Choose the right Japan tour for you!

Jan 16, 2026

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Three of our most popular Japan walks showcase the very best of the Land of the Rising Sun – but which one is right for you?

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Wow-mazing inclusions of dressing up in a kimino on the Nakasend Way walk Japan

If history and heritage appeal most, our 7-day Nakasendo Way pack-free guided walk is an outstanding choice. Known as the “Way of the Samurai”, this ancient route once linked Kyoto and Tokyo and has been travelled for centuries.

Guided walking tour of Nakasendo Way Japan

The trail winds through the scenic Japanese Alps, passing well-preserved post towns such as Tsumago and Magome. Here, traditional wooden buildings, cobbled streets and welcoming teahouses create a strong sense of stepping back in time. Along the way, you’ll experience a harmonious blend of nature, culture and hospitality, discovering a side of Japan where long-held traditions continue to flourish.

Three people stand outside a building in a narrow street, smiling and waving at the camera. The building features a wooden sign with Japanese characters. Two men stand together on the left, and a woman in a red apron stands on the right, ready to welcome you to your Walking Tours Japan adventure.

If dramatic landscapes and cultural depth are your priorities, our 8-day Basho Tohoku pack-free guided walk delivers on every level.

Performers in traditional Japanese attire, holding red and white umbrellas and fans, dance on stage. The central figure, reminiscent of scenes from walking tours through Kyoto, wears a silver kimono with red accents. The dimly lit background highlights a musical instrument.

This journey is enhanced by a series of carefully curated “wow” experiences, including boat cruises at Shiogama and Okumatsushima, a traditional dance performance, and a personal visit with bonsai artist Mr Abe at his home.

A person carefully sculpts a miniature tree in a bonsai workshop, wearing a blue shirt and focused on their meticulous work. The green branches contrast against the dark background, echoing Japan's Basho Tohoku Walk and highlighting the art of bonsai.

You’ll also take part in a Shinto ritual at the sacred Dewa Sanzan shrine. A particular highlight is an overnight stay in the atmospheric World Heritage town of Ginzan Onsen. With private transfers between walks, you can enjoy flexible daily options without the pressure of train timetables.

An outdoor hot spring bath with a round wooden tub and a rock-lined pool, reminiscent of those along Japan's Basho Tohoku Walk, overlooks a serene waterfall amidst lush greenery. The scene is tranquil, with steam rising from the water under a wooden shelter.

For those seeking a pilgrimage-style adventure, our 7-day Kumano Kodo pack-free guided walk offers a truly immersive experience.

Kumano Kodo walk to Kumano Hongu Taisha

This tour explores the finest sections of the 1,000-year-old Kumano Kodo trail, set deep in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula, a region few visitors ever see.

A red pagoda stands among green trees with a tall waterfall and forested mountains in the background under a clear blue sky, capturing the tranquil beauty of the Japan Kumano Kodo Walk.

Private transfers reduce travel time and allow greater walking flexibility, while carefully selected accommodation provides comfort alongside authentic Japanese style – ideal for those who prefer not to sleep on thin futon mattresses throughout the journey.