The Kunisaki Peninsula is nestled into the western end of Japan's Inland Sea on the island of Kyushu. The peninsula is a beautiful relatively undiscovered area, with few Japanese and even fewer foreigners aware of its existence. Modern Japan has left this quiet haven of rural life largely untouched. For many centuries, though it was an important centre of Shugendo which is an amalgamation of the indigenous, animistic Shinto religion and Buddhism, which was brought from China and Korea. Kunisaki's once-powerful religious institutions are long gone, however, the region is dotted with delightful temples and wayside shrines, reminders of its deeply religious past. 

Here’s are some of the walking tours that features the Kunisaki Peninsula: 

#1 Kunisaki and Yufuin Walk (5 Days, 4 Nights, Activity Level 2) 

Commencing at Fukuoka’s Hakata Station and finishing at Yufuin, this route is mainly on forest trails and provides an introduction to the Kunisaki Peninsula, one of Japan’s most beautiful yet least known areas, and Yufuin, one of Japan’s elegant onsen thermal hot spring resorts. The tour follows in the footsteps of monks, who have walked through the mountains of the peninsula for more than 1,200 years. The ancient trails provide excellent walking through sleepy hamlets, verdant forests, along craggy ridges and tower over the surrounding myriad valleys. En route, travellers pass by stone Buddha statues, large and small, and also caves where monks once found shelter and meditated.

The tour visits Usa Jingu, one of the greatest but least known of Japan’s great shrines; walks through Tashibu, a lovely village in a bucolic setting; makes a short yet steep climb to two ancient Buddha relief carvings on the face of a towering cliff; and also climbs to Itsutsuji-Fudo, the inner sanctum and one of the few structures to remain of a once important and powerful temple. During the climb, great views open up of the surrounding mountains and valleys and in clear weather, across the Seto Inland Sea, the route by which Buddhism first arrived in Kunisaki from China, and Japan’s main island, Honshu. 

You’ll be staying on the peninsula for three nights at two different, delightful inns, both with onsen thermal hot spring baths. One is adjacent to Fuki-ji, one of Japan’s most beautiful temples. On the Kunisaki & Yufuin Walk, you will be immersed in Japanese culture of the past and present, enjoy Japanese cooking at its best, luxuriate in hot springs and simply gaze at the beautiful scenery. 

2019 dates: November 20-24, December 4-8.

2020 dates: March 30 - April 3, 14-18, May 5-9, 28 - June 1, 11-15.

Prices from JPY234,000 (~AUD$3,251). 

#2 Kunisaki Retreat (7 Days, 6 Nights, Activity Level 1) 

A mind and body tour in serene Kunisaki, the Kunisaki Retreat centres on the Kunisaki Peninsula with an emphasis on spiritual well being. This tour is perfect for travellers who are keen to enjoy Japan in a relaxed fashion while closely interacting with the charming and friendly people of the country. You will be guided through yoga, meditation, and gentle walks through rural scenery each day for a relaxing, spiritually engaging getaway.

On most mornings, meditation is led by the young abbot of Fuki-ji, and a local instructor leads daily sessions of yoga other forms of body work. With its emphasis on local produce and cuisine, whether breakfast, lunch or dinner, dining here is an experience in itself. 

Local farming is on a small scale and includes a variety of crops including rice, soba, soybeans, wheat and a myriad of vegetables and fruit. These, along with local-caught fish, are the basis of the nutritious and tasty cuisine enjoyed each day. The Kunisaki Retreat also features activities such as making soba buckwheat noodles, ikebana flower arranging, chado tea ceremony, and Japanese taiko drumming. 

2019 dates: September 22-28, November 18-24.

2020 dates: April 19-25, June 1-7, September 20-26, November 26 - December 2.

Prices from JPY358,000 (~AUD$4,973). 

#3 Kunisaki Trek (10 Days, 9 Nights, Activity Level 4) 

This trek follows in the footsteps of monks who have walked through the mountains of the peninsula for more than a thousand years. Mine-iri, the practice of traversing sacred mountain paths in prayer, has been part of the religious life of Kunisaki since the 9th Century. Although now rare, mine-are still continues today in Kunisaki, one of only a few places in Japan where it still occurs. 

Designed for experienced trekkers, the route along ancient trails lined with stone Buddha statues passes through sleepy hamlets, verdant forests, along craggy ridges and over towering cliffs to caves where monks once sheltered. The tour concludes in Yufuin, a small up-market town in the shelter of the imposing Mount Yufu-dake, a dormant volcano. Many onsen hot springs are found here and the town has some of the finest ryokan inns, that Japan offers. You’ll get to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, enjoy Japanese cuisine, luxuriate in hot springs and soak up breath-taking scenery. 

2019 dates: October 23-November 1, 13-22.

2020 dates: April 29-May 8, 8-17, June 3-12, September 30-October 9.

Prices from JPY448,000 (~AUD$6,224). 

For more info, on these walks, visit walkjapan.com

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