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.
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.
Discover the country at your own pace with our detailed maps and walking instructions. Everything else - from rail tickets to accommodations - are all organised by us, so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying excellent local home-cooked meals and world class hospitality.
Experience the historic Tokaido road from Shiga to Mie, with three gentle hikes of two to four hours.
Follow historic Eastern Biwa from Mie in the south to Fukui, via Shiga and Gifu, with five gentle hikes or cycles of two to four hours.
Wakasa Province in central Japan has roots dating back to the Nara period (710 to 794). Owing to its direct proximity to the Japan Sea, the region has thrived and today retains important cultural monuments, abundant nature and traditional industries that helped support the local people for generations. Our adventure travels along the coastline of the Japan Sea, from culturally rich northern Kyoto or ‘Kyoto by the sea’, from historic shrines and temples, to the iconic sandbar Amanohashidate, and Nariaiji temple, both affording spectacular views over the bay, through to rural Fukui, with its pristine beaches, laid-back daily life and remarkably preserved cultural treasures. Each day provides a unique theme on how Wakasa has informed the life here, from mountain folk tales, spiritual sites, local customs, important historic sites through to preservation cultures.
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Enjoy the exceptional beauty of the Kyoto Tango peninsula and the Sanin Kaigan coastline through a 7-day self-drive tour beginning from central Kyoto or Osaka and ending in Tottori city. Visit the scenic Amanohashidate sandbar, Oeyama mountain range and the remote Tango peninsula, along with visits to unique and historically significant villages such as the secluded fishing port Ine-cho, together with first-class bathing in spas at Kinosaki Onsen and Hawai Onsen at Lake Togo. While sampling local cuisine, learn about each regions culture, and walk along picturesque forest and coastal walking paths. Visit ancient temples, vast sand dunes of Tottori prefecture, atmospheric Mount Mitoku, and enjoy a truly remarkable hike to the ancient Ogamiyama Shrine on Mount Daisen in Daisen-Oki National Park, with panoramic views overlooking the Sea of Japan. The area has been considered a sacred center of ascetic shugendo training for centuries, and still provides rich nature hiking today.
If you would like to book this tour, please enquire using the "Ask a question" button below.If you would like to book this tour, please enquire using the "Ask a question" button below.
Discover the compelling story of the birth of Japan through Awajishima Island; an important gateway between Shikoku Island and mainland Japan, via Tokushima on the east of Shikoku, through the foliage rich Awajishima Island and onwards to the bustling port town of Kobe on mainland Honshu. The region is home to excellent cuisine and Onsen hot springs, and this premium four day self-guided trip takes in delightfully comfortable Japanese hotels and Ryokan, as well as the best hiking the region has to offer.
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Experience Japan’s rich samurai heritage in a region which continues to preserve its grand history, as seen from the architecture, delicious cuisine and excellent onsen hot springs in nature. This premium four-day tour takes in exemplary Japanese inns, and provides exclusive access to one of Japan’s traditional master swordsmiths, affording a deeper insight into Japanese aesthetic and culture.
If you would like to book this tour, please enquire using the "Ask a question" button below.If you would like to book this tour, please enquire using the "Ask a question" button below.
A hiking journey through a cultural landscapes deeply influenced by the flows of the water, the mountains and spiritual ascetic training undertaken here. Immerse yourself in the beauty of an unspoilt natural world, with excellent Japanese accommodations and cuisine along the way.
If you would like to book this tour, please enquire using the "Ask a question" button below.