Incredible Japanese Fortnight.
Japan
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Sep 21 - Oct 4, 2026
Our local specialist Ada did an amazing job right from the trip planning stage and into the execution phase. Her efficiency and attention to detail were commendable. At the conclusion of each part of our itinerary she would summarize the next activity and actions needed which we found very handy. Most memorable was day 4-- Mt. Fuji & Ryokan experience in Hakone. The pristine landscape and relaxing ambience was a welcome change after Tokyo. The guide/driver Datong san was excellent. The Ryokan provided us with a vegetarian dinner and breakfast that exceeded expectations.
Not to denigrate Tokyo, which had it's own attractions. We appreciated the efforts of guide Tomoe Koyano on day 2. The afternoon of day 3 could have been better utilized. It was aggravating to navigate ourselves from our hotel to the meeting point at Nezu station in pouring rain. I wonder why the guide couldn't meet at our hotel ? The walk through the old town was uninteresting. The guide didn't have much to contribute as we meandered through the streets!
Day 5-- Kyoto. The tea ceremony was disappointingly contrived and lacking authenticity.We were not impressed by the attitude of the host of the show.
Day 6-- We appreciated our guide Sanae Uchida on this excellent excursion.
Day 7-- A good day's trip with driver Tan san to Himeji castle. The Mt Nunobiki visit was curtailed due to rain and we just rode the cable car up and down.
Day 8--An interesting visit to Nara with the competent guide Yuki.
Day 9--Very interesting visit to Tsumago and Magome with Vincent. Disappointed having to drop hiking plan due to heavy rain.
Day 10-- Was wasteful. Not enough time for the self guided morning tour and to catch a 11.48am train. We should have been booked on a later train. Reaching Kanazawa around 3pm was a wasted afternoon there as well.
Day 11--Appreciated the Shirakawa go tour with the well informed K san.
Day 12-- Drive to the Kurobe gorge. It was disappointing not to have visited the Shomyo Falls. The guide Mike said there wasn't enough time. However, this would have been possible by spending less time at the final trolley station and the Unazuki Onsen city (where there was nothing much to do). This was the first day that the trolley resumed going to the final station. Due to ongoing construction we couldn't go anywhere outside that station. It looked like the tour guide didn't have the authority or flexibility to make these small changes that would have enhanced the experience. Your itinerary promised a "stroll through nature"--- but it was sadly lacking! It was mostly a trolley and bus ride.
A suggestion for future trips: It would be useful to know the price break up of total trip cost to each segment of the tour. This helps to put a value on the experience at each venue.
Hotel Reviews
Excellent service. They specially prepared vegetarian food for us and the presentation was superb! Amazing private onsen. Great views from room.
We stayed here on the way in to Japan and on the way out.Very conveniently located providing easy access to public transport. Room very functional despite the small size. Very friendly staff. Adequate breakfast options.
Activity Review
It was basically a long bus ride followed by a trolley ride (admittedly a beautiful scenic ride) We were not taken to the Shomyo Falls apparently due to time constraints ( not very credible). It happened to be the first day that the trolley resumed the full ride till the final station but there was nothing to do there as construction was ongoing. This time could have been better spent at Shomyo Falls or at any other scenic spot, for a stroll through nature. The halt at Unazuki Onsen wasn't worth the time. Anyway the onsen was lukewarm and unimpressive.
