Hiking Tours in Japan

Macs Adventure has been running self-guided walking vacations in Japan since 2013.  Japan has such a unique culture and customs, but also a completely unique terrain that we wanted to find trips where hikers could immerse themselves and find the Japan of their dreams. 

We provide the freedom to choose from our tried & tested routes, pick your own travel companions, and discover the Japanese culture and countryside at your own pace.  

We know how daunting it can be, heading out to a country with such different ways, but we knew from experience how important it is to have amazing partners on the ground in Japan to deal with any issues that you might come across. We are proud to say that our outstanding team based on the ground in Japan are ready and eager to help with any issues, whether it is simply asking which bus to take or something more serious.

We make sure you have comfortable, friendly overnight accommodation in a mix of hotels and traditional Japanese Minshuku and Ryokan (guesthouses). We take care of the details, so that you can spend your time exploring exactly what you want to see in Japan. You can book with confidence that we have it all covered for you. 

We love Japan and our main aim is to make sure that you do too! 

Worried about making a cultural mistake in Japan? Don't be!  The Japanese are kind and gracious, and a little effort goes a long way. Here are some tips to help you feel more comfortable and confident on your travels.  

Shoes - Removing your shoes when entering someone's home, or even some places of business, is good manners. When you are on a walking holiday in Japan, in the more traditional accommodations (minshuku and ryokan), you will remove your shoes at the front door and be provided with slippers to wear indoors during your stay. There's even a special pair to wear just for the toilet! It sounds formal, but it's part of the fun.  

Bowing - Shaking hands is not the norm in Japan. Some people will offer to shake hands out of respect for western culture, but in general, bowing is the way to go. It is a lovely experience to step onto the streets of Tokyo for the first time and see groups of people bowing to each other. It shows great respect when a foreigner takes on aspects of Japanese culture. It is generally only a short bow from the waist, but deeper bows show more respect. 

Chopstick Etiquette - Chopsticks or Hashi (箸) in Japanese are used everywhere.  You can always ask for a fork if you are struggling (Fōku フォーク) but it is a good idea get some chopstick practice in before you go. However, just being able to use them is not all you need to know! Don't stick your chopsticks upright in your food, and if you are taking a break, use the small rest provided next to your plate. Avoid passing food from one set to another. These are linked to funeral rites - not a positive association during a meal! 

Mindfulness - Ingrained in the culture of Japan is a wonderful sense of mindfulness. In Japan, people tend to only do one thing at a time. You won't frequently see someone eating, smoking or taking on the phone while walking, for example. Be present and stop to enjoy a snack or send a text before moving on.  

Onsen Etiquette - Onsens are the (often natural spring) hot baths that Japanese people love. Onsens are a deep part of the culture and while we could write a book about Onsen rules, there are some basics to always obey. Intense showering must be done before entering the bath. The purpose of the bath is to relax, not to wash, so take a seat on the little stool and get washing. While everyone showers together (separated by gender of course) you do have a tiny towel with you should you wish to protect your modesty. When you bathe, it is good form to place this towel on your head. It also comes in handy to wipe away sweat while in the bath, they are HOT, usually 37-42 C (98-107 F).  After the first couple of minutes, it becomes an act of pure bliss, particularly after a day's walking.  

Japan is a cultural experience and there genuinely is no better way to experience it than to take a hike out into the less-traveled parts of the country.  

In the cities, expect western-style hotels, but in walking sections of the trip, experience local family-run accommodations and traditional Ryokan and Minshuku inns.

The classic Japanese inn, Ryokan come in many styles, but are united by flawless service and exquisitely-prepared food. Ryokan may be in modern or traditional wooden buildings, but rooms are always Japanese style, with Tatami (straw mat) floors and futons for sleeping laid out in the evening by the Ryokan staff. Minshuku are similar to Ryokan but family-run and with less formal service. 

Ryokan rooms sometimes have private bathrooms. Minshuku offer toilet and bathing facilities ‘along the corridor’. Baths may be smaller rooms, used privately in turn by guests; or they may be larger communal bathing suites, one for men and one for women. 

We provide you with detailed information on the etiquette of staying in these beautiful traditional Japanese Inns.

Japanese cuisine is the highlight of many people’s visit to Japan! On our Macs trips, most meals will be Japanese cuisine, though breakfast in western-style hotels may include more familiar choices. Dinner and breakfast in ryokan and minshuku are set meals, usually with a whole succession of different delightful dishes.

One of the most rewarding parts of hiking in Japan is the food - seasonal, beautifully presented, and full of variety. You'll enjoy home-cooked meals at traditional inns, often featuring rice, grilled fish, pickled vegetables, miso soup, tofu, and regional specialties. Look out for dishes like nabemono (hearty hotpots), sashimi, tempura, and mountain vegetables known as sansai. Noodles, like soba, udon, and ramen, will make regular appearances too. Meals are thoughtfully prepared and often served as multi-course feasts, giving you a true taste of Japan’s culinary traditions after a day on the trail.

Japan has become synonymous with the art of Forest Bathing (Shinrin Yoku). Forest bathing has actually become a vital part of the preventative healthcare system in Japan. Studies have shown it can reduce the stress of the sensory overload accumulated by modern lifestyles. Swap modern sensory experiences for the natural sights and sounds of the forest and take in the stillness around you. 

Whilst you are likely to experience the hustle and bustle of Japan's major cities on our tours, you will also see the polar opposite of it by experiencing and connecting with the Japanese wilderness on the Kumano Kodo Trail or The Nakasendo Trai.

As you walk through these serene Japanese forests, why not try some Forest Bathing? Use all of your senses - Feel the rough bark of a tree trunk, listen to the rustle of the leaves, notice the different smells of the forest and take a minute to really look at the beauty all around you. Breathe deeply and embrace the almost meditative state you may find yourself in as you take in all the nature around you and allow your mind to rest.