25 independent reviews for Japan self guided trekking vacation, Nakasendo Trail
Reviews for Japan self guided trekking vacation, Nakasendo Trail
Donald Duprey review 23 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hiking on the Nakasendo Trail in November through hills in fall color.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Start early, so that you can spend time in the village Tsumago on the first day. The time estimates for the hikes were very accurate.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Two of the rural villages we passed through depend on tourists to eat, drink, and stay overnight, as we did. those towns have made efforts to preserve themselves much as they were 150 years ago. Our expenditures benefitted the local community.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The hiking was varied and always interesting. The hills were spectacular with fall color. The operator provided us with all the support we needed. Overall, an excellent three days.Celeste Von Glehn review 20 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Nakasendo trail2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Nice to get out of the cities3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
PerfectJulie Kim review 3 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Perfect vacation for everyone on the trip. The arrangements were perfect and easy to follow. The most memorable parts were walking through O'Tsumago and Narai.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared to sleep on futons on the floor and to sit on the floor to eat meals.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, I believe our business helped the local economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentColes Sterling review 28 Apr 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The incredible walks everyday followed by staying at ryokans!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We lucked our being in Kyoto and on the trail during cherry blossom season! Beautiful. Travel light on trail. Worked perfectly transferring a bag from Kyoto to Tokyo.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, a little.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a trip of a lifetime! We had a wonderful experience.Vivienne Degenhardt review 14 Dec 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The shrines. And accommodation2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Check out the price at the accommodation before you book3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Very. Much. Every body was so helpful and polite4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very expensive. But we enjoyed the whole experienceChandra Kant Sharma review 25 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The walking on the second and third days was quite wonderful, as were the stays in small inns along the way.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be ready for prolonged climbs on fairly steep gradients!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Some benefit to locals because goods and services were purchased along the way.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good!Ramona Alba review 17 Apr 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I will always remember the people who treated us well on the trail. From our fellow travelers who also took the self-guided walk to the Japanese innkeepers who treated us like guests rather than clients, these will be treasured memories.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure to review the itinerary before you confirm it, and ask for specific dates apart from the days of the tour. There is no rebooking miscommunicated dates without a giant fee!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I wish there was less use of plastics in the inns but I understand that it is expected by the guests for hygiene reasons. I am glad though that the trek brings cultural awareness and much-needed income to remote villages.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This is an experience we will never forget. We’re already talking about doing a similar vacation in the near future!Salim and Sheila Aftimos review 22 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Our daily interactions with the Japanese people.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
No specific tips.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We’d like to think it benefited local people, particularly the families who operated the Ryokans and Minchukus. It is difficult to assess the environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We loved everything about Japan. The only negative observation was noting the overpackaging of goods, particularly with plastics. We think the Japanese people are beginning to realise the importance of tackling this problem.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Sheila and Salim - thank you for taking the time to review our tour. We are delighted that you enjoyed your time with us and hope that we might have the pleasure of welcoming you on another of our trips in the future. We agree that Japanese attitudes to packaging represent a fascinating aspect of the culture, but can also be a challenge in environmental terms - we hope the two issues can be reconciled in future. Jeremy Spencer
Stewart Yaguda review 28 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The first three hiking days were amazing.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack light. You don't need to bring much. Don't bother having your bags transported to one of the villages on the hike.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Certainly, it helped the Ryokans we stayed in. I don't know how it would benefit other local people or conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good. The main thing I would change is the 4th day. We had to wait around Narai in the morning. There were no stores open and no cafes open. We were just waiting so we could time the walk to Kiso Hirasawa to catch the 11:00 train. We couldn't buy snacks in Narai as nothing was open early. The walk only took 30 minutes and then we had to wait around Kiso Hirasawa for the train, and there were no cafes or stores to buy food there either. So, we killed the whole morning for a 30 minute walk and then took the train back through Narai.John Gunston review 26 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Experiencing a completely different culture.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Travel light. Go with an open mind.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We felt staying in local inns helped the local communities.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Exceptional.Neil Dillon review 10 Aug 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The walks through the ancient forests of Japan were above expectation, but the highlight I think was staying in the Ryokan - the charm and character of the inns and our hosts and the total immersion into a traditional Japanese experience with their tatami rooms, onsen baths and local cuisine.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The Nakasendo trail and their post towns date from the Shogun period of Japanese history and a little homework before traveling provide context and help fire the imagination. We also used the cheap and efficient Takkyubin service to forward our baggage from Kyoto to Tokyo allowing us to travel as lightly as possible on the trail.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The hiking was along traditional paths staying in inns that have existed for often hundreds of years, using public trains and buses for connecting travel. As such it was both off the beaten track and low impact, and gave us the opportunity to engage with the communities we passed through.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Above expectation. We were seeking independent travel with the benefit of local experience and organisation. Responsible Travel and the wonderful local partner provided this. The personalised itinerary, choice and reservation of local accommodation and travel booking were delivered flawlessly, with regular contact before the vacation to inform, advise and prepare us. Thanks you for a exceptional vacation!Dennis Minchin review 24 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The vacation was everything that I hoped for and much more right from the start. Excellent accommodation, well informed and helpful tour guide, good range of places of interest from Tokyo to small mountain villages. Would recommend this vacation without reservation2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do your homework on getting from the airport to the hotel. Only take a direct flight. Give yourself plenty of time coming home as Narita airport is a long way out from Tokyo, go for an afternoon flight3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We used a large number of different forms of public transport over the 2 weeks and had a positive impact on the local economy4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, looking forward to traveling with you againChrista Fiischer review 2 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We loved the beautiful walks and meeting the super kind inn keepers. A highlight was the tea house on the way to Tsumago, in the rain.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Japan is fabulous. The people are helpful. Don't be scared. Just go!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Awesome!Mary Gordon review 28 Aug 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All the walking was memorable and parts (like seeing a bear and encountering leeches) were exciting. The food was exciting too!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
To do it.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Joanne Heeson review 24 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We loved the whole thing - staying in the traditional inns, the self-guided hiking, the beautiful scenery, the hot spring bathing areas and, of course, the food.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
This trip was well organised enough for you to feel like you have your independence and at the same time, all the logistics are organised for you. The maps and trail directions are really clear and easy to follow. The inns we stayed in were of really high quality, the people were friendly and the transportation was easy to figure out. The hike meanders through forests, bamboo groves, and through villages and hamlets, so there is a wonderful glimpse of old Japan to see.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It benefited local people and the villages we passed through.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I thought it was brilliant. Lovely to get away from the masses of people in Tokyo, Kyoto and Kamkura. Very well organised, excellent hospitality, lovely trails through the forests and valley.Kim Buckingham review 30 Mar 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The trail was remote, stunning, quiet and interesting. The ryokans were spotless and the food fresh and continuing perfect.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Check train times and organise walking to ensure arrival to meet time. Check food availability on route carefully.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I'm sure we supported the local villages. The upkeep of the heritage ryokans and villages is aprreciated and accurate.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
PerfectJulian Hewett review 7 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Good walking. Countryside/scenery. Cherry blossom. Japanese Inns (Ryokan).2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Accomodation for 2 of the 3 nights is quite basic.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We used public transport throughout Japan.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Overpriced. After allowing for the train fares, the price works out as £500 per night (for 2 people). Given that the accomodation for 2 of the 3 nights was very basic, this seems very poor value for money.Vanda Galen review 22 Sep 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hiking the Nakasendo trail, seeing smaller towns, and staying at the ryokan in Kiso-Fukushima were extraordinary.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do it! But, don't carry a heavy pack; the trail can be challenging. Use the luggage courier services and train station lockers when possible.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Low impact is encouraged in many ways. The trail preserves history and culture. Its use respects that history and provides some economic benefits to trail towns.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Superior!Mark White review 17 May 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Being immersed in the history surrounding the Tokugawa Shogunate period whilst enjoying the culture and hospitality of modern Japan in this beautiful mountain region.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Whilst the journey is a delightful walk, stop and enjoy the culture along the way. There are several museums in each town which will give you the historical exposure. Also, make sure you schedule the time to visit Matsumoto Castle. There are often locals whom provide a free tour escort service such that they can practice their language skills (other than Japanese) and you get a thorough understanding of the history.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely! In the towns of Magome, Tsumago and Narai through which the Nakasendo trail passes, the locals made the commitment some decades ago to preserve the history of this wonderful region. The visits by we tourists support their decision to conserve and maintain the past and enables them to continue for the benefit of future generations. We stayed in family inns which had been so for over 200 years with the sixth and seventh generation now looking after you. Furthermore, on this vacation you use, entirely, your own legs or local public transport.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentMichael Eagen review 16 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walking the remote sections of Trail.Tour of Nara2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Trip requires good level of fitness both on the trail and city tours.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Post town shopping assisted local merchants and restaurants.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Elaine Blatchford review 29 Sep 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walking the Nakasendo Trail and staying in the traditional Ryokans.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do not worry if you do not want to undertake the walks you can find alternatives to do during the day. We met one older American couple who decided not to walk at all but simply explored the villages. We managed the walks with rucksacks even at our age. 66 and 71. Just take it slowly and pace yourself. Walking in the high temperature was not too much of a problem because most of the route is through the forests. We only gave up on the last walk when we reached the top of the pass due to the heavy rain. This also meant that the local cafes were closed and the local bus did not run.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we gave employment to local people and transport. Our only comment would be that we hoped the leftovers to our delicious meals would not be wasted but put to good use.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A great experience. We felt we had a very good introduction and understanding of Japan. We liked the combination of historic city, modern capital contrasting with rural Japan. Very well organized.Rafael Boren review 1 Sep 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Experiencing the sincere and warm hospitality of Japanese Riokans and trekking by the wild forests of this uneven populated country.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Summer weather conditions are tough. If possible better go during autumn or spring months.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local providers were clearly benefited and, the use of public transport reduced environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great, the organisation was very good, the cultural inmersion was inspiring and the landscape was surprising.Liz Bashford review 8 Jun 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walking through remote woods and forests on the Nakasendo trail and coming across ancient shrines and stonework commemorating centuries old samurai battles.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take your time on the walks - it's an easy schedule.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - used local inns and restaurants. Low footprint when on the trail...4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent - thank you.David McRae review 16 Sep 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The abandoned bus on the way down from Usuitoge; the last hour of the climb up Nenouetoge; the fabulous variety of the accommodation; the (very amusing) shock of Kuruizawa after four days in the bush and most previously the quiet dignity of Narai. Eating fubu. The tour of the rafter structure of the ryokan at Narai. The nightly feasts. But that's the short list.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you take every opportunity to walk. The two long walks are both, for different reasons, outstanding experiences. They're not talked up in the notes nearly as well as they should be.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Probably helped the ryokans with off season trade. Quite a lot of cheerful interaction along the way. Apart from train travel, very limited environmental impact. Conservation of the natural or historical social environment? Probably limitd impact either way.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was all a very fine experience. Terrific organisation, didn't miss a beat anywhere; great choices of accommodation/food. It was our fourth week in Japan which made it easier, but it also was a consummate way to finish up. The combination of physical, topographical and cultural stimulation provided by this sort of travel is very very hard to beat. There were several occasions where I was simply floaty with delight. A knockout. The five star criterion suggests uniqueness, but we've had other wonderful experiences doing similar things in other parts of the world. Equal best. Wonderful. A '5' if I can say that.Gill Berry review 28 Apr 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the old villages and towns along our walk - meeting so many friendly and helpful people in surroundings completely different from our own. And the food - different, flavorful, every meal exquisitely presented and excellent.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The monastery at Koya San is NOT centrally heated, but very efficient kerosene heaters are provided. It is not as basic as was anticipated - the welcome, onsen bath surroundings were great and the cuisine though vegetarian was superb3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Certainly benefitted local people. Our environmental impact was hopefully minimal.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent plus. Logistically, gastronomically, scenically - in every wayHoliday Reviews
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