Japan Nature Tour Info
Unbeaten Japan Tours is a boutique tour agency focusing on the Kansai region of Japan with Nature as our niche. We escort you to the amazing Nature surrounding Osaka & Kyoto for fun times & amazing memories. Our journeys take you far from the crowds into serene mountain valleys, emerald green waterfalls, remote temples, and steaming hot springs under the stars.
Our focus is on Nature — and we feel that at least a day or two of your time spent here should be focused on nature as well. The information presented below will serve to assist you with making the most of your time exploring Japan’s vast and beautiful countryside with us.
Many destinations can be done as a day trip, but we highly recommend at least 1 night in order to truly relax & enjoy the destination. Two nights will allow you to have an experience you will not soon forget!
Go Where No One Goes
A trip with us out into the REAL nature of Japan is a rare experience. Some of our destinations are so secret & secluded that not even Japanese or foreigners living in Japan know about them. There are over 35 individual destinations in our repertoire and many of them can be combined a few at a time into a single tour.
There are some destinations in our list that are popular, well-known or even somewhat famous. However, we know when to go — and when to avoid — guaranteeing the most enjoyable experience, and those destinations can be combined in a trip with lesser known ones, giving you the best of both worlds.
Jump Right In — The Water’s Fine
Water is in abundance in Japan in all of its forms, and as such water is a focus of Unbeaten Japan. Rivers, waterfalls, beaches, and of course, hot springs! In Western Japan it is possible to swim in the Pacific or in the Japan Sea from May until October, and in the cool mountain streams June thru September.
And we do not simply take you to beautiful destinations just for you to look from afar. Jump in and experience the nature of Japan for yourself! Hot spring season is practically all year, so even in the rain or snow it doesn’t matter because in Japan there’s always an onsen nearby to beat the chill. Tattoos are OK!
Tour Types
Base Camp Tour
We’ll go stay in one destination and take daily excursions to spots nearby. Much more relaxed vibe with extra time to soak up your surroundings.
Nomadic Tour
We move from place to place each night or two to cover more ground. More time touring a variety of destinations and more chances for spontaneity.
Where Do We Stay
Tent Camping
At the most basic level, accommodation is tent camping, which we highly recommend for the closest-to-nature experience. All necessary camping & cooking gear is provided. Never worry, because Japan is a land of convenience and there are always bathrooms nearby.
Cabin Camping
These types of ‘bungalows’ offer basic amenities and are generally situated next to tent sites within campgrounds. If they don’t have their own dedicated shower, there are showers or onsen on site right nearby. Some of these cabins even come with air conditioning!
Local Inns
These can range from family-owned minshuku to higher-end ryokan which may include access to an onsen and even a meal or two, if desired. While this does increase the cost, they offer a more traditional experience that is both memorable and unique to Japan.
Additional Flexibility
Of course on a multi-night trip, it’s possible for you to do any combination of the above. For example, camp one night and stay at an inn another night. And it’s even OK to ‘mix & match’ among members of your group — some experience camping in tents while others lodge at a nearby inn, whichever is preferable to each member — yes, we are that flexible. Your comfort is a priority and our focus is on making your total experience as worthwhile to you as possible in the short amount of time that you are able to spend with us.
What Do We Eat
Meals are pay-as-we-go and can range from Japanese style bento boxes, to group shopping & cooking together at the camp site, or dining at a local eatery. We’ve got plenty of coolers on hand to store all your food supplies during the duration of the trip.
Bento Boxes
The most cost-friendly option and one that simplifies everything as bento boxes are fully prepared and ready-to-eat. If you don’t feel like spending time doing meal prep or cooking, this is definitely the way to go.
Camp Site Cooking
For our culinary specialists, we provide all the tools you need to prepare luxurious meals out in nature. We’ll visit a grocery store so you can gather the ingredients you’ll need to feed your group for as many meals as you’d like to cook.
Local Eateries
Each prefecture of Japan is famous for a specific type of food. We are very much committed to supporting the local communities we visit so we will definitely encourage you to sample the unique flavors at each destination.
Where You Can Go
The Kansai region of Japan is part of Western Japan (Nishi-Nihon).
All 4 of the main cities in Kansai — Osaka, Kyoto, Nara & Kobe — are worth visiting but the surrounding nature is not to be missed! From downtown Osaka or Kyoto, we head as near as 1hr and up to 5hrs deep into the neighboring prefectures. We visit the beaches of the Japan Sea in the north, the Pacific Ocean in the south, and the mountains, waterfalls & hot springs in between.
We do not select our destinations based on what is commonly famous or popular. Many of our destinations are far too unique — and off the beaten path — for ‘regular’ tour operators, and in that regard simply can not be beat.
How Much Does It All Cost
Our rates are far more reasonable than any other tour operator in Japan and we remain Unbeaten in this regard. Actual rates vary according to the destination, season & number of participants. Each tour is unique and we pride ourselves on our ability to work with our clients to custom tailor the content of each experience. In order to provide an accurate estimate, please get in touch!
