From evocative coastal trails to culinary delights: explore the heart of Japan through its traditions and landscapes.

Walking with a Yamabushi monk is one of Oku Japan’s exclusive fureai experiences/

Kyōto, Japan. December 10, 2024 – Oku Japan, a leader in immersive, community-focused journeys into the heart of Japanese culture, prides itself on its range of self-guided and guided walking and trekking tours that cater to travelers seeking meaningful, culture-rich experiences.

From food-focused adventures with visits to sake breweries, fish markets, and cooking classes, to an immersion into traditional Buddhist life with stays at a shukubo or temple lodging, to learning about the indigenous Ainu culture, visits to abalone farms, partaking in traditional tea ceremonies, and so much more, Oku Japan understands that truly transformative, authentic travel comes about through connection, to both people and places.

“Our mission has always been to share the essence of Japan with travelers in a way that is both sustainable and deeply personal,” says Hiroshi Kawaguchi, general manager for Oku Japan. “Culture-focused travel is about more than sightseeing; it’s about fostering a genuine understanding and appreciation for Japan’s rich heritage and offers our guests an opportunity to really connect with the various communities they will have a chance to explore on one of our tours.

“This is particularly true of our trips along the Michinoku Coastal Trail,” continues Kawaguchi. “This region was deeply impacted in 2011 by the earthquake and tsunami, and indeed the trail itself was born out of the devastation experienced among the communities here, who came together with local government authorities to create this trail as part of a revitalization effort. It is a deeply moving place to visit, not only for the landscape, but also to get up-close with the people here, and learn about their unique culture and tremendous strength in the face of adversity.”

Below are a few of Oku Japan’s culture-focused journeys.

Explore the dance traditions along the Michinoku Coastal Trail (Oku Japan).

The Michinoku Coastal Trail: Set in the remote Tōhoku region of Honshu, Japan’s main island, the Michinoku Coastal Trail stretches over 630 miles (1,000 km) along breathtaking coastal cliffs, lush forests, and serene villages. Working in collaboration with local communities and the Michinoku Trail Club, a not-for-profit organization that manages and maintains the trail, Oku Japan has developed a range of self-guided and guided tours along this remarkable trail and will continue to expand its offerings here in 2025. The self-guided itineraries include Oku’s exclusive fureai experiences, which offers guests the opportunity to foster meaningful connections with members of the local communities, while its brand-new guided tour provides expert insights into the region’s traditions and history, further enriching the journey.

Shoguns and Samurai: Travel back in time with this 14-day small group guided cultural tour that explores the highlights of central Japan. Delving into Japan’s feudal past, this expertly curated itinerary travels through history from modern Tōkyō, known as Edo during the period of rule by the shogun, to end near Kyōto, the country’s capital for 1,000 years and the repository of much of Japan’s cultural heritage. Traveling along sections of the ancient Nakasendō Trail, guests will enjoy an in-depth discovery of the country’s history through various historic sites, traditional post towns, cultural landmarks, and more.

Bathe in Kyūshū’s soothing hot sands (Oku Japan).

Kyūshū Island: Kyūshū, Japan’s third-largest island, is known as the cradle of Japanese civilization, where ancient traditions meet breathtaking natural beauty. Showcasing the island’s vibrant mix of history, culture, and nature, Oku Japan offers two tours here – one guided, one self-guided – both with much to offer travelers. The self-guided trip – Kyūshū’s Hidden History – is an eight-day itinerary that as part of Oku’s ‘Walk and Explore’ series combines stunning hikes with urban exploration. On the 15-day guided Land of Fire Kyūshū journey, guests will delve into the island’s unique history with the expert insights of their Oku Japan tour leader, visiting iconic landmarks like Mount Aso, the world’s largest volcanic caldera, and vibrant towns like Kumamoto (including a visit to Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s great castles), along with ample time spent enjoying the many onsen hot springs and the unforgettable hot sand baths that this island has to offer. 

Japan’s Culinary Heritage: Food enthusiasts can indulge in country’s vibrant culinary traditions on this 11-day small group guided tour. Showcasing Japan’s best-kept culinary traditions – from its bustling cities to its serene fishing villages and mountain towns – this amazing gastronomic journey invites guests to learn traditional cooking techniques, takes them foraging for sansai (wild plants), into historic food markets and to tea plantations, savoring multi-course kaiseki dinners, and participating in a “foodscape” beach lunch with a local chef on Awaji Island, known for its role in Japan’s imperial food culture. With several exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, including a community hosted lunch in the hidden valley of Gokayama, this is a trip for all the senses!

“Oku Japan is committed to creating travel experiences that honor the country’s traditions while offering a window into the lives of its people,” concludes Kawaguchi. “These itineraries invite travelers to immerse themselves in our culture, landscapes, and culinary heritage, providing both unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of the people that call it home.”

To explore these journeys and more, visit OkuJapan.com.

About Oku Japan: Oku Japan is a Kyōto-based tour operator specializing in sustainable guided, self-guided and custom tours exploring remote regions of Japan. The very first travel brand to offer self-guided walking trips along Japan’s ancient pilgrimage routes, Oku continues to honor its passion for Japanese culture by fostering meaningful community partnerships, encouraging cross-cultural connections among locals and travelers, and forging new adventures in Japan’s still-undiscovered territories. For more information, visit OkuJapan.com.