I can’t say enough about the amazing trip my ...
Japan
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Mar 4 - Mar 7, 2025

I can’t say enough about the amazing trip my husband and I had hiking the Kumano Kodo trail. Ilse was absolutely wonderful in setting up our hike and worked with us patiently as our plans needed to be modified because I was running the Tokyo Marathon the weekend before. Our meals and hosts each night were perfect. My husband and I were not only celebrating my marathon but our 25th wedding anniversary. Ilse made it special from start to finish.
Hotel Reviews
The accommodation at Minpaku Akatsuki was a wonderful start to our trip. The host was incredibly welcoming, and staying there felt like being in her own home. The meals were fantastic and the sleeping quarters were comfortable. Breakfast was also wonderful, offering us everything we needed to start the day on a high note. The personal touch made it an unforgettable experience.
Our stay at Minshuku Chikatsuyu was a lovely experience with a great family-style dining atmosphere. While it was larger than our first accommodation, it still felt intimate, with beautiful views from the dining hall. The meals were delicious, although the lunch provided was just a small sandwich, which fell short of expectations.
Yunominesou offered a more traditional Japanese experience and we shared it with many other hikers. The hot spring on the property was genuine and soothing, although the meals were a bit too exotic for our taste, especially the dishes that needed preparation at the table. However, they did make efforts to label the items in English, which helped. We were a bit let down by the breakfast and lunch that were packed for us, which lacked variety and freshness.
Activity Review

Hiking the Kumano Kodo from Chikatsuyu to Hongu was a remarkable experience. The trail offered a wonderful landscape, and the camaraderie with fellow hikers was heartwarming. Meeting the same hikers across different points during our journey added a unique touch to the overall experience.