About Walk Japan

Walk Japan: The Pioneer of Off-the-Beaten-Track Walking Tours in Japan

Walk Japan single-handedly pioneered walking tours in Japan long before the country was thought of as an inbound tourist destination and, ever since, has set the standards for high-quality travel in the nation.

Established in 1992, Walk Japan has been delivering authentic, informative and enjoyable tours introducing Japan, its people, society and culture to overseas visitors (and some Japanese) starting with its now iconic Nakasendo Way. The company has since created a roster of 37 original tours that span the length and breadth of Japan, including the vast, ethereal snowy landscapes traversed in the Nagano Snow Country tour; the spiritual and mist-shrouded Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage; and the thrilling ridges and soothing hot spring baths of the Kunisaki Trek.

The company's modus operandi is in its name. Walking allows its guests guided by the company’s expert Tour Leaders to wholly immerse themselves in Japan and have the time for meaningful interactions with locals.

Walk Japan: The Community Project

Walk Japan and its staff are committed to Japan and supportive of the local communities in which its tours operate. Its small-group tours ‘tread lightly’ and benefit many hitherto overlooked declining regions both economically and socially. By widely using locally provided, often family-run, services, such as accommodation and restaurants, the greatest economic impact remains in the immediate community.

The Community Project symbolises the sustainable beneficial nature of Walk Japan tours in supporting communities in an amplified fashion on Oita’s Kunisaki Peninsula. It tangibly shows the efforts the company makes to fulfil its responsibilities to wider society as a business.

The Project has grown significantly in size and scope since its conception in 2002, when our CEO first moved to Kunisaki, and is providing the local community with a viable future. It incorporates farming; repurposing akiya vacant properties as homes, guest accommodation and offices; providing employment which encourages immigration to the area; regenerating woodlands; sponsoring community events; providing English language classes; and attracting others including new residents (besides its staff) and the media to the area.

The Community Project also encompasses Walk Japan’s commitment to an inclusive, diverse and supportive community throughout its business and beyond in wider society.

For more information, visit walkjapan.com.