Best city walk trails in Japan

Nikko World Heritage Shrines and Temples (世界遺産日光の社寺巡り) The shrines and temples of a world heritage site, including Nikko Toshogu Shrine are set amidst a magnificent forest of cedar trees. This site is also apart of Nikko National Park and it is enthralling, beautiful and special. There are a number of featured spots in the surrounding area such as Shiraito Falls and the Yashionoyu hot spring.Show more

Fushimi Inari Walking Tour (稲荷山散策ルート) The main shrine of more than 30,000 shrines in Japan is the Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社), and the origin of the Inari faith is Mount Inari. As a god of good harvest, prosperous business, peace, and prosperity in the household, and fulfillment of various wishes, it is widely worshiped all over the country. To enhance business well-being and success, many companies and individuals visit and offer here every year. The names of companies and individuals are also engraved on the 10,000 or so vermilion torii gates. Although the shrine has existed since the early 8th century, all of the buildings are more recent. The complex is located at the base of Inari-san (Mount Inari) and includes trails up the mountain to many other smaller shrines, called "Otsuka". About 2.5 million people will visit Fushimi Inari Taisha during "Hatsumoude". It is the first event visiting shrines and temples after the new year to show their gratitude for the past year and pray for the safety and peace of the new year.Show more

Wander around Asagaya (阿佐ヶ谷), the city with a nostalgic atmosphere of Japan. Departing from Minami-asagaya Station of Tokyo Metro goes through the Asagaya Pearl Center Shopping Street with a history. Walking the shopping street, you will see a variety of shops, nice cafes, and restaurants are lined up. The energetic and nostalgic atmosphere share you with a piece of scenes of Japan's earlier life. After the section, why not walk around JR Asagaya Station. Lots of stores are also available and if you need a break or fill up your taste, try the cafe, Gion! It is located right by the station and features various unique food menu. Passing the station, the next stop is Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine. This shrine (阿佐ヶ谷神明宮) is known for Yakuyoke, which is believed in Japan to expel evil spirits on one's specific year for their healthy life. You can also enjoy the stunning historical structures of the shrine and the sacred environment. Continue to stroll around the area and back to JR Asagaya Station, the endpoint of this tour!Show more

Kurama - Kibune Hiking Tour (貴船 - 鞍馬 ハイキングコース) The Kurama/Kibune area has become a popular destination for visitors to Kyoto. Kurama and Mount Kurama (Kuramayama) is also well known for the origin of the Tengu myth (Tengu is a spirit who lives in the deep forest of the mountains.) Set in the northern mountains, less than 1 hour from the city centre, this little town has a lot to offer for anyone wanting to discover and experience most aspects that consist of Japan's scenery, history and tradition. The history of the Kurama dates-back to the time the Kurama-dera Temple was founded in the 8th century, by a monk Gantei. Bishamon-ten which is one of guardians in the Buddhist heaven is the main deity and has long been worshiped by people in the area. The original buildings have been repeatedly destroyed by fire, and the main temple was last rebuilt in the 20 centuries. There are many festivals in the area throughout the year. For example, "Kuramano Hi Matsuri" (Fire Festival) at Yuki Shrine, which is held annually in October. Most tours in the Kurama area will lead you to start your hike from Kurama station, and go through Mount Kurama (Kuramayama), descend into Kibune, finishing at the Kibuneguchi Station. This route starts at Kibuneguchi Station on the opposite side and arrives at Kurama Station via Kurama-dera Temple. Be aware several sections of this trail can be steep and narrow especially in the winter time. As you pass along the highland, you will encounter some sub-temples and spring water outlets along the way. Don't forget to take your picture with the "Tengu" at the station!Show more

このコースは、かつて江戸時代に東京と京都がつながっていた旧中山道の馬籠 - 妻籠区間です。歩道はよく整備されており、ほぼ全ての標識が英語と日本語で表示されています。 歩道は全体的に石畳で、街や森、そして畑を通り抜けます。途中道を通る人が鳴らすように推奨されている熊よけの鈴も多く見かけます。 また、馬籠観光案内所で、熊よけのベルを借りることもできます。(ベルの保証料金を一時的に支払う必要がありますが、返却時に返金されます。)Show more

A scenic walk along a cherry-tree-lined canal, Tetsugaku No Mich (哲学の道) Tetsugaku No Mich (Philosopher's walk) is a classic walk in Kyoto which connects various historical places via a meandering paved trail. This attraction is highly recommended to anyone who visits Kyoto. It combines visiting three magnificent temples, Ginkaku-Ji, Eikan-do/Zenrin-ji, and Nanzen-Ji Temples (銀閣寺, 永観堂/禅林寺, and 南禅寺). There are gorgeous Japanese gardens in these temples, and an opportunity to stretch your legs while taking in the typical serene Japanese atmosphere. You can always extend this tour or shortcut to go straight to your destination. The Philosopher's walk is great for families with young children, and the paved trail is stroller and wheelchair friendly.Show more

Fushimi Inari - Mount Daimonji (伏見稲荷 - 大文字山) This hiking course departs from Fushimi Inari and heads to the summit of Mount Daimonji, which is famous for Gozan no Okuribi. It is a course where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kyoto from the top of the mountain and see the sacred nature of Fushimi Inari and Mount Daimonji.Show more

Arashiyama Tourism Walking Course (嵐山観光散策コース) This course goes around the beautiful and historic towns of Arashiyama and Sagano. Walk through Arashiyama Station through famous temples/shrines, Togetsukyo Bridge and bamboo grove. This is a wonderful walking course that touches the beauty and history of Arashiyama.Show more

Lake Kawaguchi (河口湖ウォーク) A walking tour leads you around the shores of one of Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Kawaguchi. It is a scenic site for its gorgeous seasonal sceneries created with the rich surrounding nature and the iconic mountain of Japan, Mt. Fuji.Show more

A short walk between Maebashi and Gunma University. (群馬大学 - 前橋 散策コース)Show more