Kaleidoscope of Japan (balancing small towns with large metros)
Japan
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Apr 1 - Apr 22, 2026
Amazing Japan trip with three couples (good friends) traveling together. We covered a wide range of different activities, and got a comprehensive feel for different parts of Japan, with many unique experiences.
Overall, the trip went as planned, though did require some upfront micro-management to get the itinerary in sync and consistent. The Kim Kim platform was effective, intuitive and easy to navigate by all users. Sandy Ren, and the Odynovo team (local Japan agent) were responsive and available, both before and during our trip.
All our hotels and ryokans were great - we really enjoyed the boutique hotel approach vs. relying on name brand chains.
Gora Kansuiro (our ryokan in Hakone) was an authentic traditional Japan inn experience, with low tables & chairs on our tatami mats in room, which were made into futons for sleeping, en-suite private hot spring bath, plus open-air communal hot spring bath where we relaxed gazing out at the quiet forest, and delicious spread of Japanese dishes for breakfast and dinner.
Ryokan Asunaro (in Takayama) was most comfortable, with larger rooms, chairs and futons in-room, communal hot bath, choice of western or Japanese breakfast, and comfortable chairs to relax in the lobby.
Activity highlights included Tokyo Sumo wrestling, early morning Toyosu Tuna auction, cherry blossoms in Tokyo, Mt Fuji backdrop on Lake Kawaguchi in Hakone and Takayama, Kirin whiskey tasting near Mt Fuji, sake tasting in Takayama, Hakone Open Air contemporary art museum, Sushi making at Nakata Cooking School in Kanazawa, Snow Monkey Park in Kyoto, Kobe botanic & herb gardens, Himeji and Osaka castles, and Hiroshima dome and memorial.
Some of the activities could have been improved by going at night with less crowds (such as Bamboo Grove and Fushimi Inari-Taisha (Torii gates) in Kyoto).
Our private guides were knowledgeable and helpful - highlights were Kei, our guide in Tokyo and Hakone, and our Takayama-Kanazawa driver (who was like a guide), who were engaging, funny and especially helpful.
We also had a good balance of self-guided days, in which we explored (mainly by walking, but also taxi & subway) historic Tokyo, the backstreets of Takayama & Kanazawa, and additional activities such as the Maiko (geisha) dance & tea discussion and a contemporary art museum in Kyoto, incredible Kobe steak lunch (in Kobe), and two different jazz Kissaten bars in Tokyo and Kanazawa.
Transfers and train tickets were seamless and all on time as planned. Strongly suggest you forward luggage from one hotel to next when taking trains as a group.
Overall, an incredible Japan trip packing six stops into 18 days (Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto & Osaka) with nice balance of large metros with small towns.
Hotel Reviews
We love the library lounge area of the lobby to sit and relax
An authentic ryokan experience with Private Hot Spring baths and communal hot spring baths, tatami mats and low tables and chairs in rooms with authentic Japanese dinner and breakfast, we are in kimonos and sandals
A an excellent blend as traditional and western Vs. Japanese, onsen bath option, nice lobby to sit and relax, large rooms with futons and sitting area, central location
One of the nice options was evening Ramen at a common table included
Great breakfast and comfortable rooms
Great view over the river, centrally located in downtown Osaka, included executive lounge
Activity Reviews
