About Us
At Kyushu Experience Walks, we believe we’ve captured Kyushu’s quintessential walking experiences. By walking through the countryside towns and nature of Kyushu,
one can experience the rich culture, history, nature, and way of life that was once abundant but now exists only small pockets of rural Japan. By focusing on Kyushu, we are able to offer a level of experience that is deeper and richer than otherwise possible.
Combining the personal experience of walking through nature with the benefits of a professional guide will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the areas you visit – you’ll hear the stories behind the places you walk in and you’ll also feel safe each step of the way with Kyushu Experience Walks.
Our Mission
We are committed to:
Sustainability and Diversity
We take sustainable travel seriously and strive to incorporate sustainable travel practices into all aspects of our business.
Background:
Kyushu hosts diverse nature and culture. Local communities have coexisted with the surrounding environment for a long time. These traditional communities consist of people, their ancestors and the natural world that their livelihood depends on.
This interdependence has resulted in a lifestyle that has sustained the health of both people and the land.
Traditional practices are sometimes mysterious, other times logical and meaningful, and they draw us in as we learn about them.
Both these communities and the natural environment are in peril, facing modern convenience and ideas.
However these are still places, especially deep in the countryside, where a more traditional way of life is kept.
Mission:
These communities share common ideas and lifestyle, yet their practices are diverse.
We believe that keys to sustainability are found in them. Our mission is to learn about them and share our findings with outside people.
By offering an immersive experience of Kyushu’s nature and culture, we hope to work together with the visitors as well as local communities to design a new(with old wisdom)form of communities that will persist for many more years to come.
Our Team
Our Guides：
Our guides are often thought of as our most outstanding asset. They are passionate, educated, great interpreters all rolled into one. The guides will enhance the journey with their knowledge and understanding of the geology, history, cultural-landscape, flora and fauna of Kyushu.
Managing Director and Guide
Junji Kametsu
Junji Kametsu began traveling on his own at the age of 8 and has traveled to various places in the past 43years. After working for a travel agent as a local tour operator and coordinator, he went to Hokkaido to join nature tours and camp tours as a staff member. He established “Discover Walks LLC.” in 2007 and is organizing guided walks for small groups.
・The National Examination for Certified Travel Service Supervisor(No.04-1900)
・Global Sustainable Tourism Council Member
・Japan Ecotourism Society Member
・Ministry of Environment Nature Parks Advisor
・Wilderness First Aid Certification
