A trip that I will cherish forever! An amazing way to experience Japan in a short trip for your first time. Being able to meet people all over the world and share the experience was perfect. For the price and freedom to explore when not busy was worth every cent. Almost overwhelming how much you get to see and do in the prettiest place in the world. Felt safe and if I needed anything my guide was able to help. Met so many amazing people that I consider valued friends in just 10 days of fun. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
10 days of bliss exploring Japan This was our first group tour - a lovely bunch of people. Hayley, our tour guide, has been a gem! She is very knowledgeable about Japan and kept us entertained. She made sure we had enough suggestions of activities to enjoy in our spare time. She was quick on her feet when we encountered issues far beyond anyone's control on the bullet train and kept her cool when plans needed to change. Hayley is very respectful of the Japanese culture and manners Things to bear in mind when considering this tour: Definitely forward your luggage from Tokyo to Kyoto - but that means bring a small carry on so you can have 3 days worth of clothing to take to Hakone and Takayama. For traveling after that - a backpack is the way to go. Leave enough space in your luggage for all the gifts you will be buying. Rooms are often shared - with the majority of bathrooms being shared. If a couple - bear in mind that the pods are separated by gendered dorms. Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes - there is a lot of walking and climbing stairs Some of the experiences that have made an impact on me during this trip have included staying in a temple and having a meditation session with a monk while it was snowing outside. A Kendo class with a 4th generation Sumarai descendant. Learning how to make our own sushi and embracing the Japanese way of life
This is such a well designed itinerary to see the real Japan, from their rich history and Culture to the modern side it was amazing how you travel through their history along the trip. You get to see a LOT of places along the way in a manner that feels like you have accomplished a lot but not too quickly. I think anyone going to Japan has to be prepared for a lot of travelling and moving around, especially as almost everything is on public transport. Don't let this put you off as it is the best public transport in the world! So clean, always on time, friendly and respectful people - coming back to the UK after the trip was a real shock after we got experienced to the Japanese way.
