21 independent reviews for Japan tailor made tour on a shoestring
Reviews for Japan tailor made tour on a shoestring
Sophie Blow review 14 Nov 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Riding the cable car over the top of a crevasse and seeing Mount Fuji for the first time - gave us goosebumps.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do lots of research before you go. The company gave us tons of reading to support us on our journey and that was essential really to getting the most out of the trip. Also, this trip was really exhausting due to the amount of moving from place to place. Schedule in some rest days so you can re energise for important day trips still to come.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We went to traditional remote locations where we supported local businesses. All of the hotels and experiences were vetted to ensure they were as eco friendly and ethically ran as possible.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Vacation was amazing, we had a great time and really want to go back to Japan in future.Michael Jacoby review 14 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Practising calligraphy and wood block printing, sitting on the 14th floor open air rooftop overlooking the peace park in Hiroshima, sitting admiring Matsumoto black crow castle after dark.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Get a tour organised by this operator!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Certainly benefitted local artisans.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
World classAlan Hope review 6 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Snow Monkeys, Tokyo city lights, avoiding tourists by focusing on restaurants/bars with only/mostly locals, food, friendliness & helpfulness2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Get a good mix of quieter country as well as energetic city locations, smaller cities can be more rewarding, minimise exposure to other tourists, try all food.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Used public transport4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentHelen Dooley review 23 Nov 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Nagano was an unanticipated delight. The home stay in the Ryokan was also a highlight.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Japan can be done very well on a budget.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We tried to eat and shop in local restaurants so hopefully yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had an amazing vacation. Japan is unique.Kirsty Syder review 18 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hakone - beautiful views and hot spring bathing in the wonderful ryokan.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The company offers the chance to book Japanese cultural experiences and also flights, more convenient and useful for protection if something goes wrong.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Offered tips on how to reduce environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent.Cyndia Pilkington review 31 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We loved the varied nature of our trip, We took in history, beautiful, nature, exciting cities and great food.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We let our agent organize it for us and she arranged a great trip. We had lots of time to explore and discover because she covered the logistical and logging issues for us. She was fantastic and I would highly recommend her to others planning a trip to that part of Japan.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We tried to leave as little impact as possible -- we tried to leave as little waste as possible, took public transit and/or travelled on foot and we reveled in the local food.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic!Sarah Shadday review 8 Jun 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Our whole trip was memorable and exciting! We loved the Disney Sea park and Cafe Eorzea. We also enjoyed Zauo (fishing restaurant), our guide in Kyoto, our Ryokan, Arashiyama monkey park, and so much more! There were things we weren't expecting to be awesome and were just going to because they were world heritage sites like Kinkakuji. We didn't realize why these things were heritage sites until we got there! The food was amazing everywhere we went.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Turn in your JR passes early. It was in the book, but it didn't "click" until 2-3 days that ANY JR train (even the public transportation ones) is included on that pass. Also, be adventurous with the vending machines. There are tons of unique things in there to try! There were also some apps my husband downloaded of Kyoto and Tokyo. One had public transportation and the other had different sites, hotels, etc. those were really helpful because they could be used offline. We also used an offline google translate which helped in some cases.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we loved the chopstick idea and found some as soon as possible to take with us while we were exploring. We also had fun looking at what we considered the more "local shops." We tried as often as we could to eat at street vendors and shop at "non mall "stores. We also enjoyed many of the suggestions in our travel books (and it was fun when we saw other travels with them)! We also appreciated the signs at the onsen which explained how to properly use it, avoid pollution of the water, and how it was a valuable resource and ways to avoid wasting it.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amy did a fantastic job planning our trip. We loved the entire time we were over there. We would 100% book again and any of the affiliates they recommend.Owen Cawley review 28 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Meeting a Maiko (trainee Geisha) in Kyoto was a fantastic experience! Exploring the old city of Kyoto with an amazing guide was also wonderful!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Best to book early to avoid high travel costs. Traveling within the country is very straightforward, though!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, it had some decent input into local and rural communities (which are often neglected in Japan).4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic, the absolute best vacation we have been on! The service couldn't have been better, and there was exactly the right balance between free-roaming and guides.Anne Davies review 25 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The entire vacation was a memorable experience and it is virtually impossible to choose the best. However, Matsumoto Castle and the trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima island were particular highlights. The temple visit in Nagano with the local guide and the local onsen were also fantastic and the geisha tour with a Kyoto local guide was superb.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Our advice would be to go Tokyo a day or so in advance of the trip to give you time to get over the traveling and to have more time in Tokyo. We didn't but wished we had.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. We stayed in local inns and we were taken to local restaurants to eat. We also sought out small local providers for our meals and purchases. We used taxis and travelled predominately by public transport which reduced the environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely brilliant. We were a little anxious beforehand as we had not participated in a group tour before but we certainly do so again provided it was with your organisation! The destinations provided a superb introduction to Japan and whetted our appetite to explore further. We loved the basic nature of the tour which suited us perfectly. More basic tour options would be our preferred option rather than the Classics.Rachel Nash review 5 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Taking a day out between the big cities to relax in a traditional style Ryokan was fantastic. Something we wouldn't have considered if we'd tried to book everything ourselves.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
There's so much to see and do. If you can make a priority list of things to do because no matter how much you try you can't see everything!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I feel much more educated on life and culture in Japan. I also know we contributed to the Japanese economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent!Cat Pickup review 31 May 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Staying in minshuku Kochinzuka after walking the Nakasendo way from Magome -what a wonderful place. Welcoming host, a fire in the hearth in the middle of the tatami, a room with a traditional balcony and sliding door open to the sound of the river and with views of the koi pond. Dinner in the evening was the best kaiseki of our trip - the fish salted and fresh with the most minimal food miles - straight from the fish ponds outside. Ito San's english was minimal but with help of translation apps and the other guests we gathered that the nuts in the dango were local and picked by his son. He shared his family photo album, sang superbly and got us all to join in the chorus.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The hotel bookings and train timetable options made a fast paced itinerary feel smooth and easy. 10 days moving around meant we were starting to get temple fatigue but I wouldn't have missed a one of them - most fun definitely the Ninja temple in Kanazawa3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Paying for meals locally and opportunities to buy in small shops in small towns supported the economy. Using a local guide in Tokyo, it would have been a good idea to have done the same in Kyoto - there is so much to see a local's help would be useful. Travel by train and bus was efficient and reduced environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A vacation of a lifetimeLouise Larsen review 11 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The food.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take your time to research the destination and don't be afraid to ask questions.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The hotel's all had a focus on being low emission.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fay Berry review 5 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Experiencing Japan- a fascinating, different and wonderful country to visit. We loved Tokyo and Kyoto and all the sights there, + really enjoyed our stay in a traditional Ryokan in Hakone National Park.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Booking with this vacation provider made a whistle stop first visit run really smoothly- we appreciated having hotels, train passes, etc booked for us with helpful suggestions and directions too.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We used local services and tried to take on the suggestions for reducing environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Brilliant. All four of us (2 adults and 2 older teenagers) all really enjoyed it. We hope to visit another part of Japan before too long and will definitely use this company again.Jennifer Whiteside review 21 Apr 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were so many memorable parts, it is difficult to choose. I absolutely adored Hakone... That entire leg of the journey was my favourite. I wish we'd had more time there. It was so relaxing, but at the same time there was mountain to explore! The day we arrived, it was snowing, and we were in cloud. We explored Hakone Open Air Museum, which was eerie in the mist. If you like art and sculpture, this is a must, but even if you go just for the Symphonic Tower, it is so worth it. The mist was so thick on that day, though, that we couldn't even see Mount Fuji which was only 30km away! Ichinoyu Honkan is something else... a traditional Japanese Inn that's been operating for hundreds of years with hot spring baths underneath. Although we booked the private bath, wimps that we are, we sorely regretted not using the public baths, which when we got to look at them were quite spectacular. Next time!!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You have a lot of fantastic information at your disposal from the operator on this vacation, and one of the books you should carry with you at all times just in case (the general itinerary). Also, you will be doing a lot of exploring yourself and Tokyo is a little difficult to navigate because there are no street names and some of the 'you are here' maps are oddly flipped', get an internet data sim so that you have google maps in an emergency - surprisingly, WIFI isn't all that readily available in Tokyo. I got one in Laox in Akihabara for fairly cheap, you won't need more than 1GB. We didn't really need it for anywhere else, but Tokyo was a bit confusing outside of the fantastic metro system. Lastly, if you find yourself in Arashiyama (Kyoto) outside of the day your tour guide is looking after you, you should DEFINITELY visit Iwatayama Monkey Park. There are precious few places in the world where you can get close to wild monkeys in a safe environment. Not to mention the view at the top of the mountain is spectacular! Just be sure you're up for a little hike.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely! We used mostly small businesses for eating, and we partook in the street food available at hanami hot spots, we used public transportation (with the exception of two cabs)... Japan is very conscious of the environment in general, and I think the experience was an education in conservation for us! They mend trees rather than cut them down, there is no rubbish anywhere, all rubbish is separated for recycling, most new buildings in Tokyo have solar panels. There are so many things that the Japanese do that we really should do everywhere.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was the vacation of a lifetime... I only wish it could have been longer! My partner and I plan to go back in a couple of years, but I suspect we will be extending our stay in Hakone next time. We loved every second of it, even the passing out with exhaustion parts. :P Our tour operators were fantastic, they couldn't do enough for us.Caitriona Tomlinson review 1 Sep 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
What we both remembered as the most exciting aspect of our vacation was our first day in Tokyo. We had the benefit of a brilliant and wise guide who, after taking us through the Senjo-ji shrine, insisted we try some sake in the backstreets while seated on up-turned beer crates followed by a pick your own selection of fried lunch delicacies which included prawn, fried eggplant, chicken and spring rolls. A tour around an historical graveyard was then followed up by a pre-booked visit to the notorious Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku.What a perfect day!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Read up on the various places you hope to visit and chose a number of things which interest you, not necessarily those things which are recommended. Remain open to exploring areas and events you hadn't originally planned. One of our happiest 'finds' was the semi-finals of the World Yoyo competition in Akihabara in Tokyo. The event was free, open to all and great fun. We also 'happened on' an Irish pub one evening which had a Japanese traditional 'Irish' group of musicians - they were truly inspiring and totally genuine.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I'm not sure about this, or indeed, how this could be judged. We abided by local comvention and were mindful of others around us.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was an excellent and memorable vacation and both my daughter and I judged it a great success. The exposure to a different culture, the sights and sounds of both ancient Japan and the modern world made a great impression on us and we enjoyed the efficiency of the public systems and the variety of the food. I applaud the advice and direction of the tour company which we sourced through Responsible Travel and won't hesitate to recommend them in the future.Caitriona Tomlinson review 1 Sep 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
What we both remembered as the most exciting aspect of our vacation was our first day in Tokyo. We had the benefit of a brilliant and wise guide who, after taking us through the Senjo-ji shrine, insisted we try some sake in the backstreets while seated on up-turned beer crates followed by a pick- your -own selection of fried lunch delicacies which included prawn, fried eggplant, chicken and spring rolls. A tour around an historical graveyard was then followed up by a pre-booked visit to the notorious Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku. What a perfect day!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Read up on the various places you hope to visit and chose a number of things which interest you, not necessarily those things which are recommended. Remain open to exploring areas and events you hadn't originally planned. One of our happiest 'finds' was the semi-finals of the World Yoyo competition in Akihabara in Tokyo. The event was free, open to all and great fun. We also 'happened on' an Irish pub one evening which had a Japanese traditional 'Irish' group of musicians - they were truly inspiring and totally genuine.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I'm not sure about this, or indeed, how this could be judged. We abided by local comvention and were mindful of others around us.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was an excellent and memorable vacation and both my daughter and I judged it a great success. The exposure to a different culture, the sights and sounds of both ancient Japan and the modern world made a great impression on us and we enjoyed the efficiency of the public systems and the variety of the food. I applaud the advice and direction of the tour which we sourced through Responsible Travel and won't hesitate to recommend them in the future.Perwina Whitmore review 14 Aug 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
First to clarify our vacation was based on Independent travel not an organised tour. This made it very flexible in terms of dates and content and worked well. The most memorable part is hard to identify as the whole experience was fantastic. A few highlights were seeing Mt Fuji, sampling the food, trying the onsen hotspring baths. Also Hakone open air museum, Kabuki at Kabukiza in Tokyo, live outdoor jazz at Rappongi Hills. Traveling by shinkansen is great.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Spend time making sure the itinerary is what you want. We changed ours several times before finalising the trip and that really paid off. 7-11 convenience stores are very convenient and good for ATMs and charging IC transport cards3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We used local guides and did everything on public transport. If you are able to walk for 15 -20 minutes then public transport is excellent and will get you everywhere you need in the main towns and cities4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentDr Haq review 28 May 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
To visit Hiroshima2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Always get seats easily at the bullet train. I don't think you need to do advance booking3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I don't think.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
4 starGeorgina Flower review 12 Apr 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Maiko makeover was such fun!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I would research in advance places/temples to see of they are closed for renovation. Other than that the information pack takes care of everything else.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Possibly supported local people by pouring money into the community. Not helping environment out supporting conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was great having so much information in the information pack especially regarding travel. Japan is an interesting country with some great things to see and do. The weather was not ideal and would have been better if it was nice to enjoy the cherry blossoms.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your feedback, Georgina! I'm glad you enjoyed your time in Japan, particularly the maiko makeover in Kyoto. It is a shame the weather wasn't the best during your trip - it has been unseasonably mild this April - but I'm pleased the personalised Info-Pack for your trip helped everything run smoothly. Many thanks for traveling with us! Vivienne
Malcolm Andrews review 9 Mar 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Nikko, temples and mountains Hakone, traditional inn of Ichinoyu Shinanoki, food and accommodation. Integrated transport in Hakone Natl Park2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Travel light and be prepared for the variable climate3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, use of locally owned and operated accommodation4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent!peter deen review 9 Jun 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hiroshima , sumo , Magome and Koyasan2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Relax while booking , everything turns out perfectly3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
no , through no ones fault , this was japan4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10/10Read the operator's response here:
Many thanks for the review and we're delighted you enjoyed the Price Cruncher package and have wonderful memories of your time in Japan.
We tailored the Price Cruncher itinerary to add in a night in a traditional minshuku in the village of Tsumago and a stay in Buddhist temple lodgings on Mount Koya. Dinners were included at these stops; all homecooked, seasonal dishes made from local produce. All the accommodation on this trip is Japanese-run, even the nights in Western style hotels were in Japanese-owned hotels rather than international chains. All the journeys were on public transport as Japanese trains are simply world-class. In a separate comment Mr Deen mentioned that in general recycling is very well organised in Japan. We're very glad that the sumo tournament was a highlight - it's a real only-in-Japan authentic experience!
Thank you for traveling with us.
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