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.

David Anderson

MT FUJI & THE JAPANESE ALPS

Written September 2012
A thought provoking trip dispelling my preconceptions of over-crowding and over-pricing - neither is true. A great opportunity to trek in the Japanese Alps/Mounjt Fuji and savour some of the country's best natural and city attractions............ 12 days is way too short to do this justice. I shall return!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
It should have been summitting Mount Fuji.........and the sunrise was indeed pleasant and it is good to have ticked the box..............but the mountain was seen at its best from the distant Japanes Alps and from the many spots around the lakes at lower levels. Mount Yarigitake was a far more enjoyable climb with a 1.5 grade scramble for the last 100m.......and much much fewer people. The evening clouds and sunlight near the summit produced a spectacular Brockenspectre (a rainbow haloed reflection of ourselves in rising moist clouds) - I've never seen one before, it lasted no more than 5 seconds, and it was fantastic...............this was my trip highlight. I also liked the Japanese sense of order, cleanliness and courtesy......and surprisingly the food..........I loved the food. The Ryokan and onsens too were memorable.
Outwith the trip I crossed over from Busan to Fukuoka, 7 days before the trip started, and my two days in Nagasaki (a very fine city) was my second highlight.
What did you think of your group leader?
Dan was efficient, knowledgable and personable - Dan lives in Japan, speaks good Japanese and has a good understanding of its history, culture and behaviours and clearly enjoys sharing it with those up for listening (not everyone listens!). He clearly likes the outdoors and is at his best around and up in the mountains. He put a lot of effort into making things run smoothly........in a country where everything works! A likeable guy. Thanks Dan.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Mount Fuji was good fun and delighted to have done it..........but in many ways this was the least enjoyable part of the trip.............and this is not a failing on Exodus's part. Trekking on Mt Fuji is limited to only around 10 weeks in the year, which means that on any one day, it probably has up to 5000 on the mountain on a narrow rocky path. This is at its worst at 3 am in the morning when all simultaenously want to reach the summit for daybreak. The sleeping arrangements on the night prior to the summit are nigh parlous and depends on who you have to share your duvet with - and four share the duvet [I pulled the shortest straw on this one for the entire chalet! I slept not a wink.]. My advice: take a sleeping bag and sleep in the common areas (not the bunks), take your thermals, earplugs and some homeopathic sleeping draught. Settle for not making the summit for daybreak........watch the sunrise 100m lower down from the summit and delay your ascent by 1 hour and the crowds will have disappeared. The crater and rim are quarrylike and disappointing - and the buildings on a 'holy' mount are shanty at best. Don't be put off.....it is worth it, just go prepared to minimise the 'night of hell' before you get up to the summit.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The Japanese people are reserved and self-contained...........but they are the most helpful people on the planet if you ask for information or assistance. Crime is largely non existent and misplaced sunglasses etc will be returned to you [where else does that happen?]. The young are the most impressive .........so well behaved and rebellion free. A well to do western country.......with none of the apparent social drawbacks endured in Europe's/USA's cities...............I couldn't work it out!
Angela Ning

MT FUJI & THE JAPANESE ALPS

Written July 2012
An interesting and variable trip incorporating culture, hill-walking, train-spotting and night-life. Many opportunities to experience the Japanese way of life and sample the local food.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Hiking up Mount Yarigatake and Mount Fuji were equally inspirational - Mt Yarigatake at 3180m being slightly technically more demanding than Mt Fuji due to the spear-like peak (ladders and chains involved - not for those with vertigo). On Mt Fuji (3776m) waking up at 2 am to the snake-like river of head torches/lights trudging up the path to the summit then watching the sunrise with 5000 odd Japanese was equally exciting.
What did you think of your group leader?
The main tour leader Rudolf Stauber was working with a trainee tour leader Dan Cockburn and both were very good at ensuring that the needs of the 11 participants were fully met. They gave practical advice on what to see and do in Kyoto and Tokyo (accompanying those who requested their support) as well as ensuring that the group went up and down the mountains safely. For slower walkers they gave significant encouragement and even carried the day packs. One tour leader even accompanied one of the group when he wanted to walk from Station 5 on Mount Fuji down to Fuji-Yoshida and the rest of the group went cycling round the Five Lakes.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared to rise early on at least 5 days of your tour and do not expect much sleep in the mountain hut on Mt Fuji. The stop there is to ensure no-one suffers from altitude sickness and it is worth relaxing at this stage. If you wish to experience the night-life then take lots of cash and the tour leaders are happy to take you from bar to bar till the small hours.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The travel arrangements for both cities and hiking both Mt Yarigatake and Mt Fuji were very good and contingency plans were in place in case of delays. It was reassuring to know we were in safe hands. The whirlwind tours in Kyoto and Tokyo has whetted our appetite to re-visit these culturally exciting and vibrant cities in the not -to-distant future.
Jacqueline Birt

MT FUJI & THE JAPANESE ALPS

Written July 2012
This is an amazing trip, not to be missed. A little bit expensive, I know--but worth every penny.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
For me, my dream was to watch the sun rise over Mt Fuji, and it was a dream that came true. Fabulous. But, the whole trip was wonderful, full of exquisite and unforgettable moments. Very varied & interesting & I found myself loving Japan. In fact, if the guides had asked any of us to go back to the beginning & start afresh, I think there would have been a resounding 'YES'. I don't think anyone from the trip wanted to go home!!The trekking I found tough,Yarigataki especially, but maybe I am too senior! However with a professional & caring guide with Rudi & co-guide Dan, who enhanced the trip enormously, I was in good hands.
What did you think of your group leader?
Fantastic, very caring & wanted to make sure he fulfilled everyone's wishes & expectations
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do it
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Already said
Jonathan James

MT FUJI & THE JAPANESE ALPS

Written September 2011
A fantastic trip – great walking, stunning scenery, fascinating cities and an amazing culture. What more could you want from a trip?
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Yarigatake was definitely top of my highlights list. The Japanese Alps are stunning. The view from the summit of Yarigatake was fabulous. It does require a bit of scrambling utilising some fixed ladders and chains and a ‘head for heights’ to reach the top, but this adds to the sense of achievement (and excitement!). The Yarigatake trek hadn’t featured in my decision to book the trip, but I would swap a trip up Mt Fuji for Yarigatake anyday!

What did you think of your group leader?
The tour leader (Rudy) was first class and a pleasure to travel with. He ensured that everyone was always in the right place at the right time – not an easy job considering the amount of public transport utilised.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Try to spend some additional time in Kyoto and Tokyo. I had an extra day in each and it still wasn’t enough. Just make sure you book any extra accommodation yourself. Exodus quoted me £200 for an extra night in Kyoto. I found the same room could be booked directly with the hotel website for around £45.

Make sure you take ear plugs. There is lots of potential for your nights sleep in the mountain huts to be disrupted by snorers!

Travel light and take baggage with wheels. Public transport is used throughout and Japanese railway stations are very large.

Take a reasonable amount of spending money. Japan is not a cheap country, although in reality prices are not much different to what you would spend on a night out in any large European city. Having a few bottles of Sake in the evening certainly enhances the cultural experience!

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Japan is an amazing country and should be experienced first hand. If you enjoy challenging walking as well as a bit of culture this is the trip for you. I will certainly be back.
Ross Bishop

Land of the Rising Fun!

Written August 2011
Japan is a fascinating country – modern, yet so culturally different from the west. Its reputation for being busy is not unfounded, but everything works efficiently (like the excellent rail network) and there’s plenty of stunning scenery in the mountainous regions too. The local people are a joy to interact with – initially a little reserved, but so friendly and helpful to foreigners once you break the ice and so respectful of each other in all aspects of society. Japanese cuisine, although not always to my tastes, was one of many unique aspects of the tour which added to the overall experience of a country that I found to be exotic and rewarding to visit.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Despite heavy rain to start with, the trek up to Mt Yarigatake in the northern Japanese Alps offered some fun, but straightforward scrambling and stunning views reminiscent of a classic Scottish ridge once the cloud finally cleared. The climb of Mount Fuji was also a unique experience, not only for the stark volcanic scenery and lofty views over half of Honshu from the summit, but also to witness the sheer volume of human traffic as a seemingly endless line of head torches accompanied us up to the crater rim to watch sunrise. I was also pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the buzz of Tokyo at the end of the trip.
What did you think of your group leader?
Rudy did a thorough and comprehensive job dealing with all aspects of the tour and managed fine without being able to speak Japanese. Our group was also joined by Matt for the trekking elements of the trip who has lived in Japan for 12 years and does speak the local language – his knowledge of Japanese and his enthusiasm for the country that he now calls home really added to our deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you don’t book the group flight for this tour, don’t worry about getting to and from the airport – with a little planning and a few web searches, it’s very straightforward to sort out rail travel in Japan and the language need not be a barrier to this – indeed, I found figuring out the Japanese transport systems to be all part of the fun. Luggage with wheels is very helpful for transferring between trains. Japan can experience heavy rain during the summer months so pack good waterproofs for the trek, but otherwise you can pack quite lightly as the mountain accommodation is very comfortable (if a little cramped on Mount Fuji). Trying Japanese food was one of many new experiences for me – I liked some of it, but I found it doesn’t always offer enough substance and energy in preparation for a full day’s trekking so I recommend bringing supplementary energy bars from home or buying some additional snacks in from one of the many convenience stores before you set off. Finally, amongst many highlights in Tokyo, I got up early for the tuna auction at the fish market which was well worth the taxi fare and the pre-dawn start.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
My only reservation before booking this tour was whether Japan would end up being very expensive. Prices are quite high throughout Japan and particularly in Tokyo, but it’s perfectly possible to enjoy all aspects of the tour on a reasonable budget. The one thing that can seriously erode your funds is a night out on the town so budget accordingly if an evening of Sake and Karaoke Bars is your kind of thing.
sarah mijatovich

MT FUJI & THE JAPANESE ALPS

Written September 2010
A brilliant holiday from start to finish, really varied and a great introduction to an amazing country.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were loads! For me, the beauty of the Japanese countryside and the hiking at Mount Yarigatake were real highlights. Tokyo is a great city with so much to see and do. Fascinating culture and subculture (maid bar anyone?) - I loved it!
What did you think of your group leader?
Steve is great. He really did work flat out to ensure that everyone had a brilliant time - I'm not sure he did much sleeping for the whole holiday! His enthusiasm, energy and knowledge certainly added to my enjoyment of Japan.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you can, stay a few extra nights in Tokyo - I'm so glad I did, 2 days wasn't anywhere near enough. I wished I'd arrived a bit earlier too and seen more of Kyoto.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Japan and the friendliness of the people way exceeded my expectations - just go and enjoy it!
Emma Devlin

MT FUJI & THE JAPANESE ALPS

Written August 2010
This was a fantastic trip and I cannot recommend it highly enough. An experience which I will never forget
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Probably climbing Mount Yarigatake - the weather was poor and visibility terrible but there was still a great sense of achievement to get to the top. The Alps generally were a real surprise and very beautiful. The friendliness of the Japanese people was wonderful
What did you think of your group leader?
Steve was just fantastic - I don't think I have ever come across a guide who has gone so far beyond the call of duty to give us all a great experience of Japan. His love of Japan and the Japanese people was infectious and he wanted us to think the same. He was highly organised , utterly professional, great fun and worked incredibly hard. Altogether first rate and a massive part in our enjoyment of the trip! Exodus - look after him!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Travel light and a suitcase/holdall on wheels is a great benefit when getting on and off trains and buses
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Gof for it! You will not regret it.