A perfect trip to Japan.
Japan | Apr 17 - Apr 27, 2026

Karen
Karen K.
Borough Park, NY | Reviewed on Apr 28, 2026

I worked with Ben for a number of months to personalize a very special trip to Japan. He could not have been more accommodating, and he answered every question in a timely manner. He made wonderful suggestions, and we weren’t disappointed anywhere along the line.

We had three different guides, Ursula, Sorata, and Pitt - each lovely and knowledgeable. We enjoyed spending our days with them very much.

Everything promised was delivered, and even more. Ben even arranged for a birthday cake for me - a delightful surprise.

Our time in Japan was filled with wonderful memories, beautiful experiences, and gracious interactions. We can’t wait to come back!

Hotel Reviews
Gion Elite Terrace

Great location! Clean and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Onyado Nono Namba Natural Hot Spring
Osaka

Our only disappointment on the trip. This hotel, although in a great location and clean, is not the most comfortable. Tiny room. We could barely put our clothes or suitcases anywhere. It feels more like a family budget hotel, and we were paying luxury prices.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
THE KNOT HIROSHIMA
Hiroshima

Love this hotel! Great location next to the Peace Park. Easy access to shopping and food. Overall, a nice hipster boutique hotel, if that’s where you’re looking for. Nice high floor bar.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
PROSTYLE Ryokan Yokohama Bashamichi
Yokohama

Good location, nice room. Easy access to subway, restaurants and shopping.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Hidden Paths of Arashiyama:Tea Ceremony ,Moss Temples and Kaiseki Dinner with Maiko Performance(Private Guide, Public Transportation)
Hidden Paths of Arashiyama:Tea Ceremony ,Moss Temples and Kaiseki Dinner with Maiko Performance(Private Guide, Public Transportation)
Kyoto

Arashimaya was fabulous! Highly recommend going there - just glorious in spring. The tea ceremony and Maiko experience felt a bit touristy, but if you want to be dressed in a kimono for tea, then this might be for you. But our guide Ursula was wonderful!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Trip to Himeji: Exploring Japan’s First Famous Castle and Tranquil Gardens (by public transport)
Day Trip to Himeji: Exploring Japan’s First Famous Castle and Tranquil Gardens (by public transport)
Osaka

Fascinating castle with an interesting history. The gardens nearby were beautiful. Be prepared for a lot of steps.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Osaka's Dual Charms Guided Tour: Tsutenkaku, Namba Yasaka Shrine & Kuromon Market with Public Transportation
Osaka's Dual Charms Guided Tour: Tsutenkaku, Namba Yasaka Shrine & Kuromon Market with Public Transportation
Osaka

The tower, — it’s a bit touristy. If you like going up the Eiffel Tower, or to the Statue of Liberty, or to the top of the Empire State building, then this is that type of experience. But we enjoyed walking in the nearby neighborhood and stopping by Four for a night local lunch. We also had a nice walk through a beautiful park. Be careful at Kuromon market if you order Uni. They hide the prices a bit, and there might be a little sticker shock at the end.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Miyajima’s World Heritage & Serene Temples: Guided Full-Day Tour with Public Transfer & Ferry
Miyajima’s World Heritage & Serene Temples: Guided Full-Day Tour with Public Transfer & Ferry
Hiroshima

This was always on my bucket list, and it did not disappoint. Beautiful setting, nice day overall.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Kamakura Ancient Capital Tour: Great Buddha & Zen Temples (Public Transport)
Guided Kamakura Ancient Capital Tour: Great Buddha & Zen Temples (Public Transport)
Japan

I had visited, Kamakura before, but my husband had not. I wanted him to see the Buddha and bamboo forest and it could not have been a more perfect day, weatherwise. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ben Tanaka
Ben
Ben Tanaka
Local specialist in Japan, China | Replied on Apr 28, 2026

Dear Karen,

Thank you so much for your incredibly warm and heartfelt review. It was such a pleasure working with you and your lovely family to tailor your perfect Japan trip.

I’m truly happy to hear you had a wonderful time and were well looked after by Ursula, Sorata and Pitt. It was my great pleasure to arrange every detail for you, including the little birthday surprise.

Your kind words mean a lot to me. I sincerely hope we will have the honour of welcoming you back to Japan again in the future.

Best regards,
Ben