About Oku Japan
Oku Japan are a primarily Japan-based a tour company specializing in Japan. Our walking and cultural trips are designed to show visitors the famous sites of Japan, but they focus especially on more off-the-beaten-track treasures: small villages, temples, countryside and national parks. Clients can join one of our small groups ....more
Reasons to tour with Oku Japan
Our small group tours are capped at 13 people, with carefully vetted and chosen guides
We are Japan-based Japan experts
We offer hiking and adventure programmes as well as culturally focused itineraries
We use locally owned and operated accommodations where possible, with more of your travel money supporting local communities and businesses.
We are committed to sustainable tourism.
We are the only operator that has branches on both the Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo Trails.
We are the only operator to have branches on both the Kumano Kodo and the Nakasendo Trails - we are where you are!
Environmental Sustainability
Our accommodation suppliers value locally-produced food, which has a lower carbon footprint and further encourages economic activity in the community. We prioritise public transport over tour buses – even on our small-group tours – and thereby lessen our environmental impact.
Responsible Tourism
Acting responsibly as a tour company is at the core of our business. We want our small-group guided tours and our self-guided trips to contribute positively to the destinations they visit in Japan.
This is particularly important for rural areas, many of which faced decades of decline and depopulation as younger ....more
Our Story
Oku Japan operates guided and self-guided tours around Japan. We've been operating tours since 2005, and are headquartered in Kyoto, Japan with some of our team in the UK. In 2015, we opened a branch on the Kumano Kodo in the village of Chikatsuyu, and in 2019, we opened ....more
Accreditations and Associations
We're members of the Adventure Travel Trade Association, the House of Beyond, we are a Transformational Travel Council Ally, and we are an Official Partner of the National Park of Japan. We are also ABTOT members.
Awards
Our awards
Social Responsibility
We want to foster genuine interaction between local populations and visitors – staying in family-run inns, meeting craftsmen and artists, and experiencing the unique, everyday qualities of each particular destination.
Sustainability
From the start, sustainability has been at the heart of our business. We want our tours to contribute positively to the destinations they visit in Japan.
Rural areas in Japan face a problem of de-population.
Tourism conducted in a responsible way helps to stem this depopulation by providing economic opportunity ....more
Economic Impact
We aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of natural resources, culture and society, treating them with respect and fairness. Wherever possible we choose smaller lodgings owned and run by local people.
What We Offer
We offer adventure and cultural small-group guided and self-guided tours of Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No
What documents will I receive before I travel?
All travellers get our Preparing for your Trip and Travelling in Japan documents, as well as a detailed personalized itinerary. Those travelling on one of our self-guided tours receive our bespoke topographical maps and walking instructions.
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
No
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
For our small-group guided tours, if you would like to share with another traveler we will seek to match you up. If we are successful then you need not pay the solo supplement.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our travellers are typically English speakers from around the world. On our small-group guided tours, you travel in the company of one of our professional local guides.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
As per our booking terms and conditions, change fees would apply. If you have to change your dates due to the prevailing entry requirements for Japan please contact us and we would be happy to work with you to change your dates without charge.