We enjoyed each of the four cities that we visited (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima). Yumi, Yesgo (phonetic spelling), and Yoko were all excellent guides - knowledgeable, personable, and interesting. Sandy did an excellent job of laying out our itinerary, providing helpful information, and answering questions before and during our trip.
Hotel Reviews
The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome
Tokyo
We did not stay in the Royal Park. We stayed at Via Inn Prime Akasaka and it was conveniently located and quite satisfactory.
Authenticity & Character
It is a modern hotel set up well for business people and tourists visiting Tokyo.
Location
Reasonable walk to many points of interest. Easy access to the subway.
Staff
The staff was courteous and very helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Due to an illness, we need a change of bed linens after the first night and they responded graciously.
Sakura Terrace -Adult Only
Close to the train station. Excellent restaurant and helpful staff.
Authenticity & Character
A modern hotel with comfortable room and excellent restaurant.
Location
Easy walk to the train station.
Staff
Courteous and professional.
Cleanliness & Comfort
A very nice hotel.
Hotel Forza Osaka Namba Dotonbori
Great location next to shopping arcade and subway. Small but comfortable room
Authenticity & Character
Modern hotel. Small but comfortable room, good breakfast.
Location
Close to shopping arcade and subway/local train station.
Staff
Friendly and professional.
Cleanliness & Comfort
the room and the breakfast area.
THE KNOT HIROSHIMA
Hiroshima
Very nice room close to the Peace Memorial Museum, the river, and bus and trolley stations. Easy walk to a shopping arcade.
Authenticity & Character
Modern, spacious room, comfortable bed, good restaurant and 14th floor bar.
Location
Close to the Peace Memorial Museum, the river, and bus and trolley stations. Easy walk to a shopping arcade and a small tempura restaurant that was quite good..
Staff
Friendly and professional.
Cleanliness & Comfort
See above.
Activity Reviews
Full Day Tokyo City Tour
Tokyo
Knowlegeable and friendly guide.
Quality of Experience
Educational and interesting.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Yumi was great.
Transport
Comfortable and convenient.
Gion Corner: Traditional Arts Performance
Kyoto
We really enjoyed this glimpse into Japanese entertainment and culture. The comedy was our favorite.
Quality of Experience
Only one hour but very enjoyable.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Not applicable. We went there on our own.
Transport
Subway and walk. GPS was helpful if not essential.
Full Day Tour of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Sagano Scenic Railway
Kyoto
Most of our time in Japan was spent in cities so this was a nice experience in the countryside.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Yasuko was an excellent guide in Kyoto and Osaka.
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Osaka
Good food. We enjoyed the guide and the other family on our tour.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Fu-Chan was an excellent guide. Personable, enthusiastic, and an inspring personal story that she shared when we asked her about her life when she is not working as a guide.
Feed Deer At Nara Park
Japan
We had no idea there would be so many deer just walking among the people. This was fun!
Quality of Experience
The deer! And the temple was educational and interesting.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great job.
Transport
Easy and convenient.
Full Day Miyajima Island and Memorial Park Tour
Hiroshima
Touring the Memorial Park was a profound experience. We learned so much from Yoko. Miyajima Island was also enjoyable.
Quality of Experience
Learning about this from a Japanese point of view was educational.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Yoko is a great guide for this city.
Transport
Moderate walking required. We also enjoyed the boat ride and the trolley.
Local specialist: Sandy Ren
