Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Traveler Reviews

• 

  RosaLaura

  September 19th, 2025
  3.0
  I recently completed the Intrepid Japan tour ( tour code : CJXH250907Departure date :07 Sep 2025 - Intrepid Travel...
  I recently completed the Intrepid Japan tour ( tour code : CJXH250907Departure date :07 Sep 2025 - Intrepid Travel Booking ID: 6592203), and wanted to share some feedback. While there were incredible experiences, I feel the trip fell short in a few areas, and I would appreciate if Intrepid could consider a credit or partial reimbursement. Highlights: Our guide, Hisa, was exceptional—knowledgeable, kind, and always supportive. The 10-mile Kumano Kodo hike and Onomichi biking + kayaking were fantastic experiences. Japan itself is amazing—the trains are world-class, and small touches like shoe disinfectant sprays at hotels were appreciated. Areas for improvement: Many advertised “hikes” were really short walks to temples or shrines; only two (Nakasendo and Kumano Kodo) were true hikes. Some cycling distances were shorter than advertised (Kyoto ride: ~18 miles listed, but under 10). Adding the bamboo forest route would improve the experience. Hotel quality was inconsistent—Kyoto hotel outdated and smelly; Toba onsen hotel even had roaches. Daily breakfast was not included, which would have added real value. Overall, the trip had fantastic moments, but considering these discrepancies, I feel it did not fully reflect the price paid. With more accurate activity descriptions, improved accommodations, and included breakfasts, this could be a truly exceptional tour. Also I would like to link this trip into my account. I tried to search it addint the Intrepid Travel Booking ID: 6592203, but It is not found. Can you please help me with this? Thank you for your time and consideration—I look forward to your response. Best regards,Show more
  Traveled in August 2025
  

  Reply from: Intrepid Travel

  Thank you RosaLaura for taking the time to share your thoughts on your recent trip to Japan. We are thrilled to hear that you had such a great experience with your leader Hisa, and that you enjoyed Japan overall. We have forwarded your concerns about the trip to our Customer Care team and they will be in touch to discuss the items that you have highlighted as concerns from this trip.

  Show more
• A

  Sandra

  September 18th, 2019
  4.0
  I found the organisational aspect of the trip well managed
  Traveled in March 2019
• A

  Nicoline

  September 18th, 2019
  5.0
  The experience of meeting local people, getting off the major routes i wouldnt have id i travelled by myself. The...
  The experience of meeting local people, getting off the major routes i wouldnt have id i travelled by myself. The group was working together wonderfull. The activities were as expected. The guide was extremeöy helpful and wanted to show his cultureShow more
  Traveled in March 2019
• A

  Lili

  September 18th, 2019
  4.8
  The tour involved going to lots of towns which aren't very touristy, and that provided a real insight into the...
  The tour involved going to lots of towns which aren't very touristy, and that provided a real insight into the country. It also had a nice mixture of activities and free time. The tour guide was also excellent, which made the trip more enjoyable. It was great that Intrepid considers sustainable tourism as part of it's tours, which I wasn't aware of prior to the tour. It would be interesting if more could be done on this front.Show more
  Traveled in March 2019
• A

  Janet

  September 18th, 2019
  4.2
  Our leader Ken, was very professional which made my experience stress free. He was well prepared, helpful and...
  Our leader Ken, was very professional which made my experience stress free. He was well prepared, helpful and humourous. The only reason i didnt give a score of then was that i didnt feel the 3 star rating on physical strength for this trip to be accurate. I felt it needed to be a four star rating on physical strength as the activities were not just above average.Show more
  Traveled in March 2019
• A

  Chantal

  September 18th, 2019
  4.0
  As always high quality tour, well organised.
  Traveled in March 2019
• A

  Lynette

  September 18th, 2019
  5.0
  The trip was a wonderful adventure, our Guide Kenichiro was wonderful, every thing organised to the last detail.In...
  The trip was a wonderful adventure, our Guide Kenichiro was wonderful, every thing organised to the last detail.In fact I struggled on my extra day because I wasn't used to navigating myself to anywhere.I was introducedto a vast array of interesting and fascinating Japanese historical andcultural experiencesand the amazing countryside. All packed into 2 weeks.So Kenichiro I appreciate the hard work and dedication to your work.I would definitely recommend u and your skills to anyone wanting to have a Japanese adventure.Show more
  Traveled in March 2019
• A

  Klazina

  September 18th, 2019
  4.8
  It was very laid back, perfect combination of cities/culture & activities, and the hosts made it a real special...
  It was very laid back, perfect combination of cities/culture & activities, and the hosts made it a real special Japanese experience. I've been to places I would never have visited on my own, and ate at places I would have never picked myself (but they were perfect!)Show more
  Traveled in March 2019
• A

  Joshua

  September 18th, 2019
  4.5
  The trip had a good mix of physical activity and culture sit visits. It also had a good mix of rural Japan and More...
  The trip had a good mix of physical activity and culture sit visits. It also had a good mix of rural Japan and More Urban city scapesShow more
  Traveled in March 2019
• A

  Jon

  September 18th, 2019
  5.0
  The company attracts like minded people & our guide, Kenichiro, did an exceptional job, not just in terms of...
  The company attracts like minded people & our guide, Kenichiro, did an exceptional job, not just in terms of efficiency but also his enthusiasm was contagiousShow more
  Traveled in March 2019