Fabulous Japan in December
Japan | Dec 2 - Dec 17, 2025

Glenda
Glenda F.
Rexburg, ID | Reviewed on Dec 18, 2025

We had an amazing time visiting Japan. Cory was fully present and extremely helpful from start to finish of our trip. I appreciate her organization of paperwork, bullet train tickets, chronological order of documents, and specific instructions on using each. This made getting around easy. We loved our guides, especially Pam. She is generous and kind and took us to places not on our itinerary. All the food tours were unique and enjoyable. Cory tweaked our itinerary based on our requests and offered unique experiences. I will recommend her services to friends. I appreciate having to ways to see Mt Fuji since Hakone gave us a foggy day when the ropeway wasn’t running. Along our journey people we met often asked about our favorite experience, a question I could not answer because each moment offered something special. That’s a credit to Cory. I do think it would be helpful to tweak itineraries a bit based on seasons as December days are shorter than spring and summer.

Hotel Reviews
Miyako City Tokyo Takanawa

Even though the room was small, it was organized well and offered a good view and seating. Love the wet room and efficient use of space.

Authenticity & Character
Location
A good place to start given the Gateway across the street.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kanazawa
Kanazawa
Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy to walk to major attractions.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle
Kyoto
Authenticity & Character
Location
A bit off the beaten path.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima-ekimae
Authenticity & Character
This hotel is part of a high rise and has exceptional views but is very modern.
Location
Great location in relation to Hiroshima Station but a ways from attractions.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Suiun
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shiba Park Hotel
Tokyo
Authenticity & Character
Love the library decor and display of paper products.
Location
An easy walk to a station to catch the train.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Dori with Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Dori with Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo

Loved visiting the temple but felt a bit rushed by our guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide needs to know the exchange rate. I think he gave me the Euro or British pound rate when I asked. I should have checked the rate myself.
Transport
Sumo Show with special, sumo nabe lunch included
Sumo Show with special, sumo nabe lunch included
Tokyo

Tons of fun and laughs w/ excellent audience participation. Very good food and service, too. They give you a photo and a gift bag.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Meiji Jingu Shrine with Private Guide
Meiji Jingu Shrine with Private Guide
Tokyo

Our guide knows a lot about the Shinto religion and made it possible for us to attend a service offered only a few times a year. This was a special day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover the secret gems of Kanazawa - Private Walking Tour
Discover the secret gems of Kanazawa - Private Walking Tour
Kanazawa
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Kyoto Temples & Gion Tour
Private Kyoto Temples & Gion Tour
Japan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Pam is an amazing guide. She knows all the best photo spots.
Transport
Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony with Kimono Wearing (Higashiyama)
Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony with Kimono Wearing (Higashiyama)
Japan
Quality of Experience
You might discover you like matcha tea.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our host was fascinated by the size of my husband’s hands. 🤣
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Japan

We were the only ones in this tour, and it felt as though the guide was going through the motions. The entire experience was rushed.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Izakaya food tour in Shinjuku (14 small tastings)
Izakaya food tour in Shinjuku (14 small tastings)
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide Max was very knowledgeable and personable.
Private Nara Day Trip with Half Day Walking Tour (Lunch included)
Private Nara Day Trip with Half Day Walking Tour (Lunch included)
Japan

The deer are aggressive!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour
Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour
Kyoto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Cory Varga