November 2023
We both really enjoyed our stay on the Shin Etsu. Everything went smoothly and all our hosts were welcoming We were met at Iiyama station and given an orientation and then our host Toshi from Elm Pension picked us up. Elm Pension was basic but comfortable. Yoshi's cooking was excellent. The walking started the next day and Hiromi Matsumura the local guide was fabulous. Really informative, welcoming and fun. Lovely views and easy walking. The trail itself is very quiet compared to others we have walked. The maps supplied were invaluable but I also purchased an English guidebook at Ilyama which helped. A couple of stretches of track were a bit rough and you do many climbs and ascents. I would love to see a longer walking option provided by your company - perhaps Sections 1 to 6. A week's worth of walk would be great.
It is a wonderful area to explore.
Mary
