
Mirka Niemi
I first visited Japan in 2007 and have been traveling to the country almost every year since. While studying Japanese culture and language in Kyoto for a year, I fell in love with the old capital and ended staying here even after finishing my studies. Born and raised in Finland, I enjoy the onsen (hot-springs) just as much as I love the Finnish sauna. I'm also a karaoke enthusiast and enjoy kicking it back in traditional karaoke bars, meeting local people.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"We specialize in rural off the beaten path Japan and have a strong expertise in the Nakasendo trail, the Kumano Kodo and Shikoku 88 pilgrimage routes. Our cultural and self-guided walking tours are designed to show visitors the famous sites of this wonderful country, with a specific focus on lesser-known locations: small villages, temples, the beautiful countryside and national parks. Highlights of our trips include traditional Japanese inn stays, relaxing natural hot spring baths, and the delicious local cuisine each region provides."
Featured trips & expertise

Places Most People Miss (But Shouldn't) in Japan
Most visitors to Japan hit up Kyoto's temples, Tokyo's shopping streets, and Osaka's food scene—but there's much more to this country than what you'll find in its cities. Soak in natural hot springs, hike through primeval forest, and spot wildlife on a pristine chain of islands with these under-the-radar suggestions.

Walking the Historic Nakasendo Trail - 10 Days
Take a walk through time on this 10-day Japan tour. The highlight of this journey is a self-guided walk on the Nakasendo Trail, a historic walking route that's part of feudal Japan's original network of highways. Historically, travelers on the mountain path between Kyoto and Tokyo took several days to travel the distance, staying overnight in jukus (post towns or post station villages). You'll retrace their footsteps as you meander through serene forests, dip in thermal springs, and rest in local inns by night, taking time to explore the vibrant cities of Kyoto and Tokyo at the start and end of the trip.

Kumano Kodo Self-Guided Tour - 6 Days
Get ready for an unforgettable village-to-village trek on the Kii Peninsula along sections of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. Perfect for avid hikers, this self-guided tour will take you past thermal hot springs, grand shrines, and waterfalls as you walk in the footsteps of emperors.
Recent trip reviews for Mirka
7 days Japan experience with multi-day hike · Japan - Oct 1 - Oct 7, 2018
Our trip was mix of cosmopolitan Tokyo and tranquil, green Japanese countryside along the Kumano Kodo trail. Our itinerary started and ended in Tokyo, with its skyscrapers, nightlife, busy streets and great food. In between we took Shinkansen to the southern part of Japan, where time slowed down: Breathtakingly beautiful vistas, forests, rice and tea fields, traditional Japanese inns, fantastic food and relaxing natural hotspring spa’s. Most important: hospitable & very kind people. Truly an unforgettable trip.

7 days Japan experience with multi-day hike · Japan - Oct 1 - Oct 7, 2018
Our 7-day trip in Japan was amazing. Thanks for Mirka for putting together a flawless trip. The contrasts between modern and ancient Japan made this an unforgettable trip. Too many highlights to easily summarize: Great hike along the Kumano Kodo trail, amazing food, fabulous onsens (hot springs), great Japanese hospitality and high energy Tokyo neighborhoods all made this trip.
Day 1: Evening arrival in Tokyo (Mitsui Garden Hotel), followed by a quick hunt for late night food that led us... read more