Fantastic Trip to Japan
Japan
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Oct 12 - Oct 27, 2025
The trip to Japan was fantastic. Best of all was our local specialist Leny who was on top of every decision and need that we had. She remained in contact with us throughout the trip to make sure that things were running smoothly and to fix them if there was a glitch. She is absolutely great and anyone would be very lucky to have her as their specialist.
Our guides were all good on different levels. They were all enthusiastic and they all knew their stuff. One of them was hard to understand but the rest were fine. We would like to mention a couple of them (Ray who worked with Arigato Travel and took us on a food tour, Kazuyasu Hakata who took us to a beautiful waterfall, Aya who led us in Hiroshima, and Masa who drove us to Mt. Fuji). The hotels were all first rate except one (Candeo in Osaka) which was disappointing due to a surprising "we don't care" staff attitude. Candeo also had the smallest room, would not allow room charges, and had an overpriced restaurant. This was definitely an exception since everyone else in Japan and in every hotel was so nice. Two special events were the stay at the Japanese Inn (ryokan) and the Maiko dinner. Overall it was a terrific trip. Thanks, Leny.
Hotel Reviews
The experience at this Inn is fantastic and well worth the out-of-the-way trip. We arrived late in the afternoon and would have enjoyed a few extra hours to enjoy the private insen (hot springs hot tub). They serve a wonderful, colorful, delicious dinner. Relax and enjoy the experience if you have the opportunity.
Great location. In the center of a very busy and active part of central Tokyo. Lots of people out all the time. Not noisy since the hotel starts on the 17th floor and goes up from there. The staff is good but the room is small. As usual for Japan the space is well allocated. Fine place to stay. Good breakfast with large buffet.
Very nice room with excellent staff. Good buffet breakfast. If you order anything from the front desk, it is delivered to your room quickly and efficiently by a robot that rings your room bell, greets you, and leaves with "have a nice day." Worth the stay for the experience of the future.
Very large room. Lots of modern conveniences. Great breakfast buffet. Really nice stay in every way.
Very disappointing. The only staff in Japan that was unfriendly and unhelpful. Hotel restaurant was very expensive and the staff there was not helpful. Would not even allow us to charge our meal to our room. Breakfast buffet was ok but not memorable. Also location is in the middle of a concrete jungle in Osaka--not much around the hotel.
The room was a bit small and the location is not central. The staff was very nice and friendly. Breakfast buffet was okay--not great but not bad.
Activity Reviews
We were not sure what to expect and we were surprised how great it was. The guide (Ray from Arigato Travel) took us to local restaurants in Tokyo that specialize in foods from other parts of Japan. Best sushi we had the whole trip. It was great fun and definitely recommend it.
Very old part of Tokyo is so different from the center of the city. Many quiet streets and also cemeteries. Very nice contrast and learned a lot. NIce guide.
Spent several hours watching the clouds over Mt. Fuji. Relaxing, fun, and well worth the time.
Definitely a highlight of the entire trip. Beautiful Japanese Inn with private onsen and delicious and colorful private dinner (Kaiseki). Totally not to be missed.
Delightful insight into old Japanese tradition. Loved the experience.
Very special experience with Geisha (Geiko) who answered questions openly and gracefully. Another do not miss moment.
Ride to airport was efficient and uneventful. On time--no problem.
An important visit certainly for Americans who share this historical moment with Japan. Moving and worthwhile. Miyajima is very pretty if a bit touristic.
The group that was supposed to pick us up went to the wrong terminal and we waited over an hour. That was not fun after the long flight from the U.S.
Osaka Castle is nice to see but the Meiji era museum was the best part of the day.
