Bella created a wonderful travel itinerary for us for our August 2026 visit to Tokyo and Kyoto. Before the trip, we provided a list to Bella of our interests and she designed a perfect agenda for us.
Also, the two tour guides Mr. Ryuji Kanie (Toyko) and Mr. Hiroshi Hanada (Kyoto) were terrific guides and made our trip run smoothly for us.
Additionally, the drivers who picked us up at various times at the airport, hotel, and train stations were always on time and very polite.
Overall, Bella and her team made this trip to Japan one full of wonderful memories.
Lastly, Bella created a video for us using photos that our guides took. Almost made me cry seeing the wonderful adventures that we had.
John & Laura Killmer
Hotel Reviews
Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu
Tokyo
Modern hotel located in the heart of Tokyo. Great location, nice room and good breakfast buffet.
Authenticity & Character
Clientele was a mixture of various nationalities which made the stay very interesting.
Location
Close to train station and restaurants
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel and restaurant were very clean.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo
Decor of lobby was very colorful and felt like an art gallery. Room was very clean and comfortable. Breakfast buffet was fabulous.
Authenticity & Character
Decor of hotel was very colorful and felt like an Asian art gallery. Hotel also had a public bath that we hadn't experienced before and added to charm of the hotel.
Location
Close to train station and restaurants.
Staff
Staff was very friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Breakfast buffet in the morning was layed out very well and started the day on a good note.
Activity Reviews
Tokyo Flavors & Traditions: Sushi Crafting, Old Tokyo & Culinary Treasures(Private Guide & Public Transportation)
Tokyo
Sushi making experience was a highlight.We also enjoyed touring the Asakusa District, particularly entering through the vibrant Kaminarimon Gate.
Food
We really enjoyed eated the sushi that we prepared during our sushi making class. Great instructors.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our tour guide Mr. Ryuji Kanie did an excellent job of describing the sights and allowed us to enjoy the attractions at our pace.
Transport
All points of transporation were on time.
Arashiyama Hidden Paths & Tea Traditions Experience (Private Guide & Public Transportation)
Kyoto
The Arashiyama Hidden Paths and Tea Experiences also exceeded our expectations. In addition, we toured the private gardens of one of Japan's famous silent film era actor. Walk through the gardens was a special treat.
Quality of Experience
Walk through the silent film star gardens was an unexpected treat.
Also, tea ceremony was an enjoyable experience.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide Mr. Hiroshi Hanada made everything run smoothly.
Guided Scenic Journey from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji & Lake Yamanaka Cycling Experience, Ending at Mishima Station
Japan
Lake Yamanaka cycling experience was one of our favorite activities., It was so much fun bike riding around Lake Yamanaka and seeing Mt.Fuji.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide, Mr. Ryuji Kanie did a great job of leading us on the bike ride. Additionally, our guide found a small family owned restaurant where we had lunch. We were able to meet the owners and enjoyed an authenic Japanese meal.
Transport
Driver did an outstanding job of transporting us to our various designations.
We loved the city of Kyoto.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Driver was waiting for us at appointed time and transported us comfortably.
Kyoto Culinary & Cultural Discovery: Fushimi Inari Walk, Sake Tasting, Nishiki Market & Ramen Making
Kyoto
We found Kyoto to be a city that exceeded our expectations. The activities that we had for this day made for a delightful day in Kyoto.
Quality of Experience
The variety of experiences highlighted the beauty and diversity of Kyoto,
Food
We really enjoyed our hands on Ramen Making Experience and our dinner afterwards.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide Mr. Hiroshi Hanada did a terrific job of leading us to all of our activities.
Local specialist: Bella Wu