The Ultimate Adventure Through Japan

Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamt of global adventures, inspired by her father's travel stories. Her passion evolved into a career, backed by a decade of studies including degrees in international tourism and destination management. She’s worked in the adventure travel sector since 2012, living in Italy, the UK, and now sunny Portugal.

Over twenty years, Marta has explored over 55 countries, visiting remote areas like Ghana, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Haiti and Nepal’s Upper Mustang region. As a Senior Adventure Expansion Manager at Much Better Adventures, she focuses on creating life-changing experiences, ranging from multi-activity adventures, challenging treks, to ultimate adventures in iconic places. She loves the challenge of finding the best local adventure hosts around the world, collaborating on adventures that offer genuine immersion, pushing beyond the beaten path and working on exclusive itineraries that challenge your comfort zone.

What makes her tick? Enabling people to live adventure-rich lives while positively impacting and empowering local communities around the world, generating sustainable opportunities for both the host, guides, community, and the environment.

Tap water in Japan is safe to drink so to avoid using single-use plastics, please bring a refillable water bottle with you which you can fill at the hotels, stations, public fountains and local inns.

Getting Around This trip covers a large part of Japan, and the best way to experience it is the way locals do — via Japan's public transport network. You'll travel by bullet train (Shinkansen), which is both the fastest and most reliable way to move between destinations. Trains can get busy during peak times, so travelling light is strongly recommended. Public transport such as the subway and busses are used in the cities and to access the start and end points of some treks, where pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle isn't possible.

Luggage Packing light is essential for rail travel in Japan. Shinkansen trains have strict size restrictions: luggage measuring 160–250cm may incur an additional fee of JPY 1,000 per journey, and anything over 251cm will not be permitted on board at all. To keep things moving smoothly, your host will use an excellent luggage forwarding service — to send your main suitcase ahead between cities. This means that for a few nights during the trip you'll be without your main luggage, so you'll need a small rucksack packed with essentials for an overnight stay and a day or two of activities.

Punctuality Japanese trains run to the minute, and so do we. Please make sure you're ready and on time for all group departures — missing a train can have a knock-on effect on the whole day's itinerary. Busses run at the end of the days treks and so sometimes may require a short wait.

Your trip will include a convenient luggage transfer between destinations, so that you don't need to bring your heavy luggage with you to the most remote areas nor while trekking. This means that for a few nights during the trip, you will be without your main luggage, and instead carrying only a smaller rucksack packed with essentials for an overnight stay and one or two days of activities.

Overall, it is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan, because there are size restrictions for luggage on Shinkansen trains. Luggage from 160cm to 250cm may require an additional JPY1000 oversized luggage fee per train journey. Luggage over 251cm will NOT be permitted on the Shinkansen trains at all.

Please note that only one piece of luggage is included in the luggage forwarding service. If you have extra luggage you'd like to be forwarded, the cost will be about 1800-2300 JPY extra (per transfer) depending on the size. Your leader will be able to advise of the exact cost whilst on your trip.

The arrangements will be as follows:

On Day 2 your main luggage will be sent to your hotel in Kyoto, as you will use a lot of public transportation to reach the lake town of Yamanakako. Please prepare a light overnight bag for the two-night stay in Yamanakako.

On Day 7 your main luggage will be sent to Yunomine Onsen, so you'll need to prepare a light overnight bag for the trek and the one-night temple stay on Mount Koya.

On Day 9 your luggage will be transferred to the accommodation in Katsuura, so you'll only need to carry a day pack with you for the hike on this day and the following day, with things for your overnight stay between the two sections of the trail.

The trip will include the chance to try some traditional Japanese onsens (hot springs). In public onsens, this means bathing naked with others of the same gender. While it can feel strange at first for some, most travellers end up really enjoying this unique experience. There is very specific etiquette for visiting an onsen and your leader will give you some tips and instructions during the trip. Please also be aware that travellers with large tattoos may not be permitted to enter public onsens.

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to adverse weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond your host's control – but they will always do their best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. Your host or your leader will notify you should any significant changes be required for your particular departure date.

You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.

The official currency of Japan is Yen (JPY). Japan is predominantly a cash society and locals carry large amounts of cash for daily business. International credit cards can usually only be used at major department stores or large restaurants, but cash from non-Japanese bank accounts can be withdrawn via the Cirrus and Maestro systems by direct debit (as well as Mastercard and Visa cash advance). This is now available at all post office ATMs around the country, as well as at 7-Eleven convenience store ATMs, making it very easy to get access to cash throughout the trip at each location 24 hours a day.

At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location and accommodation, and in some places options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully prior to your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.

Once you have booked on your trip, please fill out your passenger information form asap with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.

BACKGROUND

Japanese cuisine is rooted in the principles of seasonality, balance and respect for natural flavours, shaped by centuries of Buddhist influence, island geography and a deep reverence for seasonal ingredients — resulting in a food culture that is precise, varied and ingredient-led. Rice, fresh seafood, fermented staples such as miso and soy, tempura, tofu and pickled vegetables form the backbone of most meals, ranging from delicate sushi and sashimi to heartier dishes like ramen and grilled yakitori. Many dishes are intentionally served cold or at room temperature rather than piping hot, stemming from a long tradition of bento culture and long‑established food‑safety practices in Japan’s humid climate, where foods designed to hold well without reheating are preferred. Travellers should expect dishes served cold or at room temperature as a considered culinary choice rather than an oversight. In more remote locations, meals at ryokans and temples tend to be simpler and fairly set in their composition, so bringing additional snacks can be a practical way to add a little variety. Travellers with vegetarian, vegan or coeliac requirements may find things more complex than expected, as dashi — a fish-based stock — appears in many seemingly plant-based dishes and staff may not always be aware of its presence; your guide will help communicate dietary needs locally, though some personal research before travel is genuinely worthwhile.

SPECIAL DIETS

Vegetarian -Vegetarian diets are difficult to cater for on this trip. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination, and you may find the food provided repetitive. Many Japanese dishes use dashi, a traditional broth commonly made from fish (such as bonito flakes), as a base for soups, sauces, and cooked dishes, meaning meals that appear vegetarian may still contain fish-based ingredients.

Vegan -Vegan diets are difficult to cater for on this trip. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination, and you may find the food provided repetitive. One of the few traditional Japanese vegan meal styles is shōjin ryōri, which is typically served at temple stays. Outside of this setting, fully vegan meals are difficult to provide. Vegan diets can’t be catered for in Yamanakako and Kumano Kodo, due to the remote environment in which it takes place and a lack of available produce in the destination

Kosher -Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are rare and usually cannot be guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in advance by your host. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. The Host is unable to guarantee a separate, certified cooking/preparation area or the use of certified kosher products. They can, however, provide meals that exclude non-Kosher ingredients (such as pork and shellfish) and avoid mixing meat and dairy.

Halal -Certified Halal supply varies by location and may not always be possible.

INTOLERANCES

Gluten Free -Gluten-free diets can’t be catered for on this trip, due to the remote environment in which it takes place and a lack of available produce in the destination. Many staple Japanese ingredients, such as soy sauce and miso, commonly contain gluten, and gluten-free alternatives are difficult to source in this destination. In addition, food preparation environments are not suitable for avoiding cross-contamination. For guests with coeliac disease or severe gluten allergies, please be aware that the risk of contamination cannot be eliminated.

Lactose Free -Lactose-free diets are difficult to cater for on this trip. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination, and you may find the food provided repetitive. For guests with severe dairy allergies, please note that food preparation environments are shared, and the risk of cross-contamination cannot be eliminated.

ALLERGIES Japan has very strict hygiene regulations, but cross‑contamination cannot be guaranteed anywhere. We should take a cautious approach.

Our host has confirmed that provision for certain mild and severe or life threatening food allergies on this trip may be unreliable. Please get in touch with our Customer Experience team prior to booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip.

This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority. Please note that when travelling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods and labelling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. Whilst your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.

In Japan, you can expect a culture shaped by respect, consideration and a strong sense of social harmony. Daily life tends to run smoothly, with people placing value on politeness, punctuality and being mindful of others. Small details matter – from orderly queues to the care taken in customer service – and there’s a shared responsibility for keeping public spaces clean and organised.

Communication is often subtle and indirect, with people relying on context and non-verbal cues rather than saying things outright. This helps maintain balance and avoid confrontation, though it can take a little time to get used to. While people may seem reserved at first, this is usually a form of quiet respect rather than distance, and interactions are often warm, helpful and considerate.

There’s also a strong sense of discipline and pride in doing things well, whether that’s in work, hospitality or everyday routines. At the same time, attitudes can vary by region and generation, with larger cities often feeling more fast-paced and expressive than rural areas.

Travelling in Japan often requires a slight reset of expectations when it comes to cost. Prices can be relatively high, particularly on organised trips where English-speaking guides, private transport and pre-arranged experiences are included. You’re also paying for convenience, with logistics handled for you – from navigating complex transport systems to avoiding queues at popular sites. Many trips run during peak seasons, when accommodation prices rise, which can further push up overall costs.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

There are four very distinct seasons in Japan, each offering unique sceneries and experiences to enjoy. As this trip includes several days of hiking, it will not run during winter when snow and ice may affect a lot of the more remote trails.

Spring is generally from March to May with sakura (cherry blossoms) being without doubt the main attraction for visitors. This means larger crowds are to be expected at the main sites and in the cities; however, your guide will try to manage the schedule in the most efficient way. Temperatures are usually mild, ranging from 10-15ºC in March to 15-23ºC in May.

Summer in Japan lasts from June to mid-September and is usually very hot, with high humidity levels and daytime temperatures often above 30℃ – especially in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Up on the trails and by the lake, temperatures will be more pleasant and there may be the opportunity to cool down in shaded forests or at natural water sources you find along the way. August continues to see increasing temperatures in Japan and so trips will not run throughout this month.

Autumn lasts from about mid-September to mid-November and is widely considered to be a very pleasant time to visit, with temperatures ranging from approximately 10 to 21°C and generally clear weather. The vibrancy of the changing foliage (koyo) is the main attraction at this time of year.