Walk Japan - Kumano Kodo Trail

This small-group walking holiday from Explore Worldwide begins in Tokyo with an urban hike through quieter residential neighbourhoods like Yanesen before heading north by train to Matsumoto, home of Japan’s oldest castle, known as Crow Castle for its dark wooden exterior. From there, the route follows a stretch of the Edo-period Nakasendo Way between post towns Magome and Tsumago in the Kiso Valley.

The second half of the trip unfolds on the Kii Peninsula, hiking sections of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes through dense forest and mountain passes. Highlights include the mist-swathed ridge-top village of Takahara and the huge torii gate at the Hongu Taisha shrine, the spiritual heart of the trail. You end by the coast at Kii-Katsuura with its onsen and fish markets, before a train ride to the bustling food capital of Osaka.

There are long days and steady climbs along mostly well-maintained but sometimes slippery paths. Traditional ryokans with tatami mat rooms and communal onsen provide a distinctly Japanese end to active days. The tour balances historic cities, mountain landscapes and low-key cultural encounters without hurrying the pace.

These are the places the trip visits, in order. Explore Worldwide publishes the day-by-day itinerary on its own site.