5 Hidden Perks of Self-Guided Walking Tours
Walking tours may seem a little old-fashioned, but we promise, they are some of the best ways to experience a new city. If you have never done a walking tour before, they are exactly what they sound like: tours of a place done on foot, instead of by car or bus. Because you’ll be on foot, there are some amazing benefits that come from self-guided walking tours.
#1 The Ultimate Experience Based Activity
These days, everyone wants to experience something on their travels. They want to learn how to make a local dish, try their hand at a unique craft, or have an outdoor adventure. Self-guided walking tours put that experience squarely in your hands. Walking tours often take you through lesser-known streets, alleyways, and neighborhoods that may not be easily accessible by other means of transportation. This allows you to discover hidden gems, local secrets, and off-the-beaten-path attractions that you might have otherwise missed. And since the tours are self-guided, you get to pick and choose what you want to see or skip, leaving you fully in control.
#2 Freedom and Flexibility
Unlike bus tours or guided excursions that follow a strict itinerary, walking tours tend to offer more flexibility. You can explore at a leisurely pace, stop to take photos, or spend more time at places that interest you. A self-guided walking tour allows you to start when you want, stop early if you are getting tired, or take a break in between stops on the tour. If you’re traveling with a big group where everyone needs to stop for the bathroom every ten minutes, no problem. If you’re traveling alone and prefer to put some headphones on while you wander, it’s easy to do when it’s just you in control of your own tour.
#3 Walking is Healthy
Walking tours offer the health benefits of physical activity while exploring a new place. Walking is a low-impact exercise that allows you to burn calories, improve cardiovascular health, and boost your mood. It's an enjoyable way to stay active while discovering the city's landmarks, parks, and scenic spots. Walking tours can also help alleviate stress and provide a break from the fast-paced nature of travel, allowing you to immerse yourself in the present moment and enjoy the surroundings.
#4 They are Budget and Eco-Friendly
Walking tours are a budget and eco-friendly way to explore a city. By choosing to walk instead of relying on motorized transportation, you contribute to reducing carbon emissions and the environmental impact of your travel. Walking tours align with the principles of responsible tourism, as they promote a deeper understanding of the local culture, support local businesses, and have a minimal ecological footprint. Also, they’re cheap! Many walking tours are free or are tip-based, if you go with a tour guide. Self-guided walking tours, like the ones at Walking Tours Tokyo, are reasonably priced so you can get the most bang for your buck.
#5 Unique Look at Day-to-Day Life
You can’t get this from the back of a bus, a seat on a train, or from the middle of a big old tour group. Walking tours provide opportunities for closer interactions with locals and the local environment. You can engage in conversations with residents, artisans, or merchants you encounter along the way, gaining insights into their way of life and local traditions. Additionally, being on foot allows you to experience the sights, sounds, and even smells of the surroundings in a more immersive way, creating a deeper connection with the destination.
If you are swayed by our list of incredible reasons that walking tours are better than they might seem and you’re visiting Japan soon, go check out Walking Tours Tokyo today to download some free self-guided walking tours for your next trip to Tokyo! These tours are fun, easy, and will leave you much more knowledgeable than before.
