This Japan tour is all about the small things

Oct 17, 2025

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This Japan tour is all about the small things

Meet Mr Abe, a master bonsai artist who has devoted his life to the delicate and mindful art of shaping miniature pine trees.

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.

For Mr Abe, bonsai is not simply a craft — it’s a meditative practice, a way of connecting with nature and embracing the Japanese concept of kukanyubi, or “The Beauty of Space.”

Two people carefully shape a bonsai tree, reminiscent of the serene nature found on Japan's Basho Tohoku Walk. The person in the foreground wears a blue shirt and intently works with the branches, while green foliage contrasts with the brown bark. A man in the background observes closely.

During our 5-day Basho Tohoku pack-free guided walk in Japan, you’ll have the rare and intimate opportunity to learn directly from Mr Abe himself. He’ll gently guide you through the subtle techniques of bonsai shaping, revealing how this centuries-old art form fosters peace, patience, and presence.

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This tranquil experience is just one of many unique encounters you’ll enjoy as we journey through Japan’s beautiful and lesser-explored Tohoku region.

An outdoor wooden hot spring bath, perfect for those on walking holidays, boasts clear water and a scenic view of the forested landscape. Shaded by a wooden structure, with a bucket perched on its edge, this serene spot reminds you that life's an adventure to be cherished.

You’ll drift across the serene waters of Shirogama and Okumatsushima Bay on a scenic boat cruise, take in the grace of a traditional dance performance, and witness a powerful Shinto ritual at the sacred Dewa Sanzan Shrine, where spirituality and nature intertwine.

Two boats glide along a tranquil river, surrounded by lush green trees and blossoming cherry blossoms. It's a perfect setting for walking tours as the water reflects the vibrant foliage above, creating a scenic and peaceful landscape.

A special highlight of the trip is an overnight stay in the World Heritage-listed town of Ginzan Onsen, a picture-perfect village known for its nostalgic charm, wooden ryokans, and soothing natural hot springs. It’s the ideal place to relax and reflect.

A person is painting a traditional wooden kokeshi doll with a brush, reminiscent of the detailed discoveries found on walking tours. Two completed dolls sit in the background on a table, showcasing intricate facial features and colorful patterns.

To make your journey as seamless as it is enriching, we’ve included private transfers between walks, so you can walk as much or as little as you like — without worrying about train timetables or logistics. It’s a personalised adventure at your own pace, filled with moments of discovery, beauty, and calm.

A tall, ancient wooden pagoda stands amid towering trees in a lush forest, perfect for walking holidays. Stone steps guide you up to the structure, surrounded by verdant greenery and ferns under a clear, bright sky.

And don’t forget — your carefully shaped bonsai tree won’t just be a keepsake, but a living reminder of the serenity and stillness you’ll carry home with you.