Explore-Share Reviews 752

I was coming to Japan with the idea of climbing Mount Fuji on the Fujinomiya Trail because I was coming during the off-season. I consider myself a more advanced hiker and climber, so was hiring a guide because of the potential for bad weather conditions. If you are someone that is less advanced or less experienced in hiking, you may want to consider hiring Hama who is absolutely excellent. He asked a lot of questions and made sure I was comfortable every step of the way during the hike that can be extremely helpful for some newer hikers and I appreciated his attention to detail. Like I said, I am a bit more advanced in hiking, so I felt pretty comfortable doing the whole climb and the trail is very well marked and paved for the most part. Hamas approach was very slow, steady and cautious. Which again I really appreciated and I can imagine other hikers and visitors coming would appreciate that as well. Hama was an incredible guide and I would recommend to those who are looking to summit Mt Fuji, especially in the off season. I had an amazing time (even though the weather was crappy!!!)

My 17-year-old son and I had the incredible opportunity to climb Mt. Fuji with Hama as our guide, and we truly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the very beginning, Hama was thoughtful, organized, and deeply knowledgeable. His pre-trip planning and encouragement for proper prep was spot on.

We climbed out of season so I had some concerns and Hama made me feel at ease with everything.

He struck the perfect balance between being professional and personable — always encouraging, always patient, and always prepared.

Throughout the hike, he not only guided us safely up the mountain, but made the journey feel meaningful and enjoyable. He knew just when to push us and when to take a break, and he always made sure we were hydrated, warm, and comfortable, even giving some of his own water to my son when he ran out of the 160 ounces he brought which we were sure would have been enough.

What really stood out was how much Hama cared. He went out of his way to connect with us, share stories, and ensure that the experience was something we’d never forget. Thanks to Hama, my son and I shared a once-in-a-lifetime memory together that we’ll always treasure.

We even went out and enjoyed sushi together after the climb and Hama came through with a great recommendation on a place to eat near our hotel.

If you’re considering climbing Mt. Fuji and want a guide who is experienced, kind, and truly invested in giving you the best possible experience — Hama is the one.

Thank you again, Hama!

VERY disappointed in this company and the guide.
Never trust them again.

Wanted to hike Mount Fuji during the off-season as part of our Japan trip. I booked a guide through Explore-share many months in advance knowing that spots and dates are very limited. The guide had very good communication throughout the process until the very end. I grew up in Colorado and have knowledge of off-season hiking and was asking questions to understand the conditions and why certain items were being requested. These items included crampons, special hard boots to accomodate the crampons, and and ice axe. The guide took my questions as a sign that I may not comply with all his safety guidance. I assured him that I would but simply wanted to understand one mountaineer to another. I even called and talked to him to assure that we would comply. Right after our phone conversation where he assured me the trip was moving forward he cancelled 4 days prior to the climb. My non-refundable hotel near Fuji booked, high speed rail booked, but more important we now are 4 days out with no help from the guide or Explore-Share to find another guide or intervene to remedy the situation. This was suppose to be a family highlight of our Japan trip and it turned out to be a major disappointment. This was NOT handled professionally. We simply asked questions of the guide to better understand the conditions and equipment needed, at no time did I say or write that we would not comply with our guides directions. I hope this guide is removed from Explore-share and that the policies that allow a guide to cancel within 14 days or even a month prior to the trip is reviewed. The time, money and most important, the experience was lost as a result of trusting this company.

My guide Matteo was superbly professional and very engaging. It was my first time ice climbing and first time on a glacier at high altitude. I learned a great deal from the experience with the benefit of Matteo’s help, guidance and encouragement. Highly recommended!

Worry-free adventure. You just need to focus on enjoying the pow!

Despite being already late in the season (1st week of march 2025), we chased fresh powder based on recent snow reports and forecasts. We enjoyed fresh snow pretty much everyday even if it did not fall a single flake in Nisekko area where we stayed.

Our guide, Miro, was exceptional. A skilled skier and true snow hunter. He was good at chosing the right spot for skiing everyday and finding the right line on the backbowls. Furthermore, his positive attitude made every moment enjoyable, and skiing with him was a highlight

The stay at THE SLOPE Guesthouse was also another highlight of the trip. Newly renovated and very comfortable with all needed facilities and very kind and friendly host. The stay was topped with superb breakfast with home baked food cooked by Lulu.

All in all, 100% recommended.

Tadashi was a wonderful guide that made my first time climbing experience incredible. We climbed in the off-season so there was a lot of wind, snow, and some ice. If climbing in the off-season, a 2 day ascent is definitely the way to do it. We reached up almost 95% of way to the summit but ultimately the winds were too strong to keep going- I appreciate Tadashi's willingness to work with me and keep going until I felt I could not climb any higher and continue to be safe. His expertise was definitely needed on this off-season hike. If you are new to climbing like I am, I would absolutely recommend Tadashi. I could not have done it without him and I would ABSOLUETLY climb with him again if I had the chance. Also found renting clothing and gear to be helpful.

Mikio was our guide and was absolutely amazing! He was extremely communicative before the trip and assisted us with ascending Mt. Fuji with all the necessary gear. Throughout the trip, he provided us with insightful history and cultural lessons. He even provided us coffee and treats upon pickup. We highly recommend for anyone who is interested in hiking Mt. Fuji - thank you Mikio, you’re the best!

Disappointing experience. Another “operational business policies” company with zero human understanding.
Long story short: due to the incident the trip had to be cancelled the last moment. Any refund or reschedule was refused because it’s all about “guide (maybe) turned down other bookings” and nothing about “client worked, was making savings for several months and at the end just lost everything”.

I had the pleasure of having Santiago Valerga as my guide and it was an incredible experience. His vast knowledge of all the climbing areas and details of the routes, compounded with his true nature to support you on your journey and guide you made this an incredible experience. I had a serious trauma of falling on lead given I broke my back 6 years ago and in one afternoon with Santi he got rid of it. Now I can push my limits and fall confidently and truly enjoy my climbing. Furthermore, I always felt heard and Santi attuned to the experience to what I wanted making it a memorable trip. I highly recommend Santi for any climbing activities you’re looking to have.

While visiting El Chalten, we were interested in rock climbing outdoors. Juan was a great guide especially for beginners looking to rock climb outdoors!

My husband and I took this trip as part of our honeymoon and it was magical. The view alone was breathtaking. Luis was so kind, experienced, and enthusiastic to help us climb as much as we wanted. He truly catered the experience to our wants and needs. He was also helpful in learning more about climbing and places in the world to go. 10 out of 10 recommend!

Trip was amazing! We walked 43 kms and climbed approx 18,500 feet ascent and descent within 36 hours with perfect weather (Sea level to Teide Summit and down half way). Amazing scenery - other worldly. Ivan arranged the flat (which was very comfortable) and the permits. The actual guide was reknowned spanish climber Oscar Cadiach - who was super friendly, cool and experienced with fantastic stories to tell. Our third guided trip with Explore.com and this was the best over all. Teide climb from sea level - definitely worth it !!

I had a wonderful day of bouldering in Fontainebleau. Leo was absolutely brilliant with the kids and he knows Font like the back of his hand!
Thank you Leo :)

Léo made boldering in the forest accessible while also finding appropriate challenges for us. We had a great time and came away better climbers.

La Pedriza, Sierra de Guadarrama trek was a great experience with your experienced and friendly guide. I saw interesting and beautiful rock formations, vultures, wild goats..May was a good time of the year to make this trek. Some sections we were taking were stony and a little bit demanding so you must be sure-footed and in a reasonable shape to enjoy this trek.

We had a great time with Leo! He knows Fontainbleau climbing extremely well, and he was also very good at finding boulder problems that suited us perfectly. Overall a super nice guy. Highly recommend taking a tour with him to get the most of a first time visit to Fontainbleau.

What an amazing place to tour, can't recommend it highly enough. And to make it even better Juho is a fantastic guide (& cook!) and really made the week something special.

The guides were all superb; very patient and knowledgeable, made the Tour a very enjoyable experience.

We had a great day with Mirto and climbed in a stunning location that was really special. We had a diverse range of capabilities on the day and Mirto provided great climbs for us all. It was the perfect blend of challenge and fun - rounded off with Sicilian ice cream!