HIKER’S EXPERIENCES
Please see short comments and reveiws from our guests who joined the tour. Guests feedback is very important for us to help improve our tours and services, as our top priority is to provide our guest the experience of a life time.
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REPORT
KUMANO KODO TRAIL
by Margaret Imai-Compton who joind the tour 2017.
Margaret is one of Yamnuska's long term guests. She has participated in many of our programs over the last 13 years. This time, she wanted to try something different, hiking the pilgrimage route in Japan. She would like to share her experience with everyone, a 'different' kind of adventure with Yamnuska.
Short comments from our guests
We always appreciate feedback from our guests. You will see why you want to join the tour with us!
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The trip costs were similar to other trips we have taken in the past. However, the food and lodgings were all superior to other trips.
-Jenny Garcia
I felt that I received good value for my money. I hiked the first 1/2 of the Nakahechi trail on my own after making reservations through the Tanabe Kumano Reservation Service. The 3 nights of accommodations, meals and luggage transfer were quite inexpensive. However when I researched tour companies who offer guided tours on the Kohechi/second 1/2 Nakahechi trails I found that their prices, including Yamnuska's, were comparable with each other. I felt the value I received in the cost of this tour was due to all of the things I've discussed above such as the excellent tour guide, exceptional meals, excellent accommodations, informative local guides and well organized transportation. This tour confirmed my suspicion that the Kohechi trail is too remote with few hikers on it to make it comfortable hiking alone. One of the great things about hiking with other people is the companionship and camaraderie. It's hard to put a price on the enjoyment one receives from the conversations and laughs experienced with a group. .
-Don Zedde
“The hike was very well described for what it was very thankful that it was a tour and I felt very well looked after and informed about what to expect. I was extremely happy with the pace and felt that the slow pace uphill allowed the whole group to stick together which what was greatly preferred.
I felt that both Hiro and Shin not only kept me safe on the trail but exposed me to japanese culture in an amazing way. All of my questions were fully answered. Both Hiro and Shin were very professional and responsive to my needs.”
Colleen Mcneil
“The hike was difficult but at the pace we went it was really manageable. Hiro was well informed & was able to provide us with lots of information on Japanese history, religion and cultural.
Having been to Japan before, I had an idea what to expect and the meals proved once again to be beautifully presented and very tasty. I thought the convenience stores were well stocked & one was able to buy pretty healthy choices for the trail lunches. The two meals in Wakayama (start/end) were very special and lots of fun. ”
Frances Hunter
“Everything about our trip was awesome!”
Ryan (Vancouver)
“It’s hard to explain all that was experienced to family and friends … my head is still in Japan with thoughts of all that was seen and experienced.”
Mary H. (Saskatoon)
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I was satisfied with all that was included in the tour price. The quality of the guides is paramount. The accommodations, meals and transportation were very good. .
-Missy Mans
It is ok to pay a premium over what it would cost you to plan a trip like this yourself. The convenience factor is very high and we as Americans would have had a very hard time putting together a seamless trip where all we did was focus on the hiking.
The food was exceptional! We love Japanese food and did not want to eat any of the western snacks we brought. The sheer variety of the food was a great adventure for us and we loved trying new things. I also loved how healthy the food was - so many vegetables and fresh fish were perfect for hiking.
I think it was a good idea to occasionally have western food such as scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast but mostly having Japanese and local food was perfect. .
-Heather McWilliams
“A truly magical hike in Japan’s mystical forests, that combined the best of spiritual, historical, cultural and culinary discoveries. The trip organization was flawless. Our guides (Hiro and Naoto) were professional, caring and experienced. I especially appreciated the information they provided for the historical and spiritual context of our pilgrimage. I will be back for more!”
Margaret (Toronto)
“Although we are accustomed to doing a lot of self guided trips we both feel that the presence and leadership of Hiro and Shin was invaluable and we think we learned more and had a better cultural experience than if we had done this trip on our own.”
Rita McGillivray
“The images of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage will replay in my mind’s eye for a lifetime. Japan has been in my dreams every night since returning.”
Mary McN. (Ottawa)
“The hike was challenging but manageable with great breakout views. The guides set a good pace for the group and they were loads of fun. I was surprised to discover that were was more variety in the meals than I anticipated. The meals on this trip were definitely one of the highlights for me.”
Carly (Toronto)
