Backroads of Japan

Perhaps more testing than we were led to expect but a wonderful experience that we wouldn’t have missed. Full marks to Pepijn who was leader, mentor, guide and encouraging for us all. And for his tips and knowledge that allowed us to sample so much of Japan’s unbelievable food. But top marks also for the way he gave us context for all of the different elements of topography, history and culture. Walking parts of the Nakasendo Trail and later, the forests aroundDorogawa were especially memorable. We were also very well served during our visits t the major cities - Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. We really appreciated being with a wonderful group of people- fellow adventurers all who made our tour so memorable. Thank you World Expeditions.

Excellent guide , capable, experienced and unflappabile. Accomodation well located and very good standard. Walks were away from the tourist path.

It was well planned and executed. A little harder than I anticipated but enjoyable all the same. Pepijn was a wonderful guide. Very helpful and explained so much.

The Backroads of Japan was an outstanding adventure and a perfect introduction to Japan for the first-time visitor. Our leaders, Akemi, Pipijn, Sonny and Yukiay were wonderful hosts with amazing knowledge and touring skills. Even when the weather wasn't kind to us they still manage to conduct a perfect itinerary.

The beginning of the tour was fantastic and the team did an amazing job looking after us. However, there was a change of tour leader for the last few days, which affected the tour in a negative way. The group had different walking levels/speeds, but the replacement tour leader had his own speed and would hike off, not looking to see how the rest of the group was going. One of our team was unwell with a very bad cold/cough, and I was experiencing chest pains, but at no stage did the tour leader have anyone at the back of the group to keep an eye on how we were going. We ended up having to look after ourselves. Hiking 101 is always have someone at the front and someone at the back. If something had happened, the tour leader would have had no idea. I would have graded the overall tour better, had it not been for the lack of leadership/responsibility of the replacement tour leader.

My wife and I had an incredible time on our Backroads of Japan tour. This was our first ever international trip, and even with booking a tour, we weren't sure what to expect. Fortunately, our tour guide was simply phenomenal. He was perfectly fluent in Japanese and English, knowledgeable in every facet of the country (down to the geology!), attentive to the needs of our very diverse group, and knew every nook and rest stop along every trail we hiked. Overall, I made friends and many more memories through this unforgettable itinerary, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to experience Japan for the first time.

Adventurous and exciting trip. Our guide was well organised, a great communicator, took great care of all of us, lots of fun.

Zachary was a knowledgeable and caring guide, well prepared and organized. I very much enjoyed the itinerary, particularly the backroads parts, walking through the countryside. The food and accommodations added greatly to the enjoyment of the trip. We were lucky to enjoy great weather for the duration of the trip, and the group was easy to be with. Taking public buses and trains between walks added to the experience of the culture. The hiking was more challenging than expected, but quite manageable. I very much recommend Backroads of Japan for anyone wanting a more intimate experience of Japanese culture.

My trip overall was wonderful.

Our guide Zachary Kurtz was absolutely phenomenal! He was so attentive to every single detail. His great knowledge of Japanese history & culture and his fluency of the Japanese language, both speaking & writing. He was also excellent at being able to read people, physical ability & congeniality etc.