Kunisaki Peninsula: The Minemichi Trail – 6 Days

The walk starts at Usa Station in Kyushu and ends in Beppu, and both ends connect easily to Japan's rail network. To reach Usa, take the Shinkansen to Kokura or Hakata Station, then swap to a local train for the final leg. At the end of the walk, reverse the journey: a direct train from Beppu to Kokura or Hakata takes around two hours, and from either station the Shinkansen carries you on to Osaka, Tokyo, or wherever you're headed next.

In Japan, there are some periods when locals travel en masse as they are on holiday. These times are best avoided as the accommodation costs escalate considerably (more than double). It would make a lot of sense if you could avoid these times. Otherwise, see below for high-season periods. This could lead to the cost of the trip increasing by 30% or more.

Weekend surcharges may apply to advertised prices. Also within:
Golden Week: generally between 29 April & 5 May
Obon period: mid-august (between the 10 & 20 August)
Silver Week: 16th to 27th September

You're on dirt paths and quiet roads throughout, with some up and down along the way and a short steep climb near the end of Day 4. Most days open with a bit of elevation gain, so expect to warm up early. For much of the route you're walking beneath forest canopy, which keeps conditions mild outside the height of summer, and you'll pass small roadside statues and shrines (oji) the whole way, especially near the trailhead and the final temple. A solid base level of fitness and some training beforehand will make the days more enjoyable.

Spring and autumn are your window for this walk, when temperatures sit comfortably for hiking and the trail is at its most beautiful. Summer, from late June through September, brings heat and humidity that make walking hard going, and winter closes the trail entirely under snow. Within spring and autumn, watch your dates against Japan's domestic holiday periods, Golden Week (late April to early May) and Silver Week (mid to late September), when accommodation costs can climb by 30% or more across the country. Booking outside these windows keeps your trip both more comfortable and better value.

You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.

A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.

Full insurance requirements are set out in our booking terms and conditions.

For over 30 years, we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know that you’ll have many more questions even with that in mind. You will receive a detailed information pack and itinerary approximately six weeks from departure outlining all the fine details and much more.

Please note: accommodations on this self guided tour are unable to accommodate allergies, vegan, gluten-free, or fish stock-free dietary requirements. Guests with specific dietary needs are encouraged to contact the office in advance to discuss possible options.

For your safety and well-being, we are unable to accept bookings for solo travellerson our self-guided Kunisaki trips. The remote nature of some tracks and limited mobile reception mean that walking alone presents a higher risk in case of emergencies.