Kyōto, Japan. February 24, 2025 – Oku Japan, the expert in immersive, community-focused hiking journeys into the heart of Japanese culture, is thrilled to announce the launch of its newest self-guided tour, Spirit of Aizu. This carefully crafted itinerary invites travelers to explore the well-preserved traditions, stunning landscapes, and deep-rooted heritage of Aizu, an off-the-beaten-track area in northern Japan.
With six- and seven-day options, this self-guided tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with this more remote region of the country – including its rich history and scenic beauty – through a series of approachable hikes and cultural encounters.
“Our new Spirit of Aizu tour is a testament to the deep cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes that make Japan so special,” says Tomoko Shiraki, Product Manager for Oku Japan. “This is an itinerary designed for travelers seeking a deeper connection to Japan – one that blends gentle hiking with cultural immersion – in a region that remains largely undiscovered by even domestic visitors.”
Tsuruga Castle (Oku Japan)
Step Into the Samurai Legacy of Aizu
Aizu has long been known for its unwavering commitment to samurai values and traditional ways of life. Nestled in the mountains of the Tōhoku region, this more remote area has steadfastly maintained its many traditions, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Japan’s past. From its stunning volcanic lakes and scenic marshlands to its well-preserved historic sites, Aizu presents an unparalleled journey through time.
On this self-guided walking tour, travelers will take to Aizu’s nature-rich trails, walking amidst alpine flowers and green marshland as they follow in the steps of history from Japan’s feudal period, to the tumultuous and often-tragic Boshin War (sometimes known as the Japanese Revolution or Japanese Civil War) during the end of the shogunate in the late 19th century, to the struggles of the 20th century to preserve the region’s greatest gift – its natural beauty.
Visit the beautifully preserved Edo-period post town of Ōuchi, famous for its traditional thatched buildings (Oku Japan)
Highlights of this tour include:
- A walk to Hanitsu Shrine, resting place of the founder of the Aizu-Matsudaira Clan, which ruled the Aizu domain for 200 years.
- Exploration of the far side of Mount Bandai (‘Urabandai’), which is wider and less developed than the southern face, to discover its many vividly-colored volcanic lakes.
- A visit to the castle town of Aizu-Wakamatsu, where lords ruled and where pro-shōgunforces made their stand in the late 19th
- An up-close look at the intense education of young samuraiat Nisshinkan, the official school of the Aizu Clan.
- A visit to Tsuruga Castle and the beautifully preserved Edo-period post town of Ōuchi.
- A walk through the Komado Marshlands, a nationally designated natural monument marsh where more than 470 species of diverse flora can be seen.
- A visit to the historical village of Maezawa, known for its unique L-shaped thatched-roof houses and said to be founded by a samuraiwho settled here in the late 16th
- Exploration of the Hinoemata area to learn about the local culture, including its unique kabuki
The six- and seven-night options for this itinerary are identical save for one day on the seven-night itinerary where guests visit Oze National Park, a stunning park that owes its existence to the fierce preservation efforts of several generations. Its boardwalks meander through rolling marshes and its forested trails are a legacy of another battle, fought with legislation rather than swords, where the spirit of Aizu’s people proved victorious.
Hiking in Inawashiro, a region with a magnificent lake and beautiful mountain views (Oku Japan)
Accommodations offered as part of both versions of this tour feature a mix of Japanese-style hotels, as well as onsen ryokans and onsen minshuku (family-run guesthouses with a hot spring), the latter providing enthusiasts of Japanese onsen culture the chance to bathe in some of the country’s most remote and “hidden” natural hot springs.
“These tours fall under our Active trip level, putting them more at the activity level of our classic Nakasendo tours,” continues Shiraki. “The longest hike is 7.8 miles (12.7 km), but this can be shortened as well. It is a tour that is suitable for those looking for a combination of more gentle hikes highlighted by some wonderfully unique cultural experiences in a truly off-the-beaten-track area of Japan.”
To explore this new self-guided tour and learn more about this region, click here. For the company’s full range of guided and self-guided adventures across Japan, please visit OkuJapan.com.
