Similar to Kumano Kodo

Hi,

We hiked Kumano Kodo last fall, starting in Kii-Katsuura and ending in Kii-Tanabe. It was a wonderful 6 days, with overnight stays at Totsukawa, Yunomine Onsen, Chikatsuya, and Takahara (favorite). We know there are alternate routes to Kumano Kodo, but are looking for a similar journey, overnight stays in rural areas, bus accessible, in other parts of Japan. Any suggestions? We also biked Shimanami Kado on a previous trip and enjoyed it. (We are 60s, not looking for a strenuous trip, but mini-adventure.

We are not really "into" onsens, but always enjoy the journey to remote onsens.

Thank you, PH

How about the Shikoku Pilgrimage? :)
Or the Nakasendo from Tokyo to Kyoto? :)

Thanks, considered those ideas, looking for others, thanks!

Hi!

I've not personally done it, but it does look interesting and I found out about it from the 6.5 years later section...

But have you thought about the new Michinoku Coastal Trail?
http://tohoku.env.go.jp/mct/english/

If you're there in Season there is the Dewa Sanzan. You might need to rent a car if you're not there on a week end to get a bus to Gas-san and Yudono-san. I wasn't there before Yudono-san and Gas-san were open, but Haguro-san is pretty awesome.

Hope you can find a great adventure. :)

Hi Rkold,

I am familiar with Michinoku trail, and agree it looks interesting! We toured northern Tohoku years ago and it was my favorite Japan visit! I am curious if Jodagahama Beach remains beautiful after tsunami, it was magical.

Thank you, PH

The Old Mackerel Road's infrastructure is still being built out and it might be more of an adventure than you're looking for, but there are guides available and you could tell all your friends that you hiked it before it was mainstream ;)

https://allabout-japan.com/en/article/3142/

There are other walks to Koyasan that might be worth taking. There is also Dewa Sanzan up in Yamagata which is quite interesting...

Kumanokodoman-thanks for the link! You have me figured out, as the hike is a "more of an adventure" than we're looking for, but definitely worth researching. Also, I was not familiar with the All About Japan site, so thank you! (I rely heavily on Japanguide for info, it's the BEST!)

Mfedley-I looked into the Kohechi section of the Kumano Kodo near Mt. Koya(another favorite visited place), unfortunately too hard for us seniors. I will research Dewa Sanzan, thank you!

It's not really hiking we're looking for, more of rural, scenic experiences, with
ryokan/minshuku accommodations, away from cities and towns. Even though we speak very little Japanese, we enjoy simple interactions with the wonderful, gracious Japanese locals. We are willing to rent a car and drive.

Thanks for all the suggestions, I really appreciate it, PH

maybe you want to try the area around Mount Norikura and Okuhida Onsen / Shin-Hotaka Onsen
plenty of wonderful onsens there and easy hikes and very rural

check for onsens (google them)
Awanoyu, Fukuji Hot Spring, Suimeikann Karukaya Sanso

super great walks in this area, for example sanbontaki:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhhSHkR1opI
http://jpn-trip.jp/guide/interest/spot/22793/
(you will be the only foreign tourist there)

ah, just to make it clear: there are not so much temples here like on Kumano Kodo, it is more a mountain expierience, with little to no foreign tourists.

check this pages for details:
http://www.travel-around-japan.com/k42-32-norikura.html
http://www.mustlovejapan.com/subject/sanbon_falls/
https://www.world-of-waterfalls.com/asia-hirayu-waterfall.html

Glimpigumpi-Thank you for the links and information. Again, I appreciate the links and will add them to my research folder! All the ideas are good and appealing.

Japan has too many interesting, alluring, delicious places to explore!!

Mahalo Everyone!
PH

If you're after a rural experience with a lot of natural beauty, how about Hokkaido? June or July offers excellent hiking opportunities in the national parks and the nearby islands, Rebun and Rishiri.

Sal1980-You're right, we NEED to go to Hokkaido!

Thank you, PH

Rishiri and Rebun were some of my favorite places for walks in Japan. Do note you will still need to bring a jacket even in summer. It did not get above 12C for the 4 nights I was there in JULY!

https://www.japan-guide.com/community/mfedley/report-3048
https://www.japan-guide.com/community/mfedley/report-3049
https://www.japan-guide.com/community/mfedley/report-3050

Another good place is Daisetsuzan (there are bears in summer!)

https://www.japan-guide.com/community/mfedley/report-1107

Also I've heard good things about the Shirtoko peninsula.

Mfedley-thanks for the information. I'll add it to my research list.

All- we met a Swiss couple, on their third Japan trip, each 5 weeks long. Like they said, "We could return 20 times and still not see all Japan has to offer!"

ph

Kamikochi would be a nice addition on your bucket list.
http://www.kamikochi.org/
http://www.kamikochi.org/basicinfo/nationalpark

Thanks, visited Kamikochi, beautiful!!

The Shiretoko peninsula is definitely worth visiting. It's yet another example of the diverse landscapes in Japan.

And yes, it is still cool in Hokkaido during summer. We had to face strong winds and thick fog while hiking Rebun. The lush greenery was stunning and well worth it though.

Hokkaido-ok, have decided on Hokkaido. We do not like crowds and can travel anytime. Would early June be okay? Thinking of starting in Hakodate, renting car in Sapporo. Besides the main cities, are there small towns we could visit. Even though it is our first Hokkaido visit, we do not have to see major sites, attractions. We prefer quiet, rural areas. Not necessarily for hiking, but just experiencing rural Japan countryside.

Thank you for your thoughts and input! ph

Early June is fine, but be aware that it'll be too early for things like lavender fields. We were there for the first 2 weeks of June and there were plenty of other flowers to see.

What's your planned duration?

Most of Hokkaido is rural, so you won't have trouble finding suitable places.

http://www.sahoro.co.jp/language/english/green/bear/bear.html this bear reserve was very good

We went to Hakodate, Noboribetsu Onsen, Sapporo, Otaru (didn't rate it - too touristy), yoichi, Asahidake Onsen, Sounkyou Onsen, Shiretoko five lakes (only did the boardwalk as we had our small children with us and it was bear season), asahikawa, Wakkanai, rebun, rishiri, Teshikaga (to visit Akan National Park). I would definitely suggest you visit each of the national parks in some capacity if you can, including the islands, especially rebun.