Our 16-day adventure through Japan was an inc...
Japan | Jun 25 - Jul 10, 2026

Daniel
Daniel M.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Jul 15, 2026

Our 16-day adventure through Japan was an incredible experience, and we truly appreciate the time and effort Shona put into helping us plan such a memorable trip. She listened to our interests, understood our family’s travel style, and provided recommendations for experiences, accommodations, and transfers that made our journey special.

There were, however, a few areas where the planning and support could have been improved. We did not receive our finalized itinerary until about five days before departure, which limited our ability to arrange some additional activities we would have liked to include.

We also experienced a significant issue with our hotel in Okinawa. Before departing Texas, we specifically asked about the itinerary description stating “2 twin beds and room perfect for a couple getaway” because we were traveling as a family of four. Shona reassured us that the hotel had confirmed the room would be large enough to accommodate all four of us. Unfortunately, upon arrival, the room provided was not suitable for our family. Although the issue was eventually resolved by moving us to another property, the stress involved and the time lost during our vacation were disappointing and could have been avoided.

Communication during unexpected situations was another challenge. While traveling, two typhoons were approaching our route, and we reached out to Shona for guidance on whether we should continue to our next excursion/destination or adjust our plans. Unfortunately, we were unable to reach her directly and again had to use the emergency support number. While the emergency assistance was appreciated, having direct access to Shona during these important moments would have provided additional confidence and reassurance.

Overall, we had an amazing trip and are grateful for Shona’s expertise, recommendations, and the effort she put into planning our Japan adventure. The trip itself was wonderful, and her guidance helped create many unforgettable memories. With earlier delivery of the final itinerary and more reliable direct communication when unexpected issues arise, the overall experience would have been exceptional.

Local specialist: Shona Zhang
Shona
Shona Zhang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Jul 19, 2026
Hi Daniel, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback. I truly appreciate both your kind words and your honest suggestions. I'm delighted that your family had an amazing time in Japan and created so many wonderful memories. I also sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the Okinawa hotel issue. Regarding the communication during the typhoons, the main issue was unfortunately with my phone—I couldn't hear the caller's voice during phone calls. I've... Read more

Hi Daniel,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback. I truly appreciate both your kind words and your honest suggestions.

I'm delighted that your family had an amazing time in Japan and created so many wonderful memories. I also sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the Okinawa hotel issue.

Regarding the communication during the typhoons, the main issue was unfortunately with my phone—I couldn't hear the caller's voice during phone calls. I've already arranged to have my phone repaired so this won't happen again. I'm truly sorry for the frustration this caused.

Thank you again for your valuable feedback. It was a pleasure helping you plan your trip, and I hope to welcome you and your family back to Japan someday!

Warm regards,
Shona