Walk Japan Has The Perfect Itineraries For Earth Month

As spring unfolds across Japan, headlines continue to spotlight the growing impact of overtourism—from overcrowded sakura hotspots to strained local resources. With visitor numbers rising once again, Earth Month offers a timely opportunity to reconsider how the country is experienced. For Walk Japan, the answer lies in slowing down.

This season, the walking tour specialist invites travellers to step beyond the well-trodden Golden Route and into lesser-explored regions, where culture, landscape and community remain deeply intertwined. Designed with small group sizes and low-impact principles, these immersive journeys offer a more meaningful connection to place—pairing scenic routes with stays in family-run inns and close encounters with local life.

A Different Way To Experience Japan

Rather than ticking off major cities, Walk Japan’s itineraries focus on regional depth—guiding travellers through historic paths, rural villages and natural landscapes that are often overlooked. The result is a more considered form of travel, where each step reveals a quieter, more authentic side of Japan.

Three Journeys To Consider Kunisaki Trek, Kyushu

Set on the serene Kunisaki Peninsula, this 10-day journey follows ancient pilgrimage routes once walked by Buddhist monks practising mine-iri, a centuries-old ascetic tradition. Travellers move through forested mountain trails, shrine-lined valleys and remote hamlets, staying in locally run inns along the way. The experience concludes in the tranquil onsen town of Yufuin—a fitting end to a deeply spiritual journey.

Onsen Gastronomy: Kiso, Nagano

This five-day itinerary explores the northern reaches of the Kiso Valley and neighbouring Kaida Plateau, with the revered Mount Ontake as its backdrop. Walks trace sections of the historic Nakasendo Way, once travelled by feudal lords and merchants. Evenings are spent in contemporary ryokan inns, where restorative onsen baths and seasonal, locally sourcedcuisine bring together the essence of mountain life.

Shikoku: Kochi & Ehime Discovery

In the quieter western reaches of Shikoku, this journey moves through the prefectures of Kochi and Ehime, where rivers, forests and coastal villages define the rhythm of daily life. Routes include a historic mountain trail once used to transport salt inland, alongside a mini pilgrimage inspired by the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Along the way, travellers encounter fishing communities and regional specialities such as katsuo (seared bonito), before unwinding each evening in local inns.

Travel with Intention

As conversations around sustainability continue to shape the future of travel, Walk Japan’s approach offers a compelling alternative—one rooted not in speed, but in presence.

By shifting focus away from crowded landmarks and towards regional experiences, these journeys not only ease pressure on popular destinations but also support local communities—ensuring that travel remains both enriching and responsible.

This Earth Month, the invitation from Walk Japan is simple – slow down, look closer, and discover a different side of the country.

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