One of the best ways to experience old Japan is to take a walking tour along the ancient paths which connected the areas of Japan during the Edo Period and before. These tours are active but also give you an excellent opportunity to meet local Japanese and stay at smaller and more rustic accommodations. Your hiking tour can be with a small group or independent. We can also combine it with a cultural tour which will give you the best of both worlds.
The Nakasendo trail was one of five traditional routes used during the Edo Period (1603 to 1868). The others were the Tokaido, Koshu Kaido, Oshu Kaido and Nikko Kaido. The Nakasendo connected Edo (Tokyo) with Kyoto, and took an inland route rather than a sea route like the Tokaido. All of the trails were dotted with post towns (also called stations) called “juku” where travelers could rest, eat and get supplies. Due to restrictions enforced by the Tokugawa Shogunate most travelers were required to travel by foot so these post towns were relatively close to each other.
Tsumago-juku (妻籠宿) and Magome-juku (馬籠宿) are two of the best preserved post towns along the Nakasendo trail. Read more
The Kumano Kodo (熊野古道) is a network of pilgrimage trails through the southern Kansai region. This is the only pilgrimage routes besides the Camino de Santiago to be designated a world heritage site. The Kodo or “old paths” have been in place for over 1000 years.
The pilgrimage routes developed between the sacred areas on the Kii Peninsula. At the center of this religious area are the three Kumano shrines: Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha and Nachi Taisha, collectively known as Kumano Sanzan.
The Kodo pilgrimage trails link the Kumano area to Kyoto, Koyasan (the headquarter of Shingon Buddhism), Yoshino and Omine (centers of mountain worship) with Ise (Japan’s most important shrine).
The subtropical island of Yakushima famous for its wildlife and cedar forests. If you are in good physical condition we invite you to hike all the way to Jomonsugi (the oldest tree in Japan). The hike takes about ten hours round trip, and you should leave before sunrise in order to finish by sunset. Good rain gear and hiking boots are highly recommended. You must bring your own food, toiletries, and plenty of water.
Yakushima recently became famous after serving as inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Mononoke Hime (Princess Mononoke). Oga Kazuo, the art director for the film, spent lots of time at Shiratani Unsuikyo working on sketches for the movie’s forests with trees all covered by green moss. Talk to your Japan Expert to plan your tour to Yakushima.
Approximately 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) long, the Shikoku trail and its 88 temples is probably the most famous pilgrimage in Japan.
The ultimate goal of the pilgrimage is to visit all 88 of the temples, and there really are no rules that determine how you do that. Most people start at temple 1 which is Ryozenji, in Naruto, Tokushima and then head clockwise around the island.
This is the order in which they are numbered, but some travel anti-clockwise. If you come from Kyushu you can start at the point where you arrive on Shikoku. In fact you can visit the temples in any order you like.
Matsuyama and Dogo Onsen will provide the perfect break with comfortable hot spring baths.
Rediscover Tours arranges amazing trips whether you are traveling with your family, on your honeymoon, as a couple or as a group of friends. We work with you to make sure everything is exactly as you want it.
The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what's possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.
It was our first trip to Japan. Working with Jeff was a pleasure. His knowledge of the country and local contacts were very helpful. Choice...
Working with Jeff at Rediscover Tours was a wonderful experience. He helped me plan a 10 day trip of a lifetime to Japan with my mother...
I would like to take this opportunity to commend and thank you for the marvelous vacation we recently enjoyed in Japan. The entire experience exceeded...
Our team of Japan experts have all lived in Japan for years and know its the hidden treasures. Our team is here to answer all your questions and to build your tour just the way you want it.
Jeff was born in a south suburb of Chicago named South Holland and lived in Japan for 14 years. He now lives in Commerce Township, Michigan with his wife Yoshimi, son Shota, and daughter Mina. He enjoys playing with his kids, volunteering with his daughter’s marching band, cycling and training and teaching Aikido.
Michiyo was born in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Prefecture though currently lives in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture. Her main passions in life is traveling all around the world and enjoying their cultures.
Izumi has spent most of her life in the Kansai region, except for the 10 years that she enjoyed in the UK. Living abroad has made her appreciate her own culture and local beauty even more. She currently lives in Osaka with her family, including two cats and two dogs.
Great trips don't just happen; it takes expert knowledge and years of experience to create a truly memorable holiday. You can rely on Rediscover Tours to make your perfect Japanese experience. Our dedication to excellence makes the difference.
Your Japan travel expert will create your trip just for you
Your interests and travel style will be front and center when designing your tour
Accommodations will be selected based on your style and we will inform them of all your special meal and physical requirements
Your Japan expert has lived in Japan or is Japanese
They know the hidden treasures of Japan that you will love and most tourists miss
Most of our team lives in Japan giving them first hand knowledge of the latest trends and experiences for you to enjoy
Private local guides add a whole new depth to your Japanese tour
We only hire the best guides and review each trip with them insuring excellent experience
Your private guide will listen to you, show you sights of interest and will make on the fly changes to match the weather and crowds
Our office in Japan is here to assist and support you
Rediscover Tours has been organizing travel to Japan since 2000
You will arrive comfortable in the knowledge that all details are taken care of and that our Japan office is just a call away