Very busy and exciting 2 weeks
Japan | Oct 27 - Nov 9, 2026

Eveline
Eveline G.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 14, 2026

It was a very busy two weeks. Having fantastic guides helped not only with seeing the sites and sampling local cuisine but also learning how to navigate the train/subway systems.
We had some terrific guides: Tokyo - Komaki; Takayama - Luca; Kanazama - Carolina. It was a thrill to see Mount Fuji in all her glory in Hakone; Staying in a very restful ryokan (with a private onsen) on our last two nights was a perfect way to relax after a very busy two weeks (Hakone Kowakudani Onsen Ryokan).

Hotel Reviews
Shiba Park Hotel
Tokyo

Great location in Tokyo with a comprehensive buffet breakfast, serving both Japanese and Western foods on the buffet.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
IORI SHIROYAMA
Takayama

Perfect private ryokan right in the heart of town. Modernized with excellent showers and kitchen. Breakfast delivered to your door each morning, alternating between Japanese and Western. Potential issue for some is that while the bedrooms are on the top floor, the bathrooms are not

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei
Kyoto

Good central location. Excellent Japanese buffet

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hakone Kowakudani Onsen Ryokan Mizunoto
Hakone

Perfect way to relax and unwind. The ryokan rooms are spacious and authentic. We had a private onsen on our balcony but there were also private and public onsens available.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Quiet location in the mountains
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Morning at Meiji Jingu, Omotesando, Rooftop gardens with Private Guide
Morning at Meiji Jingu, Omotesando, Rooftop gardens with Private Guide
Tokyo

Our guide Komaki was knowledgeable, fantastic and fun.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
This was on our first morning in Tokyo and our guide helped us navigate the trains and subways. This greatly helped us for the rest of our vacation.
Sushi Making Cooking Class
Sushi Making Cooking Class
Tokyo

It was fun and made me realize I will never make sushi again!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Kyoto Temples & Gion Tour
Private Kyoto Temples & Gion Tour
Japan

The listed items on the guide were not enough to fill the time. Luckily our guide recognized this and added in a walk thru the park. Unfortunately, she was a little hard to understand at times

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Owakudani Volcanic Steam Zone Hike
Owakudani Volcanic Steam Zone Hike
Hakone

This tour was only in Japanese. Had we known that, we probably would have skipped it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover the secret gems of Kanazawa - Omicho Market & Samurai District - Private Walking Tour
Discover the secret gems of Kanazawa - Omicho Market & Samurai District - Private Walking Tour
Kanazawa

Our guide Carolina definitely made this tour so fantastic. She introduced us to the local cuisine and history.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Cory Varga