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Active holidays in Japan
Walk the old pilgrimage trails of the Kumano Kodo, follow the former Nakasendo Highway through post towns and forest, head into the mangroves of Iriomote, where the paths feel a long way from Tokyo’s commuter crowds. While some may picture Japan for its neon lights and digital experiences, we love creating active holidays that bring out a bit of adventure to your trip to Japan and reward your hard work with experiences that many will never know.
We can build anything from a gentle day walk to a multi-day hiking route, either as part of a Small Group Tour or a Self-Guided Adventure. The level of challenge is up to you. Some routes are about quiet lanes, village inns and a good lunch. Others involve steep climbs, long days and legs that will thoroughly appreciate a long soak in a hot onsen at the end of the day. If you want to experience rural Japan and connect with the country's history, hiking along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails will bring you closer to Japan’s spiritual heritage. For a walk that’s more focused on the seeing the natural beauty of the country, the Michinoku Trail offers a refreshing blend of sea breeze, dramatic cliffs, and rolling grassy meadows for you to explore.
Cycling opens up another side of the country. Beyond the cities, roads climb through mountain valleys, cross farming villages and then drop in long, fast descents towards the coast. There are serious 1,000m ascents for experienced riders, but plenty of less demanding routes too. We offer several guided cycling experiences for travellers to go on, including tours of Kyoto, Shimanami Kaido and the Kibi Plains.
Around 70% of Japan is mountainous, so the crowded urban corridor tells only part of the story. Forest, volcanoes, islands and sparsely populated countryside run the length of the country. You don’t need to plan an expedition to see it either. A day on foot or two wheels can fit neatly into a wider itinerary, adding fresh air, quieter places and a rather different view of Japan.
Active itineraries
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Kumano Kodo Five-Night Module (Advanced Hiking) (Classic)
A challenging five-night walking module introducing the ancient trails of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network.
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Summer Elegance (IJT Classic)
Embrace Japan's summer season: fewer tourists, summer flavours and a celebratory atmosphere
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Recommended Active Experiences
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White water rafting in Minakami
For Japan's best white water experience, head to the Tone River in Minakami.
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Kyoto cycling city tour
Kyoto City is nice and flat making it an ideal place to explore by bike.
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Rafting on the Yoshino River
Some of the most beautiful parts of the Iya Valley can only be seen from the water; a great excuse for a day of rafting!
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Kibi Plains cycling
Cycling past farms and rural shrines in the Kibi Plains is a great little day trip from Kurashiki.
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Active accommodation across Japan
Shirakabaso (Kamikochi)
This Japanese-style hotel has lovely views of the surrounding mountains from the traditional rooms.
Blue Sky Guesthouse (Hongu)
The Blue Sky Guest house offers simple, traditional accommodation with a very warm Japanese welcome.
Ku Nel Asob (Iya Valley)
The Ku Nel Asob is a superb budget accommodation option. Luxurious it is not, but it is homely, welcoming and down-to-earth – in short, everything you could want from a stay in the Japanese countryside.
Shiki no Yado Onoaida (Yakushima)
The Shiki no Yado Onoaida is a friendly, welcoming and well-kept Japanese inn, located amid the beautiful scenery of the southern part of Yakushima. This inn is testament to the truth that superb accommodation in Japan needn't cost the earth.
Shirakabaso (Kamikochi)
This Japanese-style hotel has lovely views of the surrounding mountains from the traditional rooms.
The hotel has a classic Japanese hot spring bathhouse and is located right next to the famous 'Kappa' bridge.
Blue Sky Guesthouse (Hongu)
The Blue Sky Guest house offers simple, traditional accommodation with a very warm Japanese welcome.
Located just a short walk from Hongu Taisha Shrine, one of the three major shrines in the Kumano area, this is the ideal place to be based for exploring the surrounding pilgrimage routes.
The wooden building looks out over a garden with a stream, and is surrounded by woodland. There are only four guest rooms, all of which are simple tatami-mat rooms with en suite bathrooms. Breakfast is served each morning in the communal dining room and there is also a shared kitchen which guests are welcome to use should they want to prepare their own lunch or dinners. There are plenty of restaurants nearby if you prefer to eat out.
In terms of décor, location and facilities this is already a great option for anyone wanting to explore the Kumano region. However, what makes this place truly special is the extremely helpful and friendly owner who speaks English and is more than happy to make sightseeing and restaurant recommendations and help with anything you need. There is free WiFi throughout the accommodation and also laundry facilities.Ku Nel Asob (Iya Valley)
The Ku Nel Asob is a superb budget accommodation option. Luxurious it is not, but it is homely, welcoming and down-to-earth – in short, everything you could want from a stay in the Japanese countryside.
What the Ku Nel Asob lacks in slick service and luxury, it more than makes up for in character and charm – qualities that have made it a firm favourite in our book over the years. In fact, we've never heard review that was anything less than glowing.
An “eco guesthouse” housed in a 90-year-old building, guests at the Ku Nel Asob find themselves surrounded by the stunning mountain scenery of Shikoku. This is one of the most remote and rural parts of Japan – and it really does feel like it.
Facilities are basic, but this only serves to heighten the authenticity of the experience. The shared toilet facilities are located in the main building, so if you are lodging in the small separate building you will need to walk across to use them. There is no bathhouse at the inn, but guests are invited to use the onsen in the village free of charge – the guesthouse owner, Nori-san, will drive you there.
Macrobiotic vegetarian meals are included in every stay, and are both wholesome and delicious! Nori-san speaks excellent English and will do everything he can to provide information about the local area and make your stay as comfortable as possible.Shiki no Yado Onoaida (Yakushima)
The Shiki no Yado Onoaida is a friendly, welcoming and well-kept Japanese inn, located amid the beautiful scenery of the southern part of Yakushima. This inn is testament to the truth that superb accommodation in Japan needn't cost the earth.
The Shiki no Yado Onoaida is not a luxurious or exclusive property – it is not even the most expensive on Yakushima – and yet it is consistently adored by guests, as evidenced by its 100% positive Tripadvisor rating.
The inn is run by a local couple with two young children, and has an informal, family atmosphere that immediately endears it to visitors. The hosts, Kentaro and Chan, who both speak excellent English, are eager to answer any questions and help you out in any way they can – including arranging activities, making reservations or helping you rent a car.
The inn serves organic food sourced from its own garden and has a lovely terrace area from which to enjoy the hills and mountains of this wild island. Hiking trails stretch out from the front door, and some of the rooms have outdoor hot spring baths in which you can soak the evening away while enjoying the spectacular views.
Active destinations across Japan
Iriomote
Dense jungle and mangrove and possible the world's rarest wild cat, the mysterious Iriomote Lynx
Kamikochi
Soaring mountains, crystal clear streams, monkeys, rare plants, gentle strolls, challenging climbs
Yakushima
The island of Yakushima is one of those magical places that those who visit will never forget.
Iya Valley
Deep valleys, untamed rivers, soaring mountains; Iya Valley is Japan's last true hidden frontier.
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