Nikko

On Day 2, your luggage is transferred from Nikko to your accommodation in Yumoto Onsen, so you only carry a daypack on the trail. This transfer cannot be pre-booked or pre-paid — you'll need to drop your luggage at the train station yourself after 9:00 AM on Day 2 and arrange and pay for the transfer on the spot. The cost is approximately $20 per 20kg bag. It's a straightforward process and your walk notes explain exactly how to do it. For all other nights, your luggage will be at your accommodation.

No. For safety reasons, Stroll does not accept solo bookings on the Nikko walk. Some sections of the track are remote with limited mobile reception, and walking alone in these areas presents a higher risk in the event of an emergency.

Onsens are a highlight of this trip — particularly in Yumoto Onsen, where soaking in a hot spring after a day in the mountains is one of those experiences you'll remember long after you're home. A few important customs to follow. You bathe completely naked — swimwear is not permitted. Before entering the communal bath, wash and rinse yourself thoroughly at the shower stations provided. Keep your towel out of the water. Onsens are separated by gender. If you have tattoos, be aware that many onsens in Japan restrict entry — speak with your accommodation host before you arrive, as policies vary and some properties can arrange stickers to cover small tattoos for a modest charge. If possible, avoid peak bathing times and be considerate of other guests. The best times to soak are early morning, before breakfast or after dinner when it's quieter.

Remove your shoes at the entrance and change into the indoor slippers provided — this applies throughout the inn. Your room will include a yukata (cotton robe) for the evening. Wear something underneath, fold the left side over the right, and tie the belt firmly. A loose yukata is considered disrespectful. Meal times are set, so confirm dinner and breakfast times when you check in. Your yukata is perfectly acceptable attire for wandering around the inn, but is not appropriate for formal spaces like temple ceremonies.

A shower-proof daypack with a waterproof liner is ideal. Key items include a waterproof jacket, warm layer, sun hat and sunscreen, comfortable walking boots, 2–3 litres of water, lunch supplies, insect repellent, a first aid kit, toilet paper, your phone, and cash. In summer, wear long sleeves and pants due to leeches and bring bug spray.

Nikko is home to some of Japan's most sacred shrine and temple complexes, so cultural respect is particularly important here. Remove your shoes before entering traditional buildings — indoor slippers are usually provided. Dress modestly when visiting temples and shrines, and follow any posted guidelines about photography or restricted areas. Speak quietly in sacred spaces. On trains and buses, keep noise to a minimum and avoid eating or drinking. A slight bow when greeting people goes a long way. It is illegal to bring over-the-counter medicines containing pseudoephedrine or codeine into Japan — check your medications before you travel.

Japan runs largely on cash. Most ATMs outside airports and convenience stores don't accept foreign cards, so withdraw sufficient Yen early — 7-Eleven and other convenience store ATMs are your most reliable option for accessing cash with an overseas card.

No. Tipping is not customary in Japan and is generally not expected — in fact, it can sometimes cause awkwardness. Excellent service is simply the standard.

Coverage is generally reasonable in and around Nikko, but can be patchy on some of the more remote sections around Yumoto Onsen. Keep your phone charged and carry a backup power bank. Most accommodations have WiFi.

Traditional Japanese cuisine relies heavily on soy sauce, miso, and fish stock (dashi), which are present in most dishes and very difficult to remove. If you can tolerate these in trace amounts your options will be much broader. Vegetarian meals can sometimes be arranged with advance notice, but options are more limited in remote areas like Yumoto Onsen. Flag any dietary needs at the time of booking and bring supplementary snacks if your requirements are complex.