We invite customers to send us feedback after their tours, but to ensure that all feedback is completely unbiased we do not offer future discounts or any other benefits in exchange for a customer’s review.
note: any text or photos published on this page are done so with the express permission of the customer in question. We will of course never post anything from our customers without such permission.
Meg
From: Canada/Japan
Tour: Magome-Tsumago Walking Tour
When: Winter 2024
Nick is an excellent guide. He is friendly, thoughtful, and very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the area. He also speaks Japanese very well. It was clear through his tour that he truly loves this place and its people, and they really appreciate him too. His tours are highly recommended for both foreign tourists and Japanese visitors. A huge thanks to Nick for making my day in Magome and Tsumago absolutely unforgettable. I will definitely come back again.
Grace
From: Philippines
Tour: Magome-Tsumago Walking Tour, Nagiso Traditional Woodworking Tour
When: Autumn 2024
Our trip was absolutely incredible, and a big part of that was thanks to Nick. He wasn’t just a guide—he truly created an experience for us that we’ll never forget. His thoughtfulness, knowledge, and genuine passion made every moment feel special. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide, and we’re already planning to come back.
Megan
From: UK
Tour: Magome-Tsumago Walking Tour
When: Autumn 2024
10/10 highly personalised and knowledgable tour
It’s been a truly 10/10 experience from start to finish with Nick! Even from the get go when I reached out asking for recommendations, Nick took the time to gather information and provide me with options for the type of day I might like to have. His communication was always timely and clear, and I really got the impression that this is where his passion lies.
I really felt as though my needs were met, I wanted to explore nature and get some hiking in, whilst also being able to enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine. He’d recommended a traditional restaurant in Tsumago (Otokichi) and it was absolutely delicious! I also mentioned that I wanted to find some truly authentic gifts for friends back home and he suggested we go to a traditional wood turning shop – and this was an experience in itself! I was so impressed by the products but also so lucky to have met the lovely family who run it. Nick took additional time out of his day to arrange this ‘extra’ and I’m very grateful.
Nick took time throughout the day to understand my needs and form a personalised experience for me. One where I felt listened to, and got to enjoy the best of this wonderful part of Japan.
Thank you Nick, I hope our paths cross again!
Paul (& Family)
From: UK/Germany
Tour: Magome-Tsumago Walking Tour, Akasawa Forest Relaxation Tour
When: Autumn 2024
(Paul was also kind enough to write a blog post about his experience on our tour together!)
We are a family of three who came to Japan for three weeks this autumn, and without question one of the absolute highlights of a magical trip was the two days we spent in the company of Nick exploring the Kiso Valley. Before we even arrived in Japan, Uncharted Nakasendo had been incredibly helpful with tips and advice, and although we knew we wanted to spend one day hiking the famous Nakasendo trail, we were completely open to what might be possible on the second day… and we are so glad we were.
On day one we hiked from just outside Nakatsugawa to Tsumago, via Magome and the Magome pass. The hike was beautiful, the villages extraordinary, but more than anything it was the combination of this with Nick’s incredible knowledge and insight about Kiso and Japan as a whole that made the day so memorable. We had so many questions and he answered them with patience, humour and plenty of knowledge. I felt like I had a much better grasp of Japan, its history and the contemporary society after the day that it took quite a while to process it all!
On the second day, Nick took us to Akasawa, the forest where forest bathing therapy was developed in the 1980s, and where we were joined by a local ranger – Mr Tanaka – who took us through the forest, explaining the history of the old growth trees, how the forest was managed and maintained through history, how trees are selected in a special ceremony ever 20 years for the Ise shrine and much, much more. Nick was on hand to translate, and it was such a brilliant experience to meet someone so passionate about “his forest” and hear all his stories.
At one point we asked him, after ringing yet another one of the bells beside the path, “have you ever met a bear?”
“Not this year…” he replied, with a twinkle in his eye. Lovely stuff.
In general, if you are coming to Japan and would like to get a feel for the history and culture of the country beyond the big cities, the Kiso Valley is really easy to get to from Tokyo/Kyoto/Nagoya and yet in places feels like a complete world away. And if you go there, make sure you get the services of Nick as your guide – although I imagine he is very much in demand! A brilliant couple of days and more than we could have imagined or hoped for. Thanks so much Nick, and we look forward to walking the trails of the Kiso Valley again!
Shane & Octavia
From: UK
Tour: Yogawa Road Walking Tour
When: Spring 2024
We had a wonderful day with Nick guiding, his knowledge of Japanese culture and history was invaluable and made our Nakasendo experience magical.
Jack
From: Philadelphia, USA
Tour: Magome-Tsumago Walking Tour
When: Autumn 2023
I took the Magome to Tsumago hike in 2023 with Nick as my guide. As a senior solo traveller, I was a bit concerned going hiking with someone I did not know, but Nick was very friendly, knowledgeable, and hiked at the perfect pace for me. He made sure he understood exactly what I wanted to do, and my train schedule to ensure everything went smoothly. It was an amazing hike, and the highlight of my vacation.
Theresa & David
From: UK
Tour: Magome-Tsumago Walking Tour, Yabuhara Traditional Woodworking Tour, Kakizore Gorge Walking Tour
When: Spring 2024
Nick did a great job for us recently arranging and guiding us in our trip to the Kiso Valley. From our first video conference when we explained what we were looking for and the timeframe, he immediately had helpful suggestions for how to make the best use of our time while we were there and also helped with the logistics. On the latter, this was all extremely promptly sorted and explained which gave us great piece of mind. While we were actually in the valley, he was a first rate guide and companion. His knowledge of the area and Japanese culture is extensive and he happily shared from his own experiences. The trip allowed us to do both hiking and cultural aspects such as wooden carving and local museum visits, as well as to eat in interesting local places with excellent food. As a result, we really felt immersed in our surroundings and got even more out of a short trip than we expected. We would very happily recommend him to visitors to the area.
Linda
From: Canada
Tour: Akasawa Forest Relaxation Tour (Forest Bathing)
When: Autumn 2023
It was profoundly satisfying to experience Shinrinyoku at the place of origin: the Akasawa Recreational Forest! My guide from Uncharted Nakasendo was the interpreter between me and the Forest Therapist. I loved discussing the scientific data of the medical benefits of spending time in the forest.
I loved learning to identify the different types of Cypress trees, particularly the highly aromatic hinoki cypress! I loved just laying on the ground, in the forest, absorbing the scents, sounds, and energy! I enjoyed the seasonal treats: muscat grapes, chestnut mochii, arboreal tea.
Thanks to Nick Keirle of Uncharted Nakasendo for the expertise to make this happen for me!! There’s no substitute for local knowledge!
Terri
From: USA
Tour: Yabuhara Traditional Woodworking Tour
When: Spring 2023
My husband and I travelled to Japan last May with a short list of specific goals related to exploring woodworking craftsmanship. We searched online for a guide who could help us with a personalized visit to a comb craftsman in the Kiso Valley. Luckily, we found Nick Keirle and corresponded with him prior to arriving in Japan. Nick immediately understood the nature of our request and was able to plan the perfect visit for us.
We met him at the train station in Yabuhara and knew instantly that we were in good hands. He had arranged a private visit to the craftsman’s studio, along with a walking tour of the town. The box lunch that he brought for us, from a local cafe, was one of the best meals that we had on our trip. There’s no way we could have experienced this memorable visit with the craftsman without Nick’s advice, attention to detail, excellent translations and cultural insight. We’re so thankful that this guide experience worked out and highly recommend his services to anyone looking for a personalized experience in this beautiful region of this amazing country.
Uncharted Nakasendo 