If you’ve got an upcoming business trip to Japan, don’t forget to pack your active wear because Japan is home to some of the world’s best walking trails. Most are easily accessible from Tokyo, offering the perfect way for executives to take a short break from business, clear the mind and re-energise.
The Michinoku Coastal Trail
Located at the northernmost tip of Honshu, the Michinoku Coastal Trail is a three and a half hour train ride from Tokyo. It connects Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, to Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture and stretches around 1,000 kilometers in total. But you don’t have to attempt the entire trail at once – it is broken into 28 distinct sections, each offering breathtaking coastal and mountain views with opportunities for dining along the way.
Nakasendo Trails
The Nakasendo Trails take hikers on a journey through Japanese history. The trails were originally major roads to connect Kyoto to Tokyo during the Edo Period (1603-1867). 69 “post towns” were built along these routes to provide food and shelter to those who journeyed on them.
Today, many of these post towns still exist and retain their traditional appearances, providing visitors with a glimpse at how Japan would have looked centuries in the past. Along with glimpse into Japanese history, walkers of these trails will see stunning scenery of the Japanese Alps and Kiso Valley.
The trails are found in the Kiso area in Nagano Prefecture, a three hour rail journey from Tokyo. Short walks covering a number of historical towns can be completed within four hours.
More information about the Michinoku Coastal Trail can be found here.
More about the the Nakasendo and Kisoji Trails can be found here.
