What to expect on your walking tour in Japan
Our small-group walking tours combine rewarding days on foot with traditional accommodation, regional cuisine and the everyday customs of rural Japan. We want every guest to arrive well informed, prepared and confident about the journey ahead.
Drawing on our experience leading guests along the Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo trails, this guide covers trail conditions, daily distances, accommodation, meals, luggage transfers, weather, onsen bathing and fitness requirements.
Your stay
The walking
Practical details
Accommodation
Throughout the tour, we stay in a variety of accommodation, from familiar western-style hotels to traditional Japanese inns. On our Kumano Kodo and Koyasan tour, accommodation also includes a night at a Buddhist temple and a converted schoolhouse in the mountains.
Staying in a family-run minshuku or ryokan is one of the cultural highlights of our tours. These regional inns are often simple, with shared toilets and bathing facilities, but offer warm hospitality. Bathing areas are separated for men and women. Rooms have tatami matting and futon bedding, and meals may occasionally be served at low tables while seated on the floor.
At traditional accommodation, shoes, hiking boots, walking poles and umbrellas are left at the entrance. Indoor slippers are provided. Guests will usually find a cotton yukata and obi in their room, along with a warm jacket during cooler weather. The yukata may be worn around the inn and to dinner.
After a day of walking, the inn is a wonderful place to rest and enjoy the company of your fellow walkers. A long soak in the bath or onsen, followed by dinner in your yukata and slippers, is an especially memorable part of the experience.
Food and drink
One of the great pleasures of walking through rural Japan is enjoying the regional cuisine served at the traditional inns where we stay. Meals are an important part of the cultural experience, reflecting local ingredients, seasonal flavours and the pride each host takes in caring for guests.
Dinner at traditional inns
After the day’s walk, guests can relax with Japanese tea or purchase beer or sake at most inns. Dinner is often a visually beautiful, multi-course, kaiseki-style meal made up of many carefully prepared small dishes. Depending on the region and season, these may include fish from nearby rivers, mountain vegetables, meat, seafood, pickles, soup and rice, prepared in a variety of ways.
Guests on our Kumano Kodo and Koyasan tour also enjoy shojin ryori, the traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine served at temple accommodation. Its many delicately prepared dishes create a varied and satisfying meal.
Breakfast and walking snacks
A traditional Japanese breakfast commonly includes rice, miso soup, vegetables and protein such as fish or egg. It may feel unfamiliar at first, but it provides excellent energy for a day of walking.
If you prefer coffee or western tea in the morning, we recommend bringing your own coffee or tea bags, as hot water is generally available. Guests who prefer oats or cereal may also bring their own, along with small UHT portions of milk.
Opportunities to buy snacks can be limited along the rural trails. We recommend bringing preferred walking snacks, protein bars or nuts from home.
Dietary requirements
Traditional inns generally serve set menus and may have limited ability to substitute ingredients or prevent cross-contamination. Please tell us about any food allergies, intolerances or dietary requirements before booking so we can discuss what may be possible. Some inns may be able to provide vegetarian or pescatarian meals, but this cannot be assumed at every property.
Onsen bathing and etiquette
Bathing is an important part of everyday life in Japan and one of the most restorative pleasures after a day of walking. Many of the traditional inns where we stay have onsen or communal baths where guests can wash, soak and relax before dinner.
Onsen and the Kumano pilgrimage
Hot springs have long been associated with cleansing and purification along the Kumano pilgrimage routes. On our Kumano Kodo and Koyasan tour, we visit Yunomine Onsen, where pilgrims have bathed for centuries.
Yunomine is home to Tsuboyu, a small stone-lined bath in a cabin beside the creek. Tsuboyu is included within the UNESCO World Heritage landscape connected with the Kumano pilgrimage routes and remains open for bathing today.
What to expect
Bathing facilities vary between inns. Some have large communal onsen baths, while others provide smaller baths for individual or private use. Communal baths are generally separated into areas for men and women, and swimwear is not worn.
The idea of communal nude bathing can feel unfamiliar at first. In Japan, however, it is a normal and respectful activity, and bathers are discreet and considerate of one another’s privacy. Our guides will explain what to expect, and the availability of smaller or private baths will vary between properties.
Your room will usually contain a large towel for drying and a small towel to take into the bathing area. The small towel may be used for washing and held discreetly in front of the body while moving around, but it must not be placed in the bathwater.
Onsen etiquette
- Leave your slippers at the entrance to the changing area and place your clothing and large towel in the basket or locker provided.
- Take only your small towel and toiletries into the bathing area. Shampoo, conditioner and body wash are usually provided.
- Sit at one of the washing stations and wash thoroughly before entering the bath. Rinse away all soap and shampoo.
- Enter the bath without clothing or swimwear. Keep your small towel and hair out of the water. The towel may be placed beside the bath or folded on top of your head.
- Enter the water slowly, speak quietly and be considerate of other bathers. Onsen baths are for peaceful soaking rather than swimming, splashing or lively conversation.
- Phones, cameras, food and drinks should not be taken into the bathing area.
Bathing safely
Onsen water can be very hot. Enter gradually, take breaks when needed and leave the bath immediately if you feel dizzy or unwell. Drink water and avoid entering a hot bath after consuming alcohol.
Very hot bathing may not be suitable for everyone. If you have a heart or circulatory condition, uncontrolled high blood pressure or any concern about heat exposure, please seek advice from your doctor before travelling.
Walking trails
What is the walking like?
Walking conditions vary considerably along both the Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo trails. The routes include secondary roads, country lanes and hiking paths through forests and rural communities.
The Kumano Kodo is generally rougher and more demanding underfoot than the Nakasendo. Both trails include uneven surfaces, steep ascents and descents, and sections that can become slippery during or after rain.
Where practical, shorter walking options or alternative transport may be available. These options vary from day to day, and some walking stages cannot be shortened once underway. Guests should therefore arrive prepared for the scheduled walking described on each tour page.
Walking poles are required on our tours. They provide additional stability on exposed roots, loose gravel, stone steps and wet surfaces, while also helping to reduce pressure on the legs and knees.
Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail
Much of the Kumano Kodo passes through forested hills, with frequent ascents and descents. Surfaces include bare earth crossed by exposed tree roots, loose gravel and shale, rough stone steps, forestry tracks and short sections of sealed road.
The route is well marked, with numbered markers positioned at regular intervals along the Nakahechi trail. Directional signs also appear where paths meet or leave the main route.
Kumano receives substantial rainfall, so forest paths can become muddy and stone paving particularly slippery. Loose gravel and steep steps also require concentration in dry conditions.
The challenging terrain is balanced by the beauty and tranquillity of the landscape. The trail passes through cedar and cypress forests, small communities, tea plantations and citrus orchards, with rewarding views across the surrounding mountains and countryside.
Nakasendo Trail
The Nakasendo is generally less difficult underfoot than the Kumano Kodo, but it should not be mistaken for an easy stroll. The route follows an undulating mixture of secondary roads, country lanes and forest paths, passing through rural hamlets and historic post towns.
Walking surfaces include sealed roads, gravel, loose shale, timber walkways, forest earth and occasional grassy sections. The most demanding surfaces are the short stretches of ishidatami, or traditional stone paving, which can be slippery when mossy or wet.
The route is generally well marked and well trodden. Rain can make the unsealed paths muddy and slippery, so careful foot placement and suitable waterproof footwear remain important.
Distances and gradients
Walking distance alone does not determine how demanding a day will feel. Gradient, trail surface, weather and the number of ascents and descents all influence walking time and difficulty.
The distances and walking times below are approximate. Daily arrangements may change in response to weather, trail conditions or other circumstances, and different groups may walk at different speeds.
Kumano Kodo and Koyasan tour
On our Kumano Kodo and Koyasan tour, we walk approximately 70 km over four and a half walking days. The route is divided into six sections, with some sections combined within a single day.
The sections we walk remain below 1,000 metres above sea level, but this does not mean the terrain is easy. Several days include repeated climbs and descents of several hundred metres, with steep and uneven trail surfaces.
Accommodation locations along the route help determine each day’s distance. Several walking days involve approximately six to eight hours on the trail, while shorter sections can still take considerable time because of their gradient and terrain.
Where practical, options may be available to reduce the walking on longer or more challenging days.
Elevations and distances
Takijiri-oji to Takahara
Approximate distance:
3.7 kilometres
Approximate walking time:
1.75 hours
Takahara to Kobiro Toge
Approximate distance:
18 kilometres
Approximate walking time without breaks:
6 hours
Approximate walking time with breaks:
8 to 8.5 hours
Kobiro Toge to Hosshinmon-oji
Approximate distance:
11 kilometres
Approximate walking time without breaks:
4.5 hours
Approximate walking time with breaks:
6 hours
Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha
Approximate distance:
7 kilometres
Approximate walking time without breaks:
2 hours
Approximate walking time with breaks:
3 hours
Kumano Hongu Taisha to Koguchi
Approximate distance:
16.5 kilometres
Approximate walking time without breaks:
5 to 6 hours
Approximate walking time with breaks:
6.5 to 7.5 hours
Koguchi to Kumano Nachi Taisha
Approximate distance:
14.5 kilometres
Approximate walking time without breaks:
5 to 6 hours
Approximate walking time with breaks:
7 to 8 hours
Nakasendo and Kiso Valley tour
On our Nakasendo and Kiso Valley tour, we walk approximately 80 km over six walking days. Most days involve around five to six hours of walking, with two longer days requiring sustained walking over greater distances.
The route gradually moves into the mountains of the Kiso Valley and the higher landscapes of the Kaida Plateau. Although the trail is generally more even underfoot than the Kumano Kodo, the route remains hilly and includes repeated ascents and descents.
Some sections reach elevations above 1,000 metres. Where required, options may be available to shorten the longer walking days.
Elevations and distances
Biwa-Toge to Ena
Approximate distance:
16 kilometres
Approximate walking time without breaks:
5.25 hours
Approximate walking time with breaks:
7 hours
Ena to Shinchaya
Approximate distance:
17 kilometres
Approximate walking time without breaks:
5 hours
Approximate walking time with breaks:
7.5 hours
Shinchaya to Tsumago
Approximate distance:
10 kilometres
Approximate walking time without breaks:
3 hours
Approximate walking time with breaks:
5.5 hours
Nagiso to Nojiri
Approximate distance:
16 kilometres
Approximate walking time without breaks:
4.5 hours
Approximate walking time with breaks:
6 hours
Karasawa Waterfall to Kaida Plateau (Nishino)
Approximate distance:
11 kilometres
Approximate walking time without breaks:
3.5 hours
Approximate walking time with breaks:
4.5 hours
Yabuhara to Narai
Approximate distance:
8 kilometres
Approximate walking time without breaks:
2.75 hours
Approximate walking time with breaks:
3.5 hours
Fitness requirements
How fit do you need to be?
Both the Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo are active multi-day walks. Guests need good general health, a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to walk for several hours on consecutive days over hilly and sometimes uneven terrain.
The Kumano Kodo is the more demanding of the two tours because it includes longer and more frequent steep ascents and descents, together with rougher surfaces underfoot. The Nakasendo is generally less difficult, but it still includes hills, uneven ground and sustained days of walking.
Neither tour requires technical mountaineering skills, and well-prepared walkers of different ages enjoy both routes. However, guests need to understand the physical demands and assess their fitness honestly before booking.
A regular 30-minute walk is valuable exercise, but it does not necessarily prepare the body for six to eight hours in hiking boots while carrying a day pack. Fatigue can affect balance, coordination and careful foot placement, particularly during long descents and on uneven surfaces.
Assessing your readiness
Before booking, review the trail conditions, daily distances and elevation profiles on this page. We recommend completing a training walk that resembles one of the longer tour days, wearing the hiking boots you intend to bring and carrying your day pack. Include hills, steps and uneven terrain so you can assess your fitness, balance and equipment honestly.
For practical guidance on building endurance, training on hills and preparing your equipment, read our advice on training for your walking tour in Japan.
Shorter walking options
Options to reduce the scheduled walking may be available on some days, but not every route section can be shortened once underway.
If you would like to join a tour but do not intend to complete the entire route, please contact us before booking. We can explain the available alternatives and help you determine whether the tour is suitable.
Luggage transfers
Luggage transfers on the Kumano Kodo tour
On our Kumano Kodo and Koyasan tour, your main luggage is transferred to the next accommodation each day. You leave it in the designated area at the inn each morning, and it arrives at our next accommodation later that day.
While walking, you only need to carry a day pack containing your lunch, water, wet-weather gear, valuables and personal items.
Each guest may bring one piece of main luggage weighing no more than 15 kg.
Luggage transfers on the Nakasendo tour
Same-day luggage transfers are not available on every stage of the Nakasendo and Kiso Valley tour. On several non-consecutive nights, your main luggage is sent one night ahead, and you will need to carry your overnight requirements in your day pack.
Traditional inns generally provide a cotton yukata, towels and basic toiletries, so the additional items needed for these nights can be kept to a minimum. We provide details of the relevant nights and what to carry before departure.
Sending luggage within Japan
Large suitcases can be difficult to manage on crowded trains, and oversized luggage may require an advance reservation on some Shinkansen services.
Japan has a reliable luggage-delivery service commonly known as takkyubin. Travellers can send luggage between many staffed hotels, airports and delivery counters. Some convenience stores also accept luggage for forwarding.
Yamato Transport is one of the most widely recognised providers and can be identified by its black-cat logo. Hotels can often help complete the delivery form and arrange collection.
Delivery times depend on the origin, destination and type of service. Do not assume that every item will arrive the following day. Allow additional time when sending luggage to an airport and confirm the required collection date with your hotel or delivery provider.
Weather
Weather is one of the variables that makes walking in rural Japan so rewarding, but conditions can change quickly. Our tours operate in spring and autumn, when mornings and evenings may be cool and daytime conditions can range from mild to warm.
Temperatures also vary with elevation, so guests should bring clothing that can be added or removed throughout the day. Rain is possible on every departure, making reliable waterproof clothing essential.
Weather on the Kumano Kodo and in Koyasan
The southern Kii Peninsula generally has a milder climate than many mountainous parts of Japan, but Kumano is also one of Japan’s wetter regions. Rain nourishes the forests, rivers and waterfalls that define the landscape, and walkers should be prepared for wet conditions.
The sections of the Nakahechi route included in our tour are at relatively modest elevations, and snow is uncommon during our tour seasons. Koyasan sits considerably higher and can be noticeably colder, particularly in the early morning and evening. Temperatures can approach freezing during colder early-spring or late-autumn departures.
Weather in the mountains can change quickly. Waterproof jackets and trousers, warm layers and protection for the contents of your day pack are essential.
Weather on the Nakasendo and in the Kiso Valley
Conditions change as the route moves from lower towns into the mountains of the Kiso Valley and Kaida Plateau. Days can be mild, but mornings, evenings and higher sections are often considerably cooler.
Spring departures may encounter lingering snow on the surrounding mountains, while late-autumn departures can experience cold conditions. Rain is possible throughout the walking season, and stone paving and forest paths can become slippery when wet.
Guests should carry waterproof layers regardless of the forecast.
Preparing for changing conditions
We recommend packing fast-drying layers, a warm insulating layer and a reliable waterproof outer layer. A warm hat and gloves may be useful for colder departures, while sun protection remains important throughout the walking season.
We monitor weather conditions throughout each tour and may adjust the walking schedule when necessary for safety. Detailed guidance is included in our pre-departure packing information and daily tour briefings.
Explore our guided walking tours in Japan
Choose between the sacred pilgrimage landscapes of Kumano and Koyasan or the preserved post towns and mountain scenery of the Nakasendo and Kiso Valley.
Guided Kumano Kodo Walking Tour
Walk approximately 70 km along the Nakahechi pilgrimage route and experience the sacred mountain community of Koyasan.
Guided Nakasendo Walking Tour
Follow the historic Nakasendo through preserved post towns, forest trails and the mountain landscapes of the Kiso Valley.