From Japan’s Inland Sea to the Alps

Trip Reviews for From Japan’s Inland Sea to the Alps

Average Traveler Rating: Review This Trip »

(193 Traveler Reviews)

Marty from OH gives this tour

Hit cherry blossoms in full bloom even though unexpected. Spectacular. Enjoyed the lunch with geisha and maiko and demonstration and night at ryokan. Guide Hiroma's outstanding handling of a medical emergency of a friend of ours (also on tour) on our last night of our tour. She handled everything expertly and stayed with them until they were safely back in their room. Gorgeous views of Mt. Fuji. Just the chance to experience their culture - the extreme politeness and the wonderful cleanliness of the cities.

Overall

Travel Documents

Accommodations

On-Tour Transportation

Guides and Sightseeing

Value for the Money

Date Traveled: 4/7/2024
Gary from OH gives this tour

I liked experiencing the Japanese culture and people that everywhere were extremely polite and reserved. Every hello or contact from employees at restaurants, hotels, or 7-eleven clerks started with an ever so slight bow. Kyoto and history was great! The Geisha and Maiko lunch was a highlight. We had gone 2 days early and saw the Mayako Odori show and I would recommend that to travelers if they have a chance to see the beauty and pageantry of the Maiko show. I would strongly recommend any travelers to take advantage of the opportunity to stay in the traditional Japanese inn (Yoshi-Ima Ryokan) where the overnight stay on matts, futon (very comfortable), Japanese dinner in your room, Japanese garden, and the traditional Japanese tea ceremony is a once in a life time experience to see what traditional Japanese life is like. We entered with a little trepidation but we were welcomed openly and quickly became comfortable with their traditions. The sushi was great through out Japan and it was fun to get to make it ourselves in Tokyo. On our own, one night we saw a single act play of Kabuki in Tokyo to experience the ancient plays of the all male cast in amazing costumes and makeup (our tour guide helped us in how to obtain tickets). I would encourage everyone who takes the tour to go a little out of your comfort zone to experience the hot baths in Takayama since you will have an appreciation of how traditional Japanese relax. The temples and shrines were beautiful but the experiences of Japanese life is what really makes the trip extra special.

Overall

Travel Documents

Accommodations

On-Tour Transportation

Guides and Sightseeing

Value for the Money

Date Traveled: 4/7/2024
Kim from CA gives this tour

We saw a lot of the country and the hotels were great.

Overall

Travel Documents

Accommodations

On-Tour Transportation

Guides and Sightseeing

Value for the Money

Date Traveled: 4/5/2024
Judith from NJ gives this tour

Japan! It is a beautiful country. The Sakura were spectacular in full bloom. The culture is so interesting, the shrines, the temples and the countryside is beautiful. And, the onsens, it is an experience not to be missed and important in understanding the culture of Japan.

Overall

Travel Documents

Accommodations

On-Tour Transportation

Guides and Sightseeing

Value for the Money

Date Traveled: 4/2/2024
Bruce from NJ gives this tour

The hotels were 5 Star plus; The Itinerary was interesting; The food was delicious; and The Japanese people were extremely polite, courteous, friendly, civil, and respectful.

Overall

Travel Documents

Accommodations

On-Tour Transportation

Guides and Sightseeing

Value for the Money

Date Traveled: 4/2/2024

Page
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

Stay in a Japanese inn...

Enjoy dinner and a night at the Yoshi-ima Ryokan here in Kyoto’s Gion district on Day 4. Just $195 per person double, $200 single.

Takayama's Seasonal Festivals

With colorful centuries-old traditions, Takayama’s Spring + Fall Festivals are highlighted by a spectacular parade of giant floats, many of them dating to the 17th century with remarkable, ingeniously-animated moving parts. Go in Spring and delight in the island’s famed Cherry Blossoms or join us in the fall for the brilliant autumn foliage – what the Japanese call Momiji.