As interest surrounding the Rugby World Cup 2019 grows to reach fever pitch during the event later this year, attention is increasingly falling on the host nation, Japan, and the opportunities for the sport’s fans to make the most of their visit. Walk Japan, which has been established for over 25 years, is the leading provider of small group walking tours, both guided and self-guided, that provide authentic and fulfilling experiences of this still little-understood and under-explored but wonderful country, its delightful people, intriguing culture and fascinating beauty.
Between 20th September and 2nd November 2019 the great rugby nations of the world will battle for supremacy. Fans can make their visit extraordinary by sojourning between matches with Walk Japan and experience Japan at ease and in depth by joining either the company’s top-rated Tour Leaders on a guided tour or travelling on a self-guided tour. A variety of off-the-beaten-track itineraries to enjoy include: following in the footsteps of samurai and monks along venerable byways and on ancient pilgrimages; walking through little-visited, lush countryside of paddy fields and verdant forests dotted with charming hamlets and ancient shrines; and visiting onsen hot spring towns, remote islands and sleepy fishing villages. Warm welcomes are always extended at Walk Japan’s atmospheric, traditional Japanese inns, which also serve delicious, regional cuisine that always reflects the season. Onsen hot spring baths feature frequently and provide a delightful and relaxing way to savour the end of each day.
The twelve stadia for the Rugby World Cup are spread across the width and breadth of Japan.
Walk Japan tours located closest to the stadia in Tokyo, Yokohama, Kumagaya, Shizuoka, Hanazono, Toyota (Nagoya) & Kobe include:
Nakasendo Way
Walk Japan’s pioneering 11-day, 10-night walking tour of Japan. An excellent, guided introduction to Japan while strolling along an historical road from Kyoto to Tokyo; great walking through rural and mountainous countryside; traditional and modern inns, hearty farmhouse cuisine.
Prices from JPY 488,000 (AUD $6,202)
Nakasendo Way: The Kiso Road
The 5-day, 4-night abridged version of Walk Japan’s famed Nakasendo Way tour focusses on the mid-section of this historical road through the mountains of central Japan; great walking with many of the attributes that made the Nakasendo Way a classic tour of Japan.
Prices from JPY 216,000 (AUD $2,745)
Basho Tour: Narrow Road to the North
9-day, 8-night walking tour following in the footsteps of Japan’s greatest poet Matsuo Basho. Includes Nikko’s extravagantly opulent shrine dedicated to Japan’s greatest samurai, the pine-clad islands of Matsushima Bay and spectacular Japanese gardens at Hiraizumi. Accommodation at Shinto shrines and in traditional inns, Japanese cuisine and onsen hot spring baths.
Prices from JPY 454,000 (AUD $5,770)
Izu Geo Trail
A 7-day, 6-night walking exploration of the fascinating Izu Peninsula. A wealth of interest including spectacular geological formations, beaches, waterfalls, literature and epoch-making history. Beautifully located inns, bountiful seafood cuisine and onsen hot spring baths.
Prices from JPY 372,000 (AUD $4,728)
Shikoku Temple Pilgrimage
11-day, 10-night tour following pilgrimage trails linking some of the famed 88 temples on Shikoku. Follow centuries-old pilgrimage paths through picturesque scenery. Accommodation in temples and inns, onsen hot spring baths and local cuisine.
Prices from JPY524,000 (AUD $6,659)
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
A 9-day, 8-night tour centred on the Kii Peninsula and UNESCO-registered pilgrimage route. Follow ancient trails though deep, forested valleys in remote countryside. Accommodation in temples and inns, onsen hot spring baths.
Prices from JPY 378,000 (AUD $4,804)
Tokaido Trail
An excellent complementary tour to Walk Japan’s Nakasendo Way, the pioneering walking tour of Japan. A fascinating 8-day, 7-night guided introduction to both historic and modern Japan while exploring this iconic, ancient highway from Tokyo to Kyoto. Easy to moderate walking through urban and rural countryside; traditional and modern inns, multi-course traditional cuisine.
Prices from JPY 360,000 (AUD $4,575)
Walk Japan tours located closest to the stadia in Oita, Fukuoka, & Kumamoto include:
Kunisaki Trek
A 10-day, 9-night exploration of the Kunisaki Peninsula, one of Japan’s hidden gems; excellent walks along ridge trails once used by Buddhists monks in meditation in beautiful and remote countryside; atmospheric inns, ample and delicious cuisine, onsen hot spring baths.
Prices from JPY 428,000 (AUD $5,439)
Kunisaki & Yufuin Walk
A gentler and, at 5 days, 4 nights, shorter version of Walk Japan’s Kunisaki Trek tour. Easy walks through beautiful rural scenery, dotted with the relics of a once dominant Buddhist society; charming local inns, farmhouse cuisine, onsen hot spring baths.
Prices from JPY 228,000 (AUD $2,898)
Oita Hot Spring Trail
6 days and 5 nights tour following trails through varied terrain to Beppu in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. Gorgeous valleys, a pretty plateau, soaring mountain scenery, and seaside. Myriad onsen hot spring baths in our accommodation and varied, opulent cuisine.
Prices from JPY 316,000 (AUD $4,016)
Walk Japan tours located closest to the stadia in Sapporo & Kamaishi include:
East Hokkaido Walk
8-day, 7-night gentle walking tour introducing Hokkaido’s eastern region of pastoral, forested scenery set against a backdrop of mountain ranges, the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Okhotsk. Wildlife aplenty, spectacular crater lakes and active volcanoes; local cuisine made with some of the best quality ingredients found anywhere in Japan, and onsen hot spring baths.
Prices from JPY 400,000 (AUD $5,083)
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