We had a fabulous time during our 15-day trip...
Japan | Apr 24 - May 8, 2025

Yusuf
Yusuf B.
Concord, CA | Reviewed on May 10, 2025

We had a fabulous time during our 15-day trip to Japan! The trip was planned and coordinated by local specialist Shona. She did a great job in planning the trip the way we wanted (including all the train reservations). We visited Tokyo (5 Nights), Kyoto (5 Nights), Matsue (2 Nights) and Osaka (2 Nights). In Tokyo and Kyoto, we had several private full day trips to points of interest as suggested and planned by Shona. Our local tour guides Yumi (Tokyo) and Yuji and Ken (Kyoto) were all great in explaining the importance of the sites we visited. In Matsue and Osaka, we chose to do the sightseeing on our own but followed suggestions from Shona. The selected Hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka met our expectations. In Matsue we chose to stay at a Ryokan which provided a great cultural experience with Japanese traditions including the prefixed Japanese style dinners). If anyone is planning a trip to Japan, I would highly recommend Shona as your local travel specialist.

Hotel Reviews
Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier
Tokyo

Great Location. Delicious breakfast spread

Authenticity & Character
As expected.
Location
A 5-10 min to Ginza Shopping District
Staff
Courteous front desk and restaurant staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was a bit smaller than expected.
The Blossom Kyoto
Kyoto

A tastefully designed hotel

Authenticity & Character
Great breakfast spread
Location
About 20 min walk to major shopping and restaurant district
Staff
Courteous staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
as expected
Kasuien Minami

An excellent Japanese Ryokan. Not much English spoken here. On site natural hot spring water Onsen. Highly recommended for cultural experience.

Authenticity & Character
Grand Japanese style decor throughout the facility
Location
Nothing in walking distance, but that was OK. Taxis available
Staff
An English-speaking front desk staff named Saphna (A Nepalese lady) who went out of her way in explaining the facilities and hotel traditions.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was great !
Hotel New Otani Osaka
Osaka

Great Hotel lobby with multiple on-site restaurants. Delicious breakfast spread

Authenticity & Character
Typical
Location
Except for Osaka Castle nothing is close by ...
Staff
Courteous customer relation staff helped us plan a trip to Himeji Castle
Cleanliness & Comfort
All good
Local specialist: Shona Zhang
Shona
Shona Zhang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on May 12, 2025

I’m absolutely delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your trip to Japan—honestly, your happiness brings me even greater joy! Thank you sincerely for recognizing the efforts of both myself and our driver/guide team. It was our privilege to be part of your journey.
I truly hope fate brings us together again in the future—it would be my pleasure to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience.
Best Wishes for ever
Shona