For clients seeking a more intimate, culturally rich experience of Japan beyond Tokyo’s bright lights, Walk Japan has unveiled two new tours designed to immerse travelers in the country’s quieter, less-traveled regions.
The walking tour operator has introduced the Onsen Gastronomy: Kiso in Nagano Tour and the Izu Wayfarer Tour, both easily accessible by train from Tokyo yet worlds away from the city’s urban sprawl. These tours allow travelers to connect with Japan’s scenic landscapes, historic towns and local communities often missed by mainstream tourism.
Onsen Gastronomy: Kiso in Nagano Tour
Blending the restorative tradition of onsen hot springs with Japan’s regional cuisine, this 5-day guided tour leads up to twelve guests through the Kiso Valley, Kaida Plateau and the slopes of Ontake-san, a sacred active volcano.
The leisurely-paced itinerary includes strolls of up to two miles daily through Edo-period post towns, pilgrimage routes and shrines, with seasonal highlights like alpine cable car rides in spring to autumn and snowshoeing in winter. Starting in Nagoya and concluding in Kiso-Fukushima, the tour is ideal for travelers seeking culture, history and relaxation.
Izu Wayfarer Tour
For more active clients, the Izu Wayfarer Tour offers a self-guided journey along the UNESCO Global Geopark of the Izu Peninsula, from Izu Kogen to Mishima. Travelers can expect dramatic volcanic coastlines, historic port towns and daily treks ranging from 7.5 to 11.13 miles—with flexible routes available to suit varying fitness levels.
Adapted from the guided Izu Geo Trail, the self-guided format allows clients the freedom to explore at their own pace while enjoying the natural beauty and seafood bounty of the region.
Both tours are excellent add-ons or alternatives to a traditional Tokyo itinerary and offer unique ways to engage with Japan’s cultural heritage while supporting rural communities.
For more information, visit walkjapan.com.
AloJapan.com