Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trek reviews

Excellent leader and fascinating to see rural and urban Japan. Good walking though forests. Interesting accommodation and lovely friendly hosts.

Paul Garner, Norfolk

The immersion in rural Japanese culture, combined with trekking along an ancient route was excellent. Our guide was resourceful & versatile in face of new challenges.

Mr R Hull, London

We greatly enjoyed the holiday, with the highlights bring the trek and Koyasan. The organisation was faultless and the guide was first class. My strongest memories are of the towering cedar trees, the baths, the traditional bedrooms and the dining experiences. Thanks for a great trip.

Mrs L Legg, Wiltshire

We had never really considered Japan as a destination, but this was one of the best. Whilst it was hot and humid, the trekking was excellent, being mostly in shady pine forests. Some of the days are quite strenuous with over 1200m of ascent, but in a fantastic environment with some amazing views. The traditional Japanese accommodation is excellent and varied with beautifully prepared fresh food each meal. The hot springs and communal baths are very welcome at the end of a hard days walking. We were lucky to have the most fantastic guide, Yumiko, who was able to manage the walking for a disparate group, providing alternative transport or activities for those who were unable or chose not to walk. She also provided an interesting and engaging introduction to Japanese culture and history. Compared to some of the other trekking destinations, the public transport is so efficient and comfortable; everywhere is clean. We'll definitely want to go back!

Peter and Paula, Oxfordshire

A gifted leader, Yumi, was engaging and informative throughout, true professional. Exceptional input, attention to detail and lots of fun. Great walking, good places to visit and stay, very good all through and such a fantastic country.

Andy Clifford, Cumbria

We were well looked after.

Ms S, Surrey

As ever the trip was very well planned and researched. The balance between trekking and culture was excellent. The opportunity to stay in traditional Japanese inns and the food they provided was a highlight. Our guide, Yumi, was exceptional. She combined trek leading with information about Japanese history and culture superbly - from past experience we know this is a very difficult balance. In addition her organisation and people management were first class, in sometimes difficult circumstances and always with charm and a smile.

Mr A Tierney, Buckinghamshire

We can honestly say that our Kumano Kodo holiday (2017) has been one of the best in our lives and we enjoyed every minute of our amazing trip. We particularly enjoyed the combination of nature, exercise and culture. We are grateful for the variety of places to stay, from Japanese B&B to large modern hotels to monastery lodgings. We believe that this smart choice of venues to visit and places to stay gave us a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the Japanese way of life. And we would like to mention that the trip would not have been the same without our amazing guide, Yumiko. Her attitude to her role has been fantastic. Everything had been organised perfectly and we always knew what to expect. Yumi’s knowledge of Japanese culture and history is superb and she is one of the main reasons why every one of us fell in love with Japan. Yumi went way over and above her duties to make the trip special and memorable for everyone in our diverse group. On several occasions, she even organised an alternative transportation for people who needed to take an easier route. Two people in a group had their birthday during the walk and Yumi had thrown us a surprise party that we would remember forever. We would like to thank the Mountain Kingdom for this amazing holiday and would not hesitate to recommend the agency to all our friends, and our special thanks go to our beloved guide, Yumiko-san.

Mr V Korolev, Berkshire

Japan is a fascinating country, and it was particularly nice to be able to explore on foot, walking through beautiful unspoiled rural areas. I very much enjoyed immersing myself in Japanese culture, sleeping on futons and bathing in outdoor hot spring baths.

Seraphina Berry, Mountain Kingdoms