Mt Fuji & The Japanese Alps

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 21 reviews.

James Phillipps

MT FUJI & THE JAPANESE ALPS

Written August 2010
Wonderful trip. For the first time visitor giving an insight into rural and urban Japan and its people. Best trip I've had for some years.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Japanese alps, traditional Japanese hotel, bath houses, madness of climbing Fuji
What did you think of your group leader?
Steve Parker was great. All travel by public transport meant that he used every opportunity to interact with locals. Evening of Japanese language instruction in mountain hut on Yarigatake, then encouraged to use language whenever possible. Able to adapt to different needs of the group. Even managed to find a new pair of boots when a pair disintegrated half way up a mountain.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
weather conditions very variable, from very hot and humid to torrential rain. Need appropriate clothing. ATM machines not widely available - take enough cash. Meal prices as predicted. Socail drinking quite expensive. Most important of all- GO ON THIS TRIP - IT WAS GREAT.
Michael Medves

MT FUJI & THE JAPANESE ALPS

Written August 2010
Brilliant trip - Japan is such an amazing country. From hiking in beautiful Mt Yarigatake, shrine hopping in Kyoto, to singing karaoke tunes in small village bars, I cannot recommend this trip enough. Japan is a place where everywhere you turn and look you will find something that grabs your attention and amazes you. The Japanese people are so friendly.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
For me the highlight of the trip was the three day hike for Mt Yarigatake. A brilliant hike along scenic paths in the mountain area through forests, along rivers, over snowfields and mountain terrain giving you beautiful views of the alps. Climbing up to the summit of Mt Yari provided a great sense of achievement. Make sure you go to the onsen at the end of the hike, a great way to relax the muscles. The other highlight of the trip was the sunrise from the top of Mt Fuji - one word, stunning!
What did you think of your group leader?
Steve was a great tour leader for the trip, one of the best I've had on all my travels. He was very knowledgable of all thing Japan, and he went to great lengths to make sure everyone on the trip thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The little extras like the Japanese class in the mountain hut at Mt Yari, taking us to a great nightclub in Tokyo, and (especially) running back to organise a replacement pair of boots when mine decided to disintegrate on me were greatly appreciated.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you have the chance, try to stay some extra time in Kyoto and Tokyo at each end of the trip to fit more in. I spent four days in Tokyo and only just started to feel like I had really seen the place. One recommendation for Kyoto - there is a small little town called Hikone just an hour by local train to the north of Kyoto. It has a beautiful castle and traditional garden, definitely worth the time to go explore.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Go enjoy the great sights of Japan and the great Japanese hospitality. You will have such a great time.
Joanne Stockton

MT FUJI & THE JAPANESE ALPS

Written August 2010
Who'd have thought you could cram so much into two weeks! This trip has everything: mountains, cities, strange food, the amazingly friendly Japanese people...
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There was something exciting and new to experience every day so it is hard to pick out one highlight. Watching the sun rise at the top of Mount Fuji was pretty special. Chatting to random local people as we went on our travels was great. Trying out our newly learnt Japanese phrases was fun (thanks, Steve!). Having a go at karaoke is something not to be missed. Seeing the bright lights of Tokyo was the perfect way to end the trip. Japan was everything I'd hoped for and a bit more besides.
What did you think of your group leader?
Steve was a fantastic leader. Not only did he look after us all very well, but he also went beyond the call of duty. He gave us a Japanese lesson and encouraged us to try out what we had learnt. He was always up for going out in the evenings and always managed to be great company despite having what must be a very tiring job.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Japan is an expensive country, especially with the current exchange rate. If you have any inclination for going out drinking while you are then you may need to re-mortgage your house. Only joking, but bear in mind a beer will set you back about £7.50 so take plenty of spending money.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Why are you hesitating? Go!
Nick May

MT FUJI & THE JAPANESE ALPS - Outstanding!

Written August 2010
This is simply an amazing holiday. Japan is an incredible country - the people, sights, food are all wonderful. The trekking is excellent: the Japanese Alps are beautiful and climbing Mount Fuji a crazy experience that you'll never forget.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the summit of mount Yarigatake in the Japanese Alps, the beautiful hot spring baths, watching the rising sun hit Mount Fuji, early morning sushi at Tokyo fish market and all the adventures, wonder and laughter in between.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader, Steve Parker, is passionate about sharing Japan. Having lived in Japan for many years he has an intimate knowledge of the country, culture, people and language, this combined with his passion and experience trekking in the mountains made him stand out as an outstanding guide.
Steve continually went the extra mile to ensure the group got the maximum out of their time in Japan, from late night "cheeky" beers to Japanese lessons for those interested. You really can't ask for more.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This is a very packed trip, the two weeks will feel like a month! I would highly recommend spending a few extra days in both Kyoto and Tokyo, there so much to see and do in both.
A reasonable degree of physical fitness is required as the trekking is fairly strenuous - you'll definitely feel like you've had a good walk at the end of each day on Mount Yarigatake.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Japan is a stunning country: the food, the people, the cities, the countryside, the trekking are all wonderful. Go for it!
Andrea Baker

MT FUJI & THE JAPANESE ALPS

Written August 2010
One of those memorable trips that you'll be thinking about for weeks after your return...
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
- The sight of Mt Fuji - we first saw its unmistakable shape at dawn from the hut on Mt Yari. Then, when we arrived at Fujiyoshida we had amazing views at sunset & sunrise.
- Visiting the Fujisengen-jinja shrine to pray for a safe ascent.
- Relaxing in the hot pools at the onsen & staying in the ryokan - eating an exquisite meal and then going out to a bar wearing a dressing gown (sorry - yukata!).
- The many beautiful temples & shrines in Kyoto.
- The contrast of old traditions & new technology.
What did you think of your group leader?
Steve was a great leader - working very hard to look after us all & share his love of Japan. He gave us a Japanese lesson one evening in the hut on Mt Yari & encouraged us to try out what we'd learnt. He went out of his way to enable us to experience so much - a variety of types of restaurants, many bars you'd never have found on your own (you must go to the mushroom bar in Kyoto!), the onsen experience, kareoke, the tour of Tokyo, the cheeky beers...and he timed our arrival at the summit of Mt Fuji in time for sunrise perfectly.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
We were very lucky and had fantastic weather, but Steve had told us that on the two previous trips they had days of solid rain when climbing Mt Yari, so you need to ensure you have the right gear.
If you can, add on a couple of extra days at the beginning of the trip in Kyoto and/or at the end in Tokyo. There's so much to see & do you won't regret it.
Finally, go with lots of energy if you want to try to keep up with Steve!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Mt Fuji will be the carrot that makes you think about booking this trip, but there's so much more too. The trek up to Mt Yari takes you along a beautiful valley & Mt Yari itself is a stunning mountain. The final climb to the top involves a bit of scrambling and some fixed ladders - a very rewarding climb. On the descent we practised our Japanese greetings (much to the Japanese hikers amusement) and watched macqaque monkeys in the forest.
Finally, don't underestimate the number of people that will be climbing Mt Fuji with you - it is a wonderful experience but solitude is not a word you could use! Watching the sun rise above the pacific from the top of Mt Fuji makes it worth the effort. So, what are you waiting for...book to go on this trip!
Sarah Jones

MT FUJI & THE JAPANESE ALPS

Written September 2009
I simply cannot recommend this trip highly enough.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The itinerary was so varied that I can honestly say I enjoyed every aspect of it ... from Geisha spotting in Kyoto, experiencing traditional ryokan hospitality, the onsen, the picturesque trek and different stages of the Yaragatake climb, the final ascent to the peak of iconic Mt Fuji accompanied by the haunting song of the pilgrim monks up ahead and watching the sunrise at the top. Last but not least Tokyo is THE most amazing city - its buzz and vitality is thrilling as is the locals' exuberant charm. I fell in love with it and can't wait to go back.
What did you think of your group leader?
My group was a well travelled bunch, and we all agreed that Steve was the best tour leader we've ever had. He spoke Japanese like a native, his organisational skills, mountain goat hiking prowess, ability to make us laugh and enthusiasm for Japan and its culture enhanced our experience greatly. He put so much effort into making sure we all got the most out of this trip - providing interesting facts and figures, Japanese lessons, cultural anecdotes and an appreciation for the food and nightlife.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You won't need a book on this trip! I can recommend taking spare camera batteries up Fuji as you will be snapping away for the whole fortnight. Also, a notepad so as not to forget anything after this special adventure.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Come prepared for a full-on trip, you'll need lots of energy. If you can spend any extra time in Tokyo, you won't regret it.
Dave Coustick

MT FUJI & THE JAPANESE ALPS

Written September 2009
Japan is a fantastic country to visit; I had not realised how interesting it would be until going on this trip. The food and the people are great and our tour leader made sure we could get the most out of what was on offer.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Staying in a traditional japanese inn (Ryokan)
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent. Steve's knowledge of the culture and language added greatly to the trip