxic fumes or potential for volcanic activity.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Travel by boat or by plane to the subtropical island of Yakushima and its cedar forests and its trees said to be more than 7000 years old. Regular rainfall creates a misty shroud that permeates the island, famously inspiring the setting for Hayao Miyazaki&rsquo;s archetypal animated movie Princess Mononoke.</li>
</ul>


Kyushu

<p>Kyushu is the third largest of the islands that comprise the Japanese archipelago and is easily accessible via boat, plane or train. The island itself is popular for its temperate climate as it maintains a few additional degrees of warmth compared to other parts of mainland Japan. Whether a city dweller, adventure traveller, hot-spring enthusiast or even simply a lover of Japanese anime, Kyushu serves as an idyllic destination for any repeat traveller to Japan searching for something new.</p>


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<p style="text-align:justify">Both the historical center of feudal power and later the birthplace of modern Japan, the&nbsp;Kanto region&nbsp;has adapted to Japan&rsquo;s wider development in the same way the waves have shaped&nbsp;Tokyo Bay. &nbsp;This eastern area of Japan&rsquo;s main island, Honshu, is home to the most extensive lowland in all of Japan, making it the most populated and productive region of the country. The metropolitan capital of&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;is nestled near the bay with its suburbs stretching into the nearby prefectures of&nbsp;Saitama&nbsp;to&nbsp;Chiba, and while the city itself has a vast array of unmissable sights, Tokyoites often travel to the nearby hills and greenery for a fresh breath of air - made easy by the vast range of transportation available that will take you in and around the region. Kanto itself has four distinct seasons with hot summers and snowy winters, making it an ever changing landscape that is interesting to visit at any time of year.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2 style="text-align:center"><strong><span style="font-size:20px">Highlights of The Kanto Region</span></strong></h2>

<p style="text-align:justify">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">With the highest commuter count and one third of Japan&rsquo;s population nestled in the never-sleeping metropolis, the heart of modern Japan surely resides in Tokyo. Supporting the massive population of Tokyo is Saitama to the north, Chiba to the east, and Kanagawa to the south, driving a convenient and comprehensive transit system that makes it easy for commuters and travellers alike to explore the region.</p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">See the amazing contrast between the the historic red Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa and the neon-lights of the Shinjuku district for yourself, as they blend modern traditions with the old. Meanwhile the man-made island of Odaiba, and the streets of Akihabara serve as hubs for the country&rsquo;s renowned pop culture.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Hike around the coastal town of Kamakura, less than an hour from Tokyo. The Great Buddha watches over the many trails around the wooded hills of Kamakura that offer spectacular views of the coastline and nearby Enoshima.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Wander through beautiful Tochigi prefecture in the North, most famous for the crystal clear waters of Nikko. Every year in Autumn, thousands of people flock to see Tochigi&rsquo;s Momiji trees turn beautiful shades of red, yellow and orange.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Reach Ibaraki prefecture by following the coastline north, the cornucopia of the Kanto region. The plums of Mito are famous for their delicious flavour, and the nearby Kairakuen Garden is a hidden treasure.</li>
</ul>


Kanto (Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone)

<p>Both the historical center of feudal power and later the birthplace of modern Japan, the Kanto region has adapted to Japan&rsquo;s wider development in the same way the waves have shaped Tokyo Bay. This eastern area of Japan&rsquo;s main island, Honshu, is home to the most extensive lowland in all of Japan, making it the most populated and productive region of the country.</p>


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<p style="text-align:justify">Kansai is a remarkable and expansive region of central Japan, perhaps best known for destinations including Kyoto, Osaka, Lake Biwa and the ancient Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage. With excellent access by train and plane, the region works as an excellent base for both first-time visitors and veterans to Japan alike. There are also many fantastic experiences hidden deeper in the rural areas of Kansai, not typically available to visitors to Japan.</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">As part of the Exciting Kansai tourism project, we are working in collaboration with these local regions to introduce you to a news series of exclusive premium self-guided tours, taking in the regions of Fukui and Shiga to the east; Kyoto, Hyogo and Tottori along the Sanin coastline, and Harima to the south, which offer the best authentic local experiences these regions have to offer. Featuring all of the ingredients that make Oku tours special; traditional inns, delicious freshly caught cuisine, local active experiences, each itinerary has been tailored to tell the story of the region, through its history, traditions and people.</p>


Premium Kansai

<p>Kansai is a remarkable and expansive region of central Japan, perhaps best known for destinations including Kyoto, Osaka, Lake Biwa and the ancient Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage. With excellent access by train and plane, the region works as an excellent base for both first-time visitors and veterans to Japan alike.</p>


We used Oku Japan to book a 6-day hike on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi trail. From the beginning, they were very helpful and accommodating to our wishes. We had a rest day in between and booked a meditation with a monk. This was a special experience, but probably not for everyone. Each accommodation that we stayed at was awesome and everything was planned accordingly. We used the luggage service which was very helpful. Breakfast, lunch and dinner was provided at each accommodation and the food was more than you could eat! We never ran into any issues and felt very taken care of. This is an extremely busy time for booking self-guided tours, and we feel very grateful to have had such a positive experience. Great job, Oku Japan!

Caitlin F. and Terra F., United States

I am writing to pass our thanks onto to the Oku team and the accommodation providers you had arranged for our trip. We arrived safely back on Tuesday into Tokyo. We thoroughly enjoyed our walk with the perfect weather we had and experiencing the beautiful autumn/fall colours as we progressed along our walk. The highlights of our trip: The friendly accommodation hosts we stayed with; The food, the food and the food 😊;
Meeting the Oku rep at Tsumago; The monkeys along the way; The extra day at Kiso Fukushima giving us time to explore the waterfall and more of the natural beauty in that area.

Peter N, Australia

Making friends is half the fun of even a self-guided trekking tour. I enjoyed being able to go at my own pace, contemplating the culture and nature of the pilgrimage route while also hooking up with my new friends for meals and onsen. A perfect balance for reflection and connection on this ancient and accessible trek.

Karen H, United States

My partner and I wanted to do an interesting walk in Japan during our 3 week May 2018 stay in Japan. JTB Australia who we chose to book our whole tour with due to their knowledge of Japan recommended OKU JAPAN for the Komuno Kodo trail walk. A 3 night 4 day walk across the Kii Peninsular was arranged from Kii-Tanabe on the west coast to Hongu in the centre.

Our walk itinerary, maps and a waterproof plastic map holder were delivered to our Kyoto hotel to meet us on arrival as promised.

Sure enough the first challenging day greeted us with heavy rain, with all clothing including shoes and packs saturated - but for our waterproof itinerary and maps!

The walk was quite challenging at times, but very satisfying, with a number of shrines and villages visited, and comprehensive notes on the deep historical origins of the walk.

The accommodation ranged from a small Ryokan, to a private homestay, and finally a luxury onsen “spa hotel”. They were very different and interesting, and two meals and a packed lunch were provided each day and bags forwarded without fault.

The highlight of our OKU JAPAN experience though was how we were cared for when my wallet was lost on the second day of the walk. Without exception we were told you will get it back, you can trust Japanese who are so very honest, which turned out to be right.

On arrival at Chikatsuyu where the OKU office is based we went straight to the OKU JAPAN office in the centre of the village. There we met Satoe and Mayumi who welcomed us partner like family. After offering tea or coffee, phone calls were made to our hosts the previous night, the owners of a cafe at the base of the main climb for the day, and the police. Then because I had developed a painful groin injury we were driven to the local supermarket to buy some treats.

The following afternoon we received a delightful call from Mayumi at OKU advising that my wallet had been handed in to the cafe, with all contents in place, and that the Chikatsuyu Police would deliver it to me that evening.

I was so pleased to have my wallet with cash, credit cards and driver’s licence returned in tact. Most of all I was so impressed by the efficiency, courtesy and kindness shown by Satoe and Mayumi in the OKU JAPAN Chikatsuyu office. This company choose its staff very well!

Rob F. and Diana C., Australia

Jon and I want to thank you for organising such a fantastic tour. We thoroughly enjoyed every moment and are so impressed with all aspects of the trip ... it was everything you promised and more than we expected ... and we want to thank you for your fantastic service, patience and prompt response to all of our questions leading up to the trip.
We especially want to say how much we enjoyed the 2 weeks with Aria. She is an absolute treasure and a real asset to your business. From meeting us at check-in at the hotel to seeing us off on the bus, she provided a level of service that was exemplary. She put us at ease on our first day in Tokyo, and was a delight throughout the entire trip.

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Your summer adventure

Off-the-beaten-track Japan

Oku Japan featured in Vogue

Your summer adventure

Off-the-beaten-track Japan

Our destinations

Our Guests

Why Oku Japan

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