Lake Shidaka and Lake Kagurame Nordic Walking Tour

Imagine combining gentle exercise, stunning scenery, and a touch of spiritual culture—all in one 3.5-hour experience in Beppu. This Lake Shidaka and Lake Kagurame Nordic Walking Tour offers an accessible way to enjoy Japan’s tranquil outdoors while learning about Nordic walking, forest bathing, and local shrines. It’s particularly suited for those curious about wellness activities or seeking a peaceful escape from city life.

What we love about this tour is the personalized attention—small group sizes (just 2 to 6 people) ensure guides can tailor their explanations and support. The inclusive nature of the experience, with free pole rentals and delightful hot drinks, makes it easy to focus on enjoying nature. Plus, the visit to Shidaka Hakuryu Shrine and Honou-Honome Shrine adds a meaningful cultural layer.

A possible consideration is the weather dependency—since this is an outdoor activity amid natural surroundings, rain or poor weather might impact the experience. Travelers should also be comfortable with walking at a gentle pace for around 3 hours, though the activity is beginner-friendly.

This tour is perfect for nature lovers, wellness seekers, and anyone interested in Japanese culture with an active twist. If you enjoy light hikes, forest baths, and small-group guided experiences, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Small group size ensures individual attention and relaxed pacing.
• Cultural Highlights: Visit two sacred shrines deepening your connection with local spirituality.
• Wellness Focus: Combines Nordic walking with forest bathing for a holistic health boost.
• Value for Money: At about $36, it offers guided instruction, scenic walks, and cultural insights.
• Convenience: Pickup and drop-off from Beppu Station or accommodations simplify logistics.
• Beginner-Friendly: Suitable even if you’ve never tried Nordic walking before.

Exploring Beppu’s Natural and Cultural Treasures

We start our journey right from Beppu Station, where a friendly pickup service makes the whole process hassle-free. For many travelers, the convenience of being collected from their hotel or station means more time enjoying the scenery and less worrying about logistics. The tour begins with a brief, accessible Nordic walking lesson at Lake Shidaka, an area renowned for its calming waters and sense of energy.

Stop 1: Shidaka Lake & Hakuryu Shrine

The first stop is Lake Shidaka, a peaceful spot where the tour guides introduce the basics of Nordic walking. Don’t worry if you’re new—guides like those reviewed here are praised for their friendly and detailed explanations, even for complete beginners. One reviewer mentioned that the guides explained everything very clearly, making it easier for first-timers to feel comfortable using the poles.

While at Lake Shidaka, you’ll visit Shidaka Hakuryu Shrine, a site considered a power spot. This adds a spiritual dimension to your walk, and many participants mention feeling a sense of calm and renewal after exploring the shrine. The combination of gentle walking and cultural exploration makes this part of the tour both relaxing and meaningful.

Stop 2: Forest Bathing & Kagurame Lake

Next, the group proceeds to Lake Kagurame, where the focus shifts to forest bathing—a practice proven to promote relaxation through mindful interaction with nature. The walk from Lake Shidaka to Kagurame is not only scenic but also designed for forest therapy, allowing you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the environment.

Reviewers often comment on how refreshing and calming the experience was, especially the forest bathing segment. One reviewer said, “We felt so relaxed and refreshed after it,” emphasizing how this activity can help clear your mind. The walk is leisurely and beginner-friendly, making it accessible for almost everyone.

Stop 3: Honou-Honome Shrine & Final Transfer

After the lakeside activities, the tour moves by car to Honoohonome Shrine Chugu, another sacred site revered for its miraculous reputation. The guides take care of transportation here, which is appreciated by participants. The visit to this shrine adds depth to the experience, blending physical activity with spiritual reflection.

Finally, the group is taken back to Beppu Station or your accommodation, completing the journey. The entire experience balances outdoor activity with cultural insights, all within a flexible 3.5-hour window.

What Makes This Tour Special?

The guided instruction in Nordic walking is a major highlight, especially for newcomers. Reviewers highlight how the guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making it easy to learn the technique even if you’ve never used poles before. One reviewer mentioned, “It was my first time trying Nordic walking, and the guides explained everything in detail,” which speaks to the tour’s beginner-friendly approach.

Forest bathing is another cherished aspect, with many participants praising it as the “best part of the tour.” It’s an unconventional but highly effective way to reduce stress and reconnect with nature—something that’s increasingly valued in today’s busy world.

The small group size ensures a personalized experience, with guides often providing interesting insights into Japanese culture, local traditions, and the natural environment. Several reviews mention how friendly and patient the guides are, making the experience welcoming for all ages and fitness levels.

Price-wise, at about $36 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the guided instruction, transport, cultural visits, and the unique combination of Nordic walking and forest bathing. The inclusion of free pole rentals and hot drinks adds to the convenience and comfort.

The Practical Details

Transportation & Convenience: The pickup from Beppu Station or your accommodation means you can start your adventure without hassle. The tour’s flexible start times (8:30 AM or 1:30 PM) accommodate different schedules.

Duration & Group Size: Lasting approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, the tour is perfect for a half-day activity that fits well with other sightseeing plans. The tiny group sizes (2-6 people) foster a more intimate environment, which is ideal for personalized guidance.

Weather & Cancellation: Since this is an outdoor experience, the weather does matter. If conditions are poor, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, with full refunds available if notified 24 hours in advance.

Price & Value: For less than $40, you receive a guided Nordic walking lesson, forest bathing, visits to sacred shrines, transportation, and friendly service. Many reviewers felt the experience exceeded expectations given the price point.

Authentic Experiences & Review Highlights

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, who explain everything in an accessible way. One mentioned, “Everyone was cheerful and friendly, and it energized us,” highlighting the positive atmosphere.

The forest bathing segment gets particularly high marks; one reviewer described it as “the best part of the tour,” emphasizing the relaxing and restorative benefits. Many appreciated that the activity was suitable for beginners, with clear instructions and gentle pacing.

Several travelers highlighted the cultural visits as meaningful, especially the sacred shrines. The combination of physical activity with spiritual sites offers a well-rounded experience that appeals to both nature lovers and cultural explorers.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Nordic walking tour in Beppu offers a gentle yet enriching experience blending outdoor activity, cultural exploration, and wellness. It’s ideal for those new to Nordic walking or looking for a calming nature escape. The small-group setting, friendly guides, and inclusion of forest bathing make it both accessible and memorable.

If you enjoy learning about local traditions while being active in nature, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s also a great value for travelers seeking a combination of light exercise, scenic beauty, and cultural insights—all within a manageable time frame.

However, those sensitive to weather or seeking intense physical challenges may want to consider this as a relaxing, beginner-level outing rather than an energetic hike. This tour is a fantastic way to reconnect with Japan’s natural beauty and spiritual sites, all while enjoying the benefits of Nordic walking and forest bathing.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour provides convenient pickup and drop-off from Beppu Station or your accommodation, making logistics simple.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes, including walking, cultural visits, and transportation.

Can beginners participate?
Absolutely. Many reviewers mentioned being first-timers, and guides are praised for their clear, friendly instruction tailored to all levels.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking attire is recommended, along with weather-appropriate clothing. Since the activity involves outdoor walking, layers are advisable.

Are poles provided?
Yes, free Nordic walking poles are included, so you don’t need to bring your own.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers guided instruction, pole rentals, transportation, visits to shrines, and complimentary hot drinks.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Are the shrines accessible?
Yes, visits to the Shidaka Hakuryu Shrine and Honou-Honome Shrine are included, and they are significant cultural sites for spiritual reflection.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Generally, yes. The gentle pace and small group size make it accessible for most adults, but children or those with mobility issues should check with the provider beforehand.

This Nordic walking excursion offers a peaceful, healthful way to see some of Beppu’s most scenic and spiritual spots. Combining gentle exercise, scenic lakes, and meaningful cultural sites, it’s a thoughtfully curated experience that delivers both relaxation and insight—perfect for anyone wanting a mindful day in Japan.