Excellent service for an incredible trip!
Japan | Apr 13 - Apr 27, 2026

A
Alice M.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on May 04, 2026

Eleanor is an excellent planner. She was knowledgable and helpful in the planning process as well as throughout our trip. I appreciate how clear Eleanor was in her communication with us. She was prompt and consistent in her responses, and always available and able to answer questions/ change bookings etc. Knowing Eleanor was on hand to help in the event of difficulty was reassuring to myself and the other members of our party.

Eleanor also put us in touch with Yoshika, who was a fantastic tour guide for our time in Kyoto.

Many thanks to Eleanor for helping us to make the trip of a lifetime in Japan!

Hotel Reviews
Kyoto Umekoji Kadensho - Private Bath Facility

Wonderful space with traditional tatami mats throughout (no shoes allowed past entrance). The rooms were comfortable, clean and quiet, and the breakfast delicious. The staff was helpful and attentive. Would definitely stay here again when traveling to Kyoto.

Authenticity & Character
Traditional tatami floors, futon beds, shoji doors throughout. The baths were lovely too.
Location
About a 45min-1hour walk from the central shopping area and Gion neighborhood, 20-30 min walk from Kyoto Train Station. It was nice to retreat from the crowds to have a relaxing sleep and leisurely start to each day.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Groove Shinjuku
Tokyo

Nice spot to start and end out trip with. Large, western-style hotel in Shinjuku (busy commercial and transportation hub area). A reliable choice for cleanliness and tasty food.

Authenticity & Character
Fun theme of records and vintage music.
Location
Bang in the middle of a very busy area of Tokyo (Shinjuku). Good if you're happy to be in crowds first thing in the morning with lots of commercial outlets near by.
Staff
Very helpful and attentive staff who managed the chaos of check in and out with ease.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were quiet and clean. Very comfy beds for an excellent sleep.
Activity Reviews
Sightseeing in Kyoto: Arashiyama & Zen Temples
Sightseeing in Kyoto: Arashiyama & Zen Temples
Kyoto

Fun, quirky and beautiful sites to visit. More crowded but helpful to have a guide to help navigate and cut-down the need for constant decision making on our part!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wonderful Day in Uji & Nara
Wonderful Day in Uji & Nara
Kyoto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore the Spiritual and Tranquil Kyoto with Fushimi Inari (for Laura)
Explore the Spiritual and Tranquil Kyoto with Fushimi Inari (for Laura)
Kyoto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kyoto

Quite a touristy experience. Wasn't my favorite of the trip, although not sure if there were other ways of witnessing this special practice.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Eleanor Chen