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Walk Japan Pioneering tours of Japan since 1992 Listed in National Geographic Adventure's Best Travel Companies on Earth, Rough Guide Recommended 2008.

Visit www.walkjapan.com for more information and to contact us.

The akabeko red cow: a symbol of Aizu WakamatsuLegend says that in the 9th century, an 'akabeko' red cow pledged its sou...
10/10/2026

The akabeko red cow: a symbol of Aizu Wakamatsu

Legend says that in the 9th century, an 'akabeko' red cow pledged its soul to aid in the construction of Enzo-ji Temple and turned to stone once it was completed. Centuries later, samurai lord Gamo Ujisato (1556–1595) capitalised on the temple story by having local craftsmen make akabeko toys to lift morale. When smallpox broke out soon after, the toys were believed to protect children from the illness, which gave them their reputation as good luck charms and was the inspiration for the spots on their sides.

The akabeko is a constant companion on the Tohoku Aizu Explorer tour, where you will often spot their bright red colour decorating the streets. Discover more via the link in the comment

At Somamichi, chef Yutaka Kitazaki welcomes us with exquisite cuisine and warm hospitality. After the earthquake in Noto...
06/10/2026

At Somamichi, chef Yutaka Kitazaki welcomes us with exquisite cuisine and warm hospitality.

After the earthquake in Noto, he moved into a temporary space owned by a friend to support the local revitalisation. Each morning, he considers what ingredients are available and designs his dishes accordingly. Every ingredient is purchased from local farmers, foragers and fishers, and the food is served in his friend's lacquerware, made in the Noto tradition using local materials and urushi tree sap.

From ingredients to tableware, we catch a glimpse of a community drawn together by flavour and craftsmanship.

Visit Somamichi and chef Yutaka Kitazaki on the Onsen Gastronomy: Noto tour (link in the comments).

Summer is almost over, and it can only mean one thing…. it’s time to get your walking shoes out! Where are you walking t...
29/09/2026

Summer is almost over, and it can only mean one thing…. it’s time to get your walking shoes out!

Where are you walking this autumn? Let us know in the comment!

Same place, different seasons Aizu Wakamatsu sits in a basin surrounded by mountains, and the seasons here are pronounce...
24/09/2026

Same place, different seasons

Aizu Wakamatsu sits in a basin surrounded by mountains, and the seasons here are pronounced. The same valley shows itself in entirely different terms depending on when you visit.

Both the Tohoku Aizu Explorer and Onsen Gastronomy: Snowy Aizu are easy walking tours through rural Aizu, in Japan's Tohoku region.

In spring and autumn, we explore several old highways, walking through the post town of Ouchi-juku, the village of Showa-mura, and the lake district of Urabandai, green and full at this time of year. In winter, the same mountains, valleys, villages and rivers lie under deep snow.

See both tours, Tohoku Aizu Explorer and Onsen Gastronomy: Snowy Aizu, via the links in the comment section.

In early August, we were honoured to welcome British Ambassador to Japan Julia Longbottom and her husband, Richard Scive...
15/09/2026

In early August, we were honoured to welcome British Ambassador to Japan Julia Longbottom and her husband, Richard Sciver, to the Kunisaki Peninsula. We were also delighted that their friend Hashimoto Shiori, chairperson of the Japanese Alpine Club and a Mount Everest climber, joined the visit.

Our CEO Paul Christie and his wife, Mimi, led the group on a day hike to see Antony Gormley's Another Time XX, an iron statue overlooking the Kunisaki Peninsula and the Seto Inland Sea. Afterwards, they dined at Tete, a local restaurant that recently opened in a renovated traditional house.

Status Update: Heavy Rain in JapanHeavy rain has caused localised flooding in many areas of Japan, including Tokyo and N...
11/09/2026

Status Update: Heavy Rain in Japan

Heavy rain has caused localised flooding in many areas of Japan, including Tokyo and Nagoya. The precipitation has since subsided, water levels have receded and transport systems are running again. Our customers, Tour Leaders and operations were unaffected.

Whilst the weather has become more settled we continue to monitor the situation. We are also assessing trail conditions directly and with local partners to ensure safe conduct of our tours. If you have an upcoming tour with us, we will contact you directly if any adjustments are required.

What is this sculpture on Mount Fudo overlooking the Kunisaki Peninsula? It's British sculptor Antony Gormley, who, insp...
08/09/2026

What is this sculpture on Mount Fudo overlooking the Kunisaki Peninsula?

It's British sculptor Antony Gormley, who, inspired by the region's iron mining and the view over the Seto Inland Sea, placed a cast of his own body near the peak. Titled 'Another Time XX', the statue is one of many pieces of art installed across the peninsula during the Kunisaki Art Festival in 2014.

We see Antony Gormley's artwork and more on the Kunisaki Trek (link in the comment)

For many centuries, the Kunisaki Peninsula was an important centre of Shugendo, a syncretism of the indigenous, animisti...
05/09/2026

For many centuries, the Kunisaki Peninsula was an important centre of Shugendo, a syncretism of the indigenous, animistic Shinto religion and Buddhism brought from China and Korea.

On the Kunisaki Trek, we visit three temples: Futago-ji, Iwato-ji and Monjusen-ji. Futago-ji dates back 1,300 years and stands near the peak of Mount Futago, the highest mountain at the centre of the peninsula. Iwato-ji holds the oldest Niōmon guardian statues on the peninsula, while Monjusen-ji is among the region's oldest temples.

See all three temples with us on the Kunisaki Trek. Details via the link in the comment.

When the weather gets warmer and reveals summer's vibrant greens, there is maybe no better place for a leisurely walk th...
02/09/2026

When the weather gets warmer and reveals summer's vibrant greens, there is maybe no better place for a leisurely walk than northeastern Kyushu, a region of Japan renowned for its beautiful, richly varied rural landscapes.

On the Onsen Gastronomy: Oita & Kumamoto tour, we stroll through quiet hamlets to the hill-top castle ruins of Taketa, its scale alluding to the power once held by the daimyo lord who ruled the surrounding domain.

After our light guided strolling has allowed us to thoroughly enjoy the beautiful countryside, we enjoy gourmet meals and relax in hot spring baths at the delightful onsen villages of Yufuin, Kurokawa and Nagayu.

Visit our website for a more detailed itinerary via the link in the comments.

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