Japanese Walking Trails set to re-open!

The long awaited reopening of Japan’s international borders to visa-free, independent travellers is set to occur on 11 October 2022. This is very welcome news for those of us who have had to postpone our dreams of a Japanese walking holiday for nearly three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Japanese Government’s re-opening announcement restores the pre-pandemic visa exemption arrangements which applied to short term stays by travellers from many countries including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the US, Canada and most of the EU. Short term stays are defined as 90 days or less.

Whilst not requiring an entry visa, visitors will be required to submit either proof of having received three doses of a World Health Organisation approved COVID-19 vaccine or a negative COVID-19 test certificate (obtained within seventy two hours prior to their departure from abroad). As of 11 October 2022, Japan will no longer require on-arrival COVID-19 testing or self-quarantine protocols.

For walkers, Japan offers a wonderland of hiking trails ranging from historic trading routes and ancient spiritual pilgrimages through to lesser known scenic “backroads”. You can choose from a surprising variety of terrain including mountainous regions, coastal areas, vast valleys and dense forest tracks. Many paths are punctuated by picturesque pagodas and villages, the latter offering delicious local cuisine and therapeutic hot spring onsen baths.

Spring in Japan runs from March to May. Aside from the multitude of greenery on view especially in the forests, it is renowned for “ohanami” - the cherry blossom viewing. The cherry blossom sakura trees start blossoming in the south of Japan in late March and then the blossoming moves northwards.

Autumn in Japan runs from September to November. The astonishingly vibrant colours in the fall season are often described within two categories: Koyo (red and yellow foliage) and Momiji (intensely red maple leaves). The autumn foliage colours start to appear in the north of Japan in mid-October and move southwards, with the intensity of colours culminating everywhere in Japan by the end of November.

Whether you wish to visit the fascinating main island of Honshu or explore one of the quieter Japanese islands, all the multi-day Japanese walking paths enable you to immerse yourself in the unique regional culture and stunning landscapes. Given the pent up demand for travel to Japan, now is the time to start planning and booking your Japanese adventure.