33 independent reviews for Japan small group holiday, Japan unmasked
Reviews for Japan small group holiday, Japan unmasked
Max Lever review 6 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Kumano Kodo, Sakurajima, Fukuoka, Takayama and several others2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Spend time understanding properly how rail travel works.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Used public transport the whole way and stayed in/visited places with low tourism traffic. Ate in small, local restaurants most of the time and used local coffee bars rather than chains. Stayed in hotels with high sustainability values.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
One of our best.Licinia Pereira review 30 Apr 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were many: getting the first glimpses of Japan from the plane (mountains with beautiful forest); the forest at Hakone; arriving at our Ryokan in Takayama and seeing no beds in the bedroom (cultural chock LOL); cycling around Takayama; spending the night in Miyagima in the fabulous Yamaichi Bekkan ryokan and doing sea-kayaking there. The museum of hiroshima and the Sanj?sangen-d? temple in Kyoto. All our beautiful Ryokans, the staff and the amazing/ interesting meals! the guides in Tokyo and Kyoto (both). All the activities we loved; also because of the human contact and being able to ask questions directly to Japanese people about their culture.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Use luggage forwarding! Book the seats for your bullet trains as soon as possible. Allow enough time in train stations. Do not use mobile data when arriving in Japan at airport; switch immediately to local free wi-fi because it is expensive. Fill in all covid/migration/customs data in the Japan travel website before departing. Trust the Info-Pack, relax and enjoy!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The local guides and local ryokans yes. By using local transport indeed.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10/10 - Very enriching and rewarding. We thoroughly enjoyed it. The travel covered a lot of aspects of Japan: from city to rural areas; from activities to food and shopping/ sight seeing/ culture which gave us a wide perspective of the country. It was certainly a winner to have booked this vacation with your agency because the suggestions and choices you proposed were right for us and the thorough level of planning took away the stress of organising it had we done it ourselves. We really appreciated all local guides, the support from the Japan support center, being picked-up and dropped off from and to the airport, getting the wi-fi and local IC-cards, etc. The info-pack was really our daily guide and super easy and accurate to use! A million thanks!Sue McCulloch review 21 Nov 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of it.The toilets. The superb autumn colour ( we were so lucky with the weather 1 day of rain)The Japanese inn, at Takayama, bento box, The horrors of Hiroshima, The temples / Shrines (especially Fushimi ) the gardens. Tokyo at night. The unbelievably knowledgable tour guide, Van, who also went out of his way with us to celebrate a 90th Birthday of a client. (Yes that really does say 90, and she didn't slow the tour up. What a lady)2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Try everything ! no idea what some of the food was but it was lovely. Vegetarians ( not eating fish) struggled a bit. try lots of small meals not 1 large one. Take cash, Japan is using e payments, but not common in the temples / shrines /restaurants / shops yet. The railway pass, and IC (buses and underground) card worked well, though the Japanese do seem to have these on their phones. (Van has a photographic memory of timetables !) Any money left on your IC card can be used in a 7/11 shop (show them before they ring up the purchase) or given to the rep, who will forward them to charity for you. Get the google maps app and google translate app (very good in restaurants). Internet is patchy, tour guide and hotel ones were best. Lack of bins (only found in stations and a corner of the 7/11's!! take your rubbish back to the hotel! Exchange WhatsApp contacts with group incase you get lost !3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. They are recovering from lack of tourism since Covid, as is every country. The Japanese are so helpful, if you ask for directions, they often go out of their way to take you where you are going ! Everyone wears masks. Gloves, alcohol jel , are abundant and the Japanese do expect you to use. (will politely remind you if you forget). They defiantly overuse plastic. If you show them your rucksack / bag they will stop giving you plastic bags. (It looks like they are beginning to charge for plastic bags in some places). No (obvious) wet wipes, kids have flannels, everyone carries their own flannel. (millions of designs in shops) The gardens are all works of art, so beautifully maintained, and conserved. we were helped by Vans extensive knowledge of Botany.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
5*. The only thing I would include (instead of maybe one of the temples) is the young Japanese culture of anime, some of the modern furniture and fashion. The Japanese women are so well dressed.Maggie Owen review 31 Oct 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hard to choose among so many, but the unexpected appearance of the snow monkeys and the gorgeous views from the top of Mijamura island were real highlights.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Travel light, leave toiletries at home to save space for shopping, make the most of your tour guide's local knowledge and included activities but also enjoy going off piste as it is easy to do in Japan.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our tour used public transport and supported local shops, cafes and conservation sensitive initiatives like the optional bike ride. And we walked a lot too as we were given good information to make independent strolling an easy choice.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent.Maria Snow review 17 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It is actually hard to pick one part, it was all memorable. Hiroshima, very moving experience, Miyajima and the view from the summit.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I would arrive at least a day before the trip starts to get over jet lag but stay on at the end as you will know how things work.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Partly.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I think my guide made my vacation a truly successful one. Akemi Nozawa was wonderful, nothing was ever too much. The whole group loved her, she was more than thoughtful and she supported everybody. I would not have had her patience!Jaqueline Schulz review 11 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The part I liked the most of our days was taking an (nearly) daily onsen bath to recover from the day. Especially the outdoor onsen in Nagano was very beautiful. I also loved to dress up in the provided Yukatas in every accommodation. Apart from that it is hard to tell which is the favourite part as every place we visited had his own character and speciality. I really liked the castles, gardens and small streets in Matsumoto. I was very excited to stay in an ryokan and buy my first bento box and loove the food. Special thanks goes to our tour leader Akemi who was great during the whole trip. All these little tips and her knowledge have been soo helpful and she always found a way to answer our questions and special interests.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take the tip "travel light" serious. You don't need many things, you can wash in most accommodations and it is easier for the journey. You also have enough space for souvenirs. Buy or do things you want at the first time you have the chance to - mostly you are not coming back to a place. Take your time for arrival and departure - if possible, arrive a day before the tour starts.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
When staying in ryokans and doing special activities (e.g. cycling tour) I did have the feeling, we are supporting local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The whole trip was amazing! The visited places and the organisation about traveling and accommodation, even the evening meals have been perfect! You can focus on your experience and don't have any hussle with train times or finding the way. There is not one thing I would like to change. I enjoyed it very much. It is a full packed programm and can be a bit exhausting when it gets to the end, but you don't want to take a break and miss anything. As the only "youngster" in a group of elderly people I felt very appreciated, so I found the trip suitable for any age.Vicki Jones review 29 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I enjoyed all of it. I especially liked the flexibility and that I could go off an explore on my own. The food was amazing. All the places we visited were fantastic. I really enjoyed using public transport to get around between place to place and also in the cities.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Travel light.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, I do. We were free to go to local shops, temples, eat local food, etc. Using public transport was also a bonus.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely brilliant!John Hardy review 16 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Difficult to say but some notable highlights were the Japanese Alps - the Buddist temple & blessing; Matsumoto Castle is mind-blowing (visit at night as well as during the day); the Hiroshima memorial park and museum; Kurashiki & the bicycle ride is a must and the Geisha Tour in Kyoto. As well as places to visit, it was also important and valued that we sampled some other elements of Japan. Onsen bathing (great fun bathing with the locals); origami; using the Japanese language and of course - Karaoke!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We covered over 1200 miles during our 2 weeks using local transport which gave us further insight however it can be tiring. Our group chose to join in or take a rest as necessary. Be in the moment, it's important to just stand back and take it all in.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Outside of the cities, yes I would agree it benefited people. We used local transport so that helped to some extent. Japan was widely damaged during the war and until recently had not been great at preserving their history (eg, Matsumoto Castle). The interest of tourists will help to conserve what remains of a very interesting history. There was lots of evidence that Japan was trying to recycle but I was quite amazed at how much plastic and wrappings were used when purchasing something to eat etc.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had an amazing time and have left with lots of great memories and experiences. I do feel that we have only just scratched the surface of this amazing country so another visit is possible. Thanks to Takeshi Susuki-san for being amazing.Anna Avery review 20 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The most exciting part for me was trying all the many different foods under the expert suggestions from our tour leader. And the first breakfast in the temple lodgings in Nagano brought squeals of delight- so pretty and delicate and tasty- a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. An abiding memory is the cleanliness of the country with no litter or graffiti and the charming people who were always willing to help lost foreigners. The temples and shrines and gardens were pretty awesome too.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be adventurous in your tasting different foods and in using the public transport in towns and cities. You really don’t need many clothes - travel light and use the laundries. And seriously take advice from your tour leader - they do know the places and how to avoid crowds if possible.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Sometimes we stayed in western style hotels and I’m not sure how they were owned or run. The smaller places and Ryokans seemed to belong to local people. We were always encouraged to use public transport and eat in small places, but traveling on trains and buses so much could not have been environmentally friendly and the amount of single use plastic in Japan was astounding so we did carry a shopping bag everywhere.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An excellent whistle stop tour for a first timer to Japan - you get a flavour of the places and it has left me wanting morePatrick Condon review 6 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting Tokyo was special. Just walking around experiencing the sights, sounds and buzzing energy of the largest city on the planet will stay with me forever. I also enjoyed the vibrant city of Hiroshima and visiting the Peace park brought home the horrors and devastation of the Atomic bomb dropped on the city at the end of WW 2.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I visited Japan in late July/ Aug. The heat and humidity were oppressive. Many of our group members were struggling with the conditions and were sometimes reluctant to leave their air conditioned rooms. The food in Japan is different to the West and it is good to come here open minded and willing to sample the local cuisine. When we stayed in the Ryokans(traditional accommodation), we slept on a double mattrass on the floor and the toilet and bathrooms are usually separate. Also, the breakfast served is usually a trditional meal of rice, fish, soup, tofu and some side dishes of veg and teriyaki sauce.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed in a few local run Ryokans and ate at family restaurants on a few occasions. However, I came away from Japan feeling that there is a lot of waste generated and very little effort to reduce it. The shops over pack everything, wooden chopsticks are used and thrown away. The hotels provided disposable slippers for both the room and bathroom and provide toothbrush /paste ; razors all wrapped in plastic. They have to consider the impact of their waste on the planet!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A great experience to see the contrasts between the modern and the ancient custom and how they compliment each other.Yasmin Dastur review 9 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The beautiful Himeji Castle floating above you on the horizon when walking towards it from the station. Hiroshima was very moving.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared to be very busy and to suffer from sensory overload!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Hopefully it did - I especially enjoyed the Traditional Inns. One hotel was unfortunately an Ibis, which I believe is a French chain, but I can completely see why we stayed there as the location was so very convenient for everything we were doing.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent on all fronts. I must also mention the guide, David Lovejoy, who was very very good - patient, knowledgeable, friendly and intent on making sure we experienced everything he loves about Japan.Inge Kerber review 2 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were many `most memorable´things such as the autumn colours, the gardens, the Japanese people, the food, the variety you offered on this tour, the numerous surprises Japan has in store by being so different, the group, the tour leader.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take a small suitcase, be curious, explore, be open minded, enjoy!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a unique, outstanding, highly enjoyable vacation, and Brian Beatty is a very good tour leader who did an excellent job! `On a humorous note`: I only had to smile to myself once when he said, no, he couldn`t put a suitcase up on the rack in the Shinkansen because of company policies.Margaret Pitt review 28 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The beautiful Japanese gardens, the forested mountains, the beautiful temples, the courtesy and helpfulness of the Japanese people. The wonderful food. The efficiency of public transport. Everything was so clean and it always felt safe.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The trip Japan Unmasked involved a pretty hectic schedule with 8 different hotels in 13 days and lots of walking. You need to be fit and a good walker. You also need to pack really light as we used public transport throughout the trip.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, in that we stayed for 4 nights in traditional Japanese inns which benefited local people. Also by using public transport, we reduced our impact on the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Unforgettable and really interesting. I have returned with so many wonderful memories. Though I greatly preferred the smaller cities to the crowds, sky scrapers and neon lights of Tokyo and Kyoto.Paul Thompson review 27 Aug 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Cycling from kurushiki along the hibi plains lovely scenery nice and peaceful away from the crowds. A so meeting so many Japanese people who were so kind, polite and helpful Visiting Furukawa which is just a 20 train ride was also pleasant.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do some research and possibly do your own thing at times I would recommend going a day early to see various parts and places of Tokyo at your own pace. The Tokyo subway system is quite easy to get to grips with after a couple of journeys but what i experienced if holding a tourist map in you looking uncertain it is quite likely someone will approach you wanting to help the most friendly city i have ever visited3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Only when i visited the quieter places which wernt as much visited by tourists4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
On the whole very interesting but very fast paced but obviously if visiting a lot of places in a short time things have to be missed outRoger Bayliss review 19 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Meeting the Japanese people - they were so friendly and provided a fabulous service, all of them doing there best to help out the 'non Japanese' speaking tourists. Also, the country was virtually 'spotlessly' clean with no litter, graffiti or the usual grime one associates with Europe.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't take too much stuff with you as there is a good deal of moving around carrying your own luggage.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a fabulous time, everything was very enjoyable and it was quite an 'adventure' navigating the Japanese culture.Caroline Sawyer review 3 Dec 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
This was incredible trip. My favourite places were the beautiful seaside town of Kamakura, it’s tranquil temples, great Buddha, the gorgeous Prince Hotel and seeing the Gion district of Kyoto. All the food was delicious and fresh. Accidentally seeing Mount Fuji at sunset and from the bullet train was amazing. The private thermal spring at our guesthouse in Hakone was wonderful.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Great information packs before hand which are definitely worth reading. I didn’t hire a Wifi device as hotel and guide coverage was good. Take only cash, as advised, it’s safe and less hassle.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We went everywhere by public transport which was a great experience, authentic, cheap and highly efficient.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I cannot recommend the tour operator, our guide Hugh, or Japan highly enough! This is one of the best vacations I’ve ever been on and the first guided tour. I’d wanted to visit Japan for a long time but didn’t have the confidence on my own. It was my first time in Asia. Hugh was highly knowledgeable and had lived in Japan a long time. I felt he had helped to choose restaurants and the things we visited so had the flexibility to change things if they weren’t as expected. This is a fantastic way to experience Japan. You see so much every day and have great authentic experiences and wonderful food. I would never have been able to see so much and learn so much otherwise. I loved that there were no single supplements and it worked well sharing a room for two nights at the traditional Ryocan guest house. Our group was 14 people, Americans, Australians and English; 6 solo 25-40 year olds and 8 retired couples. It was a nice mix and lovely group of people. Accomodation was all a good standard from 3-5 stars.Helen Weingarten review 3 Jul 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I'd say the trip as a whole...thanks in large part to our knowledgeable and generous (in terms of availability and information) guide - Mark Fujishigi - he is a gem. In terms of stops, The loveliness of Nagano was a surprise (the zen temple ceremony really special) Takayama (the city as a whole and a wonderful restaurant we found Kyoya), Masamoto castle, and the okonomiyaki meal in Hiroshima. We weren't as satisfied with Kanazawa, Kyoto, Kurishiki - not because we didn't like the stops - but an extra day in each would be desirable....there was so much we didn't get to see (it would be great if 3 days were added but, if not feasible, perhaps Kurishigi could be eliminated) "One night stands" are hard. It was unexpected how much we loved traveling by public transportation (in contrast to other tours we have taken, not being stuck in a bus with others for x days was a real plus). We loved the train station in Kanazawa and Tokyo - the latter which we serendipitously discovered as incredibly lively and fun at night.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you are interested in crafts and shopping, do your homework as to what you hope to see. A booklet focusing on 'outstanding and specific shopping opportunities (with directions how how to efficiently get from a to b). Also, if there are restaurants you want to try, coming prepared with a list of these as alternatives to the ones selected by a guide would be useful. Our most satisfying restaurants, aside from our great okonomiyaki experience in Hiroshima, were ones we found ourselves.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think the places we stayed had minimal negative environmental impact... .4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I cover this in Q 1. The only experience that was disappointing was the local Geisha 'tour.' Our local guide kept saying things like "x really happens here, but we won't see that, x happens here but we won't get to see this." Also for older travelers like ourselves, standing for 2 hours listening to information that we could read about in wikipedia was arduous. This is the only place on the tour where I felt having a 'cultural experience' - a performance, a tea ceremony, whatever - would have been a very welcome and unique addition.Colin Catt review 27 Jun 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of it.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Travel light and make use of the excellent Japanese luggage forwarding system.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Most definitely. The great majority of the traveling was done on public transport, which is obviously a good thing. The vacation was also very instructive in that it gave the opportunity to see how efficiently Japanese public transport systems are run and also how clean Japanese cities are. There are clearly some lessons to be learnt here.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An amazing experience, made possible by an awesome tour leader.Linda Marlow review 27 Jun 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Every day brought some wonderful surprises and the tour was so varied that every day was totally different. The highlights for me personally were a visit to the D.T. Suzuki Museum in Kanazawa and the visit to the O Torii Gate on the island of Itsukushima, where deer roam freely. The whole two weeks were a whirlwind of amazing sights, sounds and experiences. The Japanese people are some of the most polite and respectful people I have ever met and each place we visited was unbelievably devoid of any rubbish !2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The trip is pretty fast pacing, so you need to be relatively fit and able to live out of a suitcase for two weeks. Also be open to traveling on public transport, bullet trains and local trains etc.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We visited many small towns where goods could be brought at reasonable prices. The Japanese appear to be very progressive in terms of recycling and impacts on the environment. Due to their spiritual beliefs, nature is very much part of every day life and it was so easy to simply follow their lead and respect their way of life.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Somewhat fast paced, exciting, unpredictable, amazing and one I certainly will treasure forever. Our guide was second to none - I have been on a few guided trips in the past but this time our guide far exceeded any expectations, ensuring we were all safe, constantly well informed at all times and was simply such great and positive company. I cannot rate this trip highly enough.Susanne Fever review 29 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The contrast of the crowds in Tokyo to the quiet area in Nagano where we stayed in a priest's lodging. Every moment was fabulous.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Keep you packing simple, it's all very informal. Shoes that are easy to take on and off is an advantage as you often have to leave them at the door. Embrace the wonderful food.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
No really.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a truly amazing two weeks.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your review, Susanne. I’m sorry you feel this vacation did not benefit local people, reduce environmental impacts or support conversation. Our Japan Unmasked tour uses public transport throughout attempting to minimise the environmental impact of traveling so far around the country as well as being a unique experience in itself! 4 nights of the trip involve staying in small, locally owned minshuku inns (much like bed and breakfasts) where travelers interact with the families running them, along with one night in a temple lodging in Nagano supporting the local economies in towns and cities away from the most popular tourist centers.
Nathaniel Castle review 11 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The day with the snow monkeys sticks in my mind but the morning we spent at the Buddhist morning prayer was also incredible. I would be hard pressed to come up with a favourite of the 2.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack carefully and pay attention to the expected weather in all the regions you are visiting.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think we brought good business to the locals and everyone maintained a respectful behaviour towards the local environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely amazing! Hugh did an incredible job showing us around and had an excellent rappor with the locals. This has been my favourite vacation so far.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Nathaniel,
Welcome home! I'm delighted to hear that you had such a good time on the tour!
We really try and get each of our clients right into the culture of Japan and show the best of what the country has to offer and it seems like you have experienced this and more! I'm delighted that our tour leader was able to facilitate this experience and that you had such a positive experience.
I loved the snow monkeys when I visited Japan so I'm happy to hear that they were one of the most memorable moments for you.
Thank you so much for traveling with us and for your glowing feedback!
If you're ever thinking of heading back to Japan, or even one of our sister countries, Burma, Laos, Cambodia or Vietnam, please get in touch and we would be more than happy to see you again!
Safe travels for the future,
Simona
Patricia Werner review 30 Nov 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Our guide was the best guide I have ever had on a vacation.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for long days.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I believe this vacation was respectful of the environment and supported local businesses.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
These 22 weeks helped me get a glimpse of living and working in Japan.Oliver Parsons review 29 Jul 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I enjoyed the variety of locations we visited.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Quite a lot of traveling involved.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, generally felt that locals benefited from the tourism.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a great vacation, with a wide range of different locations to enjoy. Slightly disappointed with the quality of some of the accommodation though.Wendy Dooley review 6 Mar 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The art and Japanese craft museums blew me away and despite the cold temperatures, the temples, shrines and gardens still looked wonderful. Not living in a cold climate, I found the snow up north quite exciting. So sparkly white and soft! I found Hiroshima sobering but am glad I spent time in the Peace Museum. Tokyo always wonderfully frenetic and Kyoto serene. Lastly, the food. From gold leaf decorated icecream to cooking our shabu shabu; from trying countless varieties of Kit Kats (who knew there were approximately 200 types?), to those marvellous vending machines - so many memories!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack your sense of humour, your stamina and zest for adventure. Leave behind your job, your regular life and ho-hum existence, because you are about to embark on a fabulous food quest, happy vacation fun and make fantastic new friends. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and remember, what happens in Japan.....stays in Japan!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely! There were gentle, constant reminders to conserve materials and reduce environmental impact eg carrying a bag for rubbish, collecting plastic bottle tops for a recycling project and not visiting particular "bird cafes". I especially enjoyed catching public transport, not only because it reduces air pollution but also because we got to mingle with the real Japan.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Terrific fun with a group brought together through skilful leadership. Heaps of flexibility and freedom which I particularly liked. We saw and did things we hadn't expected to do and tried so many delicious food styles. The vacation lived up to my expectations and piqued my interest for more, more, more (am already planning an autumn trip with friends!)Keith Swindell review 18 Jul 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The breadth of experience, from the neon lighted frantic pace of Tokyo, to the 5am chanting of monks at a Nagano temple, all connected by the thrill of the Shinkansen.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
A good level of fitness is required. Some group members found the pace and the packed agenda difficult to cope with, albeit that there was enough 'downtime' in all locations. Use this time to explore on your own- time away from the group is important, particularly if you like your own space. The good thing is that every part of each day is optional. Our guide was excellent and this meant we had experiences and saw things that we would have missed if we had been on our own. It's good to have some balance. ATM machines are available at every 7-11 store and each and every town seems to have one on every corner. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Finally, take good walking shoes and a first aid kit. Medical supplies are expensive in Japan- it was £8 for a small tube of antiseptic cream!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed in local accommodation at times which benefits small businesses. We used public transport and walked everwhere, reducing our carbon footprint as much as possible.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This wasn't so much a vacation as a travel experience. We loved the variety and the breadth of experience that was offered. From the initial booking with Toby at the vacation providers to dealing with Ben our guide, nothing was too much trouble and everything was handled very professionally. We have only one constructive point to make which was that we found the suggested restaurants quite expensive and our experience was that the quality of some wasn't great. We understand that each offered a different type of eating experience, hence their being chosen, however we struck out on our own and apparently spent far less than other guests who ate with the group every night. That was our choice, but single travelers who want the company of a group in the evening will need to budget more. We enjoyed the trip so much and were so impressed overall that we are already looking at the possibility of visiting Burma in 2017 with the same company.Genia Bainbridge review 16 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Staying in a monastery and sleeping on the floor for the first time and going to the onsen ( traditional bath ) for the first time.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Have an open mind about food and other experiences3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Japanese people seemed to welcome tourists. They are very keen on recycling.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful! One of the 3 best of my life.Annette Hale review 15 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The Geisha tour in Kyoto. The guide was really knowledgable and personable.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack light there's lots of travel on and off trains and limited space in some of the accommodation .3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we used local transport and stayed in Small family run Ryokan and Japanese business hotels. We ate locally produced food .4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very enjoyable. We were a family of 3 traveling with a 17 yr old son. We all had a very memorable vacation . It was full on though with little time to rest but we knew that before we set off and it delivered the anticipated full schedule.Rebecca Goulding review 28 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Much as we loved the temples, gardens and markets of Tokyo and Kyoto, the couple of damp days in Hakone were brilliant, staying in a ryokan with a private hot-spring bath on the balcony, beautiful meals and the 'great outdoors' on your doorstep. Although a popular tourist destination, it is possible to escape the crowds by going on even a modest hike. There is a world-class sculpture park set amongst the beautiful scenery, and the fabulous Pola Art Museum where we saw an exhibition of French Impressionists featuring all the greats. What an unexpected treat!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Read up in advance on Japanese traditions and culture to get the most out of a short time. It is such a different way of life and there are many 'rules' and taboos which are good to understand.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Difficult to say. We were encouraged to use local transport, which was easy to navigate with the assistance supplied. Japan is well up on recycling so we participated.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We found it a fascinating taste of Japan, a first dip in rich waters. It was well set up by the team and we were fully briefed but allowed a level of independence that was perfect. The vacation fully lived up to expectations!Jean Heap review 19 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
To many to identify one - from attending prayers with monks at Zenko-ji temple and being blessed to marvelling at Bullet trains; seeing snow monkeys; castle at Matsumoto; visiting Peace Garden and museum at Hiroshima to seeing red floating gates at Miyajima and amazing views from top of the island; visiting many onsens seeing a geisha I could go on and on!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Everything is taken care of for you no worries about booking or finding transportation or hotels etc. Dont take too much luggage you have to carry it! Lots of walking take comfortable shoes. Be prepared - very active vacation more of an adventure than a vacation -if possible have an extra day or so at the end to relax.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes travel is by public transport, local hotels and restaurants are used4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing vacation would definitely recommend, well organised from start to finish with lots of highlights also visited and saw many things that would not be seen traveling with a larger group. One of the best vacations I have been on and very good value for money. Great Tour Guide.Lara Pallard review 12 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It is a difficult answer because there are a lot of exciting bits in JU! Probably my favourite stop was Nagano. I loved the Zenko-ji Temple, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. The temple lodge was the best of all the accommodation, simple but special. I enjoyed the hot springs and last but not least the snow monkey in a park, 45 mins from Nagano.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I am a fashionista, so I always bring too many clothes! Don't do it! You can do washing at least in 3 places, you need to carry your luggage so keep it light and also use the space for shopping! Buying from local markets, help the community. Try all the different foods! They are amazing and always fresh3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes I did! I always shopped at the markets, I had coffee from small local place, and we used public transport that in Japan is absolutely amazing!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
My vacation was wonderful, William our tour leader, with his unique style made our vacation really special! It was great picking the right restaurant too! We never eat the same twice, unless we wanted to! I have already recommend to my parents and friends that asked me, seeing my pics on Instagram! I took 2000 pictures and my boyfriend another 2000! We will definitely pick another vacation from Responsible Travel, great CS.Kristin Samuelson review 19 Jul 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the A Bomb Dome and Peace park & Museum in Hiroshima! It was awe inspiring.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be ready to stay in close quarters a couple of nights in one of the ryokans. The rooms are quite small for two people and the shared bath situation is tight as well. Two nights there was a bit much.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Well, we all came and spent money! Some of us bought quite a few souvenirs:)4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I loved the variety of sights. There was always something a little different to see and do. Loved the variety of restaurants! Every night we tried a new type of Japanese food. Our guide, Alain, was terrific! Very energetic and full of ideas, but also very cordial and patient with everyone. I'm giving it 4 stars, instead of 5 because of the ryokan in Takayama which I found less than comfortable.Read the operator's response here:
Many thanks for traveling with us Kristin. Glad you enjoyed our Japan Unmasked group tour. And glad Alain the tour leader looked after you well. Thanks also for your comments on the Takayama accommodation. We appreciate that this involves sharing a room (for single travelers), which may not be ideal for everyone, but this is the traditional Japanese way, and allows our customers to experience a traditional Japanese accommodation stay, which they otherwise might miss. For potential future customers looking to avoid sharing a room, we would be very happy to discuss our full range of tours with them.
Thanks again for joining us on the tour. Harry
Roslyn Fraser review 27 Mar 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hard to sum up so much of the trip was truly great, but would have to pick the Maiko session.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go for it.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, supported the local economy and hopefully minimal impact. Used my own chop sticks which were gifted to me at the onset, plus used the card to ask hotels to leave the washing of towels and sheets.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic. Still raving about it. Thank you to David Lovejoy who looked after us and went out of his way to make our trip the best we could hope for. Great job David!!! Thank you RoslynAnn Walsby review 10 Nov 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It felt like every moment of each day was a new experience. A vacation of variety enhanced by the tour leader introducing us to as many different types of Japanese food as possible. Japan is fascinating, the ultra modern against a background of traditional. I loved their simplistic art, Zen gardens, efficiency and positive attitudes.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Wear slip on shoes, as you have to take them off a lot. Be prepared for a fairly fast pace and be willing to embrace Japanese life.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not really, only that we took cash into their economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentHoliday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
