guide to japan

Walking the Kumano Kodo Iseji comes with a badge of honour and pride as you tread on the exact footprints of mediaeval pilgrims. The pilgrimage route is also a visual treat, weaving through lush forests and mountain passes on cobblestone trails. Your effort and courage are crowned with access to revered shrines such as Hana no Iwaya and Ise Grand Shrines, including dazzling natural sights like the Nachi Falls and the Pacific Ocean. The walk is challenging and, as such,

A journey to achieve inner peace, spiritual fulfilment, or a deeper connection with nature is best encountered in solitude, away from every distraction. The Kumano Kodo Iseji Route is one of the few pilgrimage journeys that invite you to savour an authentic and spiritual experience trodding the lesser-travelled path of the Kumano Kodo.

Walk with us over this piece as we uncover the Iseji’s j

Along the Kumano Kodo Iseji, Japan’s countryside scenery unfolds like a digital wallpaper, highlighting waterfalls, mountain peaks, rushing streams, and flourishing forests. Many spectacular landmarks dot the route, notably the Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the three shrines of the esteemed Kumano Sanzan. This shrine is particularly stunning, distinguished by the charming Nachi-no-Taki Waterfalls – the shrine’s deity and source.

Harmonise with the rhythm of an incredible adventure to experience the Shinetsu trail, an unspoiled, 110 km-long path that spans the Sekida Mountain Range, along the Niigata and Nagano regions' border. This natural splendour winds through verdant farmlands, beech forests, impressive mountains, small villages, serene lakes, and mediaeval architecture promising a stunning glimpse into how Japan's regular regional life blends with the natural grandeur of the country. If you are planning to walk this

Setting off on the sacred pilgrimage of the Kumano Kodo along the Nakahechi Route is a transformative journey that transcends both physical and spiritual realms. As pilgrims tread the ancient paths, the choice of

Embark on a visually, physically, and spiritually rewarding odyssey through the ancient Nakahechi Route on the Kumano Kodo Trail. Encounter sights for sore eyes and a thousand opportunities for reflection. Dive

The Nakasendo Trail in Japan stands as an icon of natural splendour and cultural richness. Spanning 533 km (332 miles) from Tokyo to Kyoto, this historic trail weaves through enchanting forested paths, traverses central mountains, and unveils

Known as the ‘land of fire’, epic coastlines, volcanoes, waterfalls and world-class hot springs make Kyushu one of the best regions for exploration and hiking in Japan. Kyushu plays host to some of the most incredible walking trails and you can explore more of Kyushu Walking Adventures. The island goes bey

If you are after an ultimate hiking experience in Japan away from the crowds and off the beaten path, you’ve come to the right place. The off beaten Shin-etsu Trail and Kamikochi are one of the best hiking adventures in Japan. From Shin-etsu's dense cedar woods and peaceful beech forests to the tranquil Japanese Alps of Kamikochi; both offer day hikes or multi day walking adventures that make impressive hiking experiences to include in your Japan trip. Here, we give you a quick guide to Shin-etsu T

Experience thousands of years of history and experience some of the best places to go hiking in Japan on the off beaten Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes & Nakasendo Way from Kyoto to Tokyo. Follow the footsteps of ancient travellers along Japan’s oldest and most iconic trails journeying through the countryside. Here, we give you a quick guide of both trails. If you are planning more adventures in Japan, you might like to read our guides on