A wonderful introduction to Japan [Ancient and Modern] This trip balanced history with ultra-modern culture. At one point, I started the day with a traditional bath at our ryokan, then we visited the snow monkeys and by evening we were in the centre of Tokyo's night life.
The last week of March was cherry blossom time in Kyoto but early April was too late for most of the blossom in Tokyo: I guess you can't have everything! Also bear in mind Mount Fuji's modesty: I've now visited Japan twice but haven't caught the slightest glimpse.
Everything from Mount Fuji to the blazing lights of Tokyo was completely breathtaking! I fell in love with Japan the second we arrived! I was happy to be with such knowledgeable guides during this tour. They helped me feel comfortable in a country where I didn't speak their language. Thank you, operator!
Temples, Trains and T'cherry Blossom An absolutely brilliant introduction to Japan: Plenty of time to see Kyoto and Tokyo as well as sampling the delights of the Japanese alps in Spring. And, of course, the cherry blossom. We went in April and hit it just right.
We experienced ancient Japanese culture with an array of stunning temples and modern Japan where the simple phrase "Shopping" cannot do justice to the experience that is the Ginza (and other parts of Tokyo) on a Saturday. Nearly all the travelling on this trip is by train - which I thought was fantastic. Bullet trains and little narrow gauge jobs up in the mountains - and ALL of them we spot on time.
Staying in Royokans was interesting - if a little challenging to my aging joints - and pretty basic but it's worth the effort for the experience and the hot tubs.