Luxury Japan Review: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, & Hakone, Historic Japanese Garden, Tea Ceremony, Culture & History

Review by traveler

Winnie M.

8.8.2019

General Info

Traveler Review

Which Country (Countries) did you visit on this trip?

Japan

Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company:

We just returned from a fantastic two week trip to Japan and couldn't be more satisfied with our travel planner and his team at this travel company. The question is not why choose this travel company, but rather, why not! This is a small travel company that is located in Tokyo and only focuses on travel in Japan, so their knowledge base is broad and deep and their esprit is familial.
The planner has lived in Japan for over 20 years, is bilingual, and has a deep understanding of the culture. The company's attention to detail is outstanding and personal. While sightseeing one day, our planner texted to warn us of high winds due to an incoming typhoon as well as notifying us of train delays. (Apparently, this can happen even in Japan!) During the planning phase of our trip, our travel planner was patient and helpful as he suggested itineraries, hotels, and activities and listened carefully to our feedback as the daily schedule took form.
Choosing the travel company to help plan a trip to Japan is a "no-brainer" as they say; you'd be a fool to not avail yourself of their expertise and professionalism.

What were the most enjoyable or memorable parts of your trip?

Everyday was an adventure, from sightseeing of historic sights with native guides to less typical activities like learning about the practice of Japanese tea ceremonies with a tea master in his home in Tokyo. Our planner set up an itinerary where there was a balance of busy days with guides and then days dedicated to individual exploration, something we requested.
During our two weeks, we traveled to Tokyo, Kanazwaa, Kyoto, Nara, and Hakone--a wonderful mix of metropolis, small city and countryside. One of our most memorable mornings was spent in an historic Japanese garden in Kyoto. The travel planner had arranged for us to have a private tour before the garden opened to the public and before it got too hot. We learned a lot and enjoyed the privilege of experiencing this exquisite setting by ourselves.

If you could take your trip again, what would you do differently?

Nothing! This was our first trip to Japan as well as our first trip to Asia and it couldn't have been a more comprehensive and well-planned introduction to this part of the world. (We are New Yorkers)
It should be noted however, that visiting Japan in the summer has pluses and minuses. It is less crowded because the foliage is not as exciting (cherry blossoms in spring & changing leaves in the fall are huge draws), but it is relentlessly hot and humid and that was challenging. (Sadly, the planner couldn't do anything about the weather!) We adopted the Japanese custom of using an umbrella for shade and hydrated continuously. All shops, restaurants, museums etc. are delightfully air conditioned, so time spent inside was rejuvenating and all our guides were attentive to our need to buy water, take a break etc. They even went to the trouble of bringing us frozen wash clothes to use during the day--very thoughtful! While the fall and spring would be cooler, the crowds would be more challenging--always a trade off.

Photos

Luxury Japan Review: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, & Hakone, Historic Japanese Garden, Tea Ceremony, Culture & History

General Info

Which Country (Countries) did you visit on this trip?

Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company:

What were the most enjoyable or memorable parts of your trip?

If you could take your trip again, what would you do differently?

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