Japan Hiking & Trekking Tours

The Nakasendo is a historic travel route in central Japan known for well-preserved post towns and rural landscapes, while the Kumano Kodo is a network of pilgrimage paths connecting sacred shrines on Japan’s Kii Peninsula.

The Nakasendo (Road Through the Mountains), was a major trade artery connecting Kyoto and Tokyo during Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868). Merchants, samurai, and feudal lords traveled the road for centuries. Today, it passes through well-preserved post towns such as Magome and Tsumago, offering a wonderful look into Japan’s history.

The Kumano Kodo is a network of pilgrimage paths crisscrossing the Kii Peninsula and one of only two pilgrimage routes on UNESCO’s World Heritage list! While the Nakasendo historically connected the two cities for trade, the Kumano Kodo spiritually connects the Kumano Sanzan (three grand shrines). The Nakahechi, or “imperial route,” has been walked by many people ranging from emperors to commoners for over a thousand years, and is still in use today.

Spring and fall are generally the best seasons for hiking the Nakasendo, Kumano Kodo, and Shikoku pilgrimage trails. These months typically offer more comfortable temperatures than Japan’s hot, humid summer, with the possibility of cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in fall. Conditions vary by elevation and departure date, and rain is possible in either season. MT Sobek schedules most departures on these routes in spring and fall.

Guided hiking tours offer many benefits in Japan. An experienced local guide might take you off the trail to find an Oji (minor shrine) or Jizo (guardian statue) that most people would walk right past. Local guides can translate menus (and make recommendations), make introductions, and help navigate onsen etiquette. They illuminate history with stories of monks, shoguns, and emperors and unravel complex subjects, such as the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism. Naturally, they are experts at navigating the landscape and extremely knowledgeable about the ferns, forests, flowers and fruits that you are likely to encounter on the trail. Experienced local guides are at the heart of every Japan walking tour we design at MT Sobek.

We keep our groups quite small, generally 4–14 guests. In Japan, space is at a premium, and small groups allow us to do things and go places larger groups simply can’t. For instance, a ryokan stay is a quintessential Japanese experience, and the most traditional properties have a limited number of rooms, precluding larger groups from using them.

These trips can suit travelers new to multi-day hiking who prepare for consecutive walking days, hills, and uneven terrain.. Two of our Japan adventures are Level 3 (Nakasendo and Kumano Kodo) and one is Level 4 (Shikoku). All the trips have consecutive days on the trail, so you’ll need to be comfortable hiking several days in a row prior to the trip. Some trips, such as the Shikoku Pilgrimage, are more physically demanding due to longer distances, steeper climbs and descents, and more rugged trail conditions. With preparation, beginners often find these trips both achievable and deeply rewarding; it’s a wonderful chance to build confidence while experiencing Japan on foot.

Yes! MT Sobek offers bespoke itineraries, including Nakasendo hiking, culinary and art experiences, onsen towns and ryokan inns, all with private guides for maximum flexibility and insider knowledge. Get started planning your custom Japan trip here.     

A “post town,” or shukuba, was an outpost stop along Japan’s historic travel routes where travelers could find food, lodging, and fresh horses. During the Edo period (1603–1868), these towns served samurai, merchants, pilgrims, and other travelers. On the Nakasendo Trail, preserved post towns such as Magome, Tsumago, and Narai offer a glimpse of that history through wooden inns, traditional shops, and streets lined with historic buildings.

Choose Kyoto to Tokyo for Nakasendo Trail walks, historic post towns, and cultural highlights in Japan’s cities. The Kumano Kodo focuses on forested pilgrimage trails, sacred shrines, and hot springs. Shikoku combines more demanding temple hikes with the Iya Valley and art and cultural discoveries on the Inland Sea islands.

No. Our itineraries explore selected sections of these historic routes, combining walks with transportation and cultural experiences. The Kyoto to Tokyo trip follows portions of the Nakasendo through the Kiso Valley, while the Shikoku adventure visits selected temples along the 88-temple pilgrimage.

Luggage arrangements vary by itinerary. On our Kyoto to Tokyo and Kumano Kodo trips, your main suitcase is forwarded at scheduled points, and you carry essentials for certain overnight stays in a smaller bag. Review your trip’s packing instructions for details about daypacks, overnight bags, and luggage transfers.

Depending on the itinerary, accommodations include comfortable hotels, traditional Japanese inns called ryokans, and Buddhist temple lodgings called shukubo. Some stays involve futon beds on tatami floors and shared bathing or toilet facilities. Check your chosen itinerary for its specific accommodation arrangements.

Bathroom arrangements vary by trip and property. Some traditional lodgings on the Kyoto to Tokyo and Kumano Kodo itineraries have shared facilities. The Shikoku itinerary currently has private ensuite bathrooms at its ryokans. Review the accommodation notes for your departure before booking.

The Shikoku trip includes consecutive hiking days with steep ascents and descents, long flights of uneven stone steps, and surfaces that can become slippery. Its difficulty reflects the terrain and repeated days of hiking as well as the distance walked. Preparation should include hills, stairs, and walking on successive days.