Walking in Japan: The Beauty of Exploring the Country by Foot

Walking in Japan isn’t just great exercise—it’s also a fantastic way to stumble upon hidden gems like cozy hole-in-the-wall coffee shops or intimate family-owned restaurants dishing out mouthwatering Japanese cuisine.

So, lace up your walking shoes and get ready to discover the delights awaiting you off the beaten path. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Find out more about Japan travel here: Shopping in Japan, the best souvenirs to buy in Japan, nature in Japan, camping in Japan, overnight & day trips from Tokyo, Top museums to visit in Tokyo, Local neighbourhoods in Tokyo and beaches near Tokyo.

One of the best ways to explore Tokyo is to visit the local areas and immerse yourself in the local culture. If you want to explore local areas, we have created scavenger hunt adventures personalised to your interests, filled with fun facts, clues and puzzles. If you’re curious, you can check out the games here! Check out the Flip Japan Games here!

Hello, hello, hello! I’m Lana, a Canadian-born Japanese/German who’s been living in Tokyo for 4+ years! I’ll keep my self-introduction short because I know you’re dying to hear what I have to say about walking (I mean, the title’s what caught your eye in the first place, isn’t it?). 

• I moved to Tokyo to attend university and to be closer to family
• My life outside of school became much bigger than my student life, and my family moved back to Canada (lol)
• I taught conversational English for years and connected with hundreds of Japanese people
• My love for connecting with people and listening to their life stories, coupled with my passion for  health, wellness and fitness is  what led me to launch my own gym-wear brand, Dash 22 (dash22.jp, please check it out!) and online health coaching business (you can find me @LifeIzEasy on Instagram, let’s chat!). 
• Oh, and, I love walking! 

Now, let’s talk about walking

When you envision Japan, images of delectable Japanese cuisine, vibrant anime culture, rich traditions, and perhaps even baseball might spring to mind. But here’s a surprise that catches many newcomers off guard (myself included!): the efficiency of Japan’s public transportation system. In bustling cities like Tokyo, trains reign supreme as the go-to mode of transit, renowned for their punctuality, cleanliness, and accessibility.

While trains are undoubtedly a convenient way to get around, I’ve discovered that my favorite method of getting from point A to point B involves nothing more than my own two feet! Sure, the train system is top-notch (although I wouldn’t mind seeing a few more trash bins around the stations), but there’s something liberating about strolling through the streets of Tokyo, soaking in the sights and sounds of this dynamic city.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: walking for hours on end sounds like a daunting task. But trust me, there’s a certain charm to exploring Japan on foot. Whether you’re wandering through bustling neighborhoods lined with quaint shops and cozy cafes or meandering along serene riverside paths adorned with cherry blossoms, every step reveals a new adventure waiting to be discovered.

So, while some may scoff at the idea of hoofing it for miles on end, I invite you to join me on a leisurely stroll through Japan’s bustling streets. Who knows what hidden treasures we’ll uncover along the way? Trust me, it’s worth the journey!

Walking isn’t just a fantastic workout—it’s also a great way to explore Japan’s hidden gems while reaping health benefits like lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, and decreased stress levels. Plus, there’s something special about stumbling upon cozy hole-in-the-wall spots or family-owned eateries serving up authentic Japanese cuisine at unbeatable prices.

When it comes to walking in Japan, I recommend sticking to bustling cities like Tokyo. While venturing into the serene forests of Aomori or wandering through the quiet streets of Tottori might sound idyllic, getting lost in nature isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Trust me, I wouldn’t want to accidentally lead you astray and leave you famished!

In Tokyo and other major cities, walking is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Japanese culture. You’ll uncover charming cafes, mouthwatering restaurants, eclectic shops, and tranquil parks at every turn. Plus, walking allows you to be fully present in the moment, soaking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the city.

And here’s the best part: walking doesn’t mean you have to bid farewell to trains altogether! You can still incorporate walking into your commute by hopping off a few stations before your destination or opting to walk the shorter legs of your journey. It’s all about finding the perfect balance between convenience and exploration. So lace up your walking shoes and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the bustling streets of Japan!

Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to tour this beautiful country, so make the most of it!

Hey there, if you’re all about staying active and want to do more than just walking in Japan, you’re in luck! Tokyo and other major cities offer a plethora of fun exercise classes to suit every fitness level and interest. From high-energy dance workouts to serene yoga sessions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

But hey, let’s get one thing straight—you don’t have to feel pressured to exercise or stick to a strict diet while you’re here. Japan is all about embracing life to the fullest and enjoying every moment. So go ahead, indulge in those delicious Japanese treats and soak up the vibrant culture without a worry in the world!

And hey, if you ever need a friendly ear to chat about health and wellness, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram at @LifeIzEazy. I’m all about taking a holistic approach to living your best life, and trust me, you’ll never think about dieting again once you embrace the Eazy Life mindset!

Find out more about Lana here:

Instagram @LifeIzEazy , @dashtwentytwo
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dashtwentytwo/
Shop Dash 22 www.dash22.jp 

If you have any questions or want to get in touch, feel free to DM us on Instagram or message us on Facebook Messenger! We would love to talk with you!