Skip to Main Content
Japan

Walking Western Japan: Mountain Paths and Hidden Temples

Program No. 23311RJ
Through mountain trails, rural farmland and lush forests you’ll discover authentic Japan. With local experts, explore Western Japan on foot to learn about the culture and history.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

With its verdant landscapes and very few tourists, Kyushu — Japan’s westernmost island — is a hidden gem best explored on foot. Gain intimate insight into Japanese culture as you walk picturesque rural trails, understanding the importance of nature in Japanese society. Discover the winding mountain paths with local experts and walk to sublime temples that hide in dense forests. Venture past rice paddies while the hushed sounds of water keep you and your fellow Road Scholars company. Meet farmers along the way who will teach you about their customs and stay with a family as you dive head — or foot — first into the ever-beautiful Japanese way of life.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Hiking between 2.5 - 7 miles (throughout the day). Trails can vary from paved roads and paths to uneven rocky terrain, including some large steps. Must handle own luggage on and off transport. Elevation gains of around 500 - 1,000 feet on most days but up to 2,500 feet on a couple of days.
Micro Group
Micro Group
These adventures feature our smallest group size, with 12 participants or fewer.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Stop at the Fuko-ji temple, Fudo-Myo deity and Oka-jo castle on a walk toward Taketa.
  • Spend the night in the home of a local family in Bungo-takada to immerse yourself in their daily life.
  • Learn about and sample local delicacies at traditional accommodations, a sake brewing houses and a tea shop.

General Notes

Dietary restrictions: Vegetarian diets - The notion of vegetarianism is not commonly practised nor understood in Japan. Due to the essential and widespread use of dashi stock throughout Japanese cooking, which typically uses fish, or other stock with meat as its base, Road Scholar is unable to provide strict vegetarian or vegan meals on tour. With notice we will try to replace any fish or meat dishes with alternatives but we cannot replace dashi stock. Gluten Free diets - While Japanese culture is based above all on rice, gluten is found in certain ingredients throughout Japanese cuisine, most notably in soy sauce and miso. Although it may be possible to omit certain items that obviously contain gluten, such as bread or noodles, unfortunately Road Scholar is unable to provide fully gluten-free meals due to the use of certain staples that serve as the basis of so many dishes in Japanese cuisine.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Miwa Fujinuma
Although a Japanese national, Miwa was born in a suburb of Washington D.C., where her family was living at the time for her father’s work. She also lived in Australia with her family, where she became interested in the natural environment and ultimately pursuing a degree in Environmental Economics and Policy. Returning to Japan in 2003, Miwa worked for an environmental consulting company and become fascinated with sustainable living. She now lives in a traditional Japanese farmhouse and partakes in making traditional Japanese goods.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Miwa Fujinuma
Miwa Fujinuma View biography
Although a Japanese national, Miwa was born in a suburb of Washington D.C., where her family was living at the time for her father’s work. She also lived in Australia with her family, where she became interested in the natural environment and ultimately pursuing a degree in Environmental Economics and Policy. Returning to Japan in 2003, Miwa worked for an environmental consulting company and become fascinated with sustainable living. She now lives in a traditional Japanese farmhouse and partakes in making traditional Japanese goods.
Profile Image of Diane Tincher
Diane Tincher View biography
Diane Tincher, raised in Virginia, arrived in Tokyo in 1987, feeling instantly illiterate in a culture unlike anything she had imagined. Over the years, her understanding and appreciation of Japan’s long history, rich traditions, and unique customs deepened. When her eight children reached adulthood, she immersed herself in studying Japanese history, culture, and geography, earning certification as a Nationally Licensed Japanese Guide and Interpreter. She enjoys researching lesser-known stories of Japanese history and folklore which she writes about for her website, 'More Than Tokyo.'
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





Recommended For You