Oku Japan is a UK owned company that focuses solely on self-guided and guided walking holidays in Japan. While the sales team is based in the UK, their primary office is in Kyoto and they have a sub-branch in Tsumago (along the Nakasendo Way) and Chikatsuyu (Kumano Kodo). Most of their trips are inn to inn hiking but some include self-driving tours and a multi-sport island trip.
Review of Oku Japan
Oku Japan’s site does an excellent job keeping their multinational audience in mind. You can easily switch between six major currencies. Their information on Japan is succinct and includes further reading for those who want more. They provide all the important details for daily walks (including elevation) and they list sample accommodations. We would love to see some photos of these accommodations, but what’s most important is that they do an excellent job explaining the types of lodging one can expect and the etiquette that’s involved.
SPECIAL NOTE: Communal bathing (separated by gender) is common and luggage transfers are a little different for inn to inn hiking in Japan so read carefully and ask questions.
Things to like about Oku Japan
- Consistent 5-star reviews on Responsible Travel
- Trusted company used by larger companies like Responsible Travel and KimKim
- Dinners and train tickets from Kyoto or Tokyo are included; some lunches included
- Add some of their Experiences for a more authentic, deeper experience
- Local support provided
- Actively supports the rural communities in which they operate
Oku Japan’s competitor, Walk Japan, has similar itineraries and pricing but Oku Japan offers more self-guided options. For this reason Oku Japan earns our Local Choice for self-guided walking holidays in Japan. They earn our Trusted Walks because we hiked their Kumano Kodo tour in March 2024.
Route Types
- Inn to inn hiking
Destinations include
- Japan
Great choice for
- Anyone wanting walking holidays in Japan, especially self-guided options
Established in 2005
last reviewed May 29, 2024
Find our stories and photos of hiking with Oku Japan at Beyond the Trail: Food and Friendship on the Kumano Kodo.
