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Japan Self-guided Tours

In 2010, Oku Japan pioneered self-guided walking tours in Japan’s Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo regions. Since then we have continued to build on this strong foundation as leading experts in sustainable off-the-beaten-path self-guided tours in Japan, and now offer a range of tours featuring not only walking, but cycling, kayaking and other cultural experiences across the country.

Our most popular Self-guided Tours

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.

Self-guided
Nakasendo self-guided walking 5 days

Our best-loved Nakasendō Trail package is a 5-day hike perfect for hiking enthusiasts and those who wish to experience more of the Nakasendō. Enjoy hikes of 1 to 6 hours and visits to the most beautiful post towns.

Trip level:
Level
Duration:
5 Days
From USD 1,815
Self-guided
Kyushu's Hidden History: Self-guided Walk and Explore

Combine walks through nature and exploration days in key historical areas as you make your way from Kyūshū’s eastern coast to the western port city of Nagasaki.

Trip level:
Level
Duration:
8 Days
From USD 2,590
Self-guided
Kumano Kodo self-guided walking 6 days
The quintessential Kumano Kodō experience on the classic Nakahechi route.

Experience all of the best parts of the classic Nakahechi route on our best-loved offering. Suitable for hiking enthusiasts, enjoy village-to-village walking with 5 hikes of 2-7 hours. Eligible for Dual Pilgrim certification!

Trip level:
Level
Duration:
6 Days
From USD 1,770
Self-guided
Michinoku Coastal Trail self-guided walking 7 days

Hike Tōhoku’s Michinoku Coastal Trail and travel to the breathtaking Kitayamazaki Coast, where cliffs over 200 metres high stretch up over the ocean.

Trip level:
Level
Duration:
7 Days
From USD 1,925
Self-guided
Kumano Kodo Kiiji self-guided walking 6 days
Begin on the Kiiji route before segueing into the classic Kumano Kodo experience on the Nakahechi route.

Once the original approach emperors followed to the Kumano Kodō, the Kiiji trail can still be walked today, offering visits to Yuasa, deep cultural experiences and access to a more moderate version of the classic Nakahechi route.

Trip level:
Level
Duration:
6 Days
From USD 1,770
Self-guided
Nara Ancient Capitals self-guided walking 5 days

Explore ancient Nara through paved and forest trails – the walks are typically moderate, but strenuous at times, with days of up to 5 hours of hiking.

Trip level:
Level
Duration:
5 Days
From USD 1,315
Self-guided
Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage self-guided 8 days

Mixed town roads (paved) and forest trails (unpaved) - the walk is strenuous at times, with days of up to 8 hours of hiking

Trip level:
Level
Duration:
8 Days
From USD 2,590
Self-guided
Kumano Kodo self-guided walking 4 days
The quintessential Kumano Kodo experience on the classic Nakahechi route.

A condensed version of the wonderful Nakahechi route, introducing you to the highlights of the Kumano Kodō. With 3 hikes of 2-7 hours, this tour offers more challenging options on day 3 for avid hikers and is eligible for Dual Pilgrim certification.

Trip level:
Level
Duration:
4 Days
From USD 1,250
Self-guided
Michinoku Coastal Trail self-guided walking 6 days

Curated sections of northern Japan’s newest hiking trail, with walks along a rugged, dramatic coastline and through lush mixed forests.

Trip level:
Level
Duration:
6 Days
From USD 1,615