22 independent reviews for Japan golden route vacation
Reviews for Japan golden route vacation
Clare Sandling review 28 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Everything was brilliant and so much packed into two weeks! My favourite was the stay on Miyajima Island with the beautiful floating Tori gate. The ryokan was incredibly welcoming served the most delicious food. We went up the mountain on the cable car for extraordinary views across the inland sea. A perfect day.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
There is a lot of traveling about so that you get to see amazing places, but it does mean using public transport a lot. The Shinkansen trains are easy to use and very reliable. With a Japan Rail Pass you can hop on most trains, and if you use the unreserved seating carriages you don't have to worry about catching specific trains, so you can be more relaxed going from place to place. Google Translate and Apple Maps were helpful in reading menus and navigating. I'd also recommend using the Duolingo app to learn a few phrases in Japanese before you go, it's really appreciated by the local people. Family Mart and other convenience stores and stations all have good quality food for lunches and snacks. I recommend the kelp rice ball and the custard cream buns!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I felt that staying the the more rural ryokans and eating in restaurants nearby definitely supported people running local businesses.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was outstanding. We were very well looked after by the tour operator's local team, including helping us change plans when a typhoon caused disruption. The accommodation was superb, and the itinerary was amazing. We would love to go again in spring or autumn to experience a different season.Jo Potts review 29 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
So many to choose from. We really enjoyed spending time in Hiroshima, particularly taking the boat trip to Itsukushima and walking up the mountain. The sumo wrestling tournament was definitely a highlight and kept the kids entertained for a surprisingly long time. The Hido Folk Museum was very interesting, and staying in the Ryokan in Hakone was a treat.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Definitely wander around the side streets in the big cities- there is so much to uncover and so many little shops and restaurants. Being away for so long we really appreciated staying in self catering for some of the time. Popping into the local department store and the food hall in the basement we were always ableto pick up some delicious treats for dinner. Planning as much as possible in advance makes all the difference during your trip as it helps everything run more smoothly.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure, given that we predominantly stayed in big cities. There were lots of tourists everywhere we went so it was really good to see a tourism thriving. The ryokan in Hakone was potentially the only time we felt we were making a difference The ryokan in Takayama was very commercial.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. We totally loved our time in Japan, the food, the civility and order, the different culture. We would like to return and go to Hokkaido and see other parts of the countryside next time!Janine Jackson review 24 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Experiencing the very different culture of Japan and the hugely contrasting scenery from one area to another, such as the snow capped Japanese Alps, country parks and Iya Valley area compared to the neon lights of Osaka and Tokyo. My stand out moments were watching the Meiko's perform and staying in the monastery on Mount Koya, but the kids would say the white water rafting!!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We were quite anxious about catching all the trains/ferries/buses etc but it is so well organised. Even self driving was no problem. I would advise going beyond the tourist areas and experiencing some of the countryside including a few homestays.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I believe using the excellent public transport systems reduced environmental impact and also staying in homestays.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Just what we wanted - the opportunity to really experience Japan, the culture and the stunning scenery. It was a tiring vacation being constantly on the move, and we had actually removed a couple of places so it could have been even more exhausting, but worth it to see and experience as much as we did.Cate Fuchter review 8 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Finding off the beaten track temples where there were no other tourists2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Get a portable wifi device3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
In that it supported local businesses, yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentLorraine van Schalkwyk review 13 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The rugby2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don’t get stressed. Leave it to the professionals that organized your trip.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?
Saket Priyadarshi review 29 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
This was a very varied and comprehensive introduction to the country. The cities were really interesting and undoubtedly Kyoto's multiple sites make it a bit of a gem but we really enjoyed the smaller towns like Kanazawa and quiet and peace of Mount Koya.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The company's organisational skills were excellent - they understood what we were looking for, put together a great itinerary and organised accommodation and travel. This made the trip the easiest we have ever had- the public transport, the wonderful people and the general efficiency of everything there helped! We are vegetarians with non-veg adolescent children. Studying options on Happy Cow app made for happy eating out for all!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure about this! Certainly tourism helps with preservation of traditional ways of life and helps some rural econmies in a country where the trend to urbanisation seems relentless. However, there doesn't seem to be the same awareness of "green" issues and the endemic use of single plastic producs is an example. Very difficult to think how to reduce impact as a tourist there but take a re-usable shopping bag for groecries etc.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Probably the best family vacation we have ever had and certainly the one that gave us least hassle. Wonderful country, people and food, deep history and culture and its own tale on modernity. Many wonderful cities, towns and countryside to explore. Lots to do. It was great to have such an easy experience in a totally different culture.Janet Hynes review 23 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The fabulous gardens in Shinjuku Tokyo2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Allow more days in Tokyo, there is so much to do and see. We were there for 4 days in total and we could have spent at lest double that.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All the hotels had eco credentials and it seemed they put much of that into practice, with fewer single use plastics and use of locally sourced goods.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent! Matt from the tour operator was brilliant and the organisation and information provided was second to none. I would recommend using them to anyone who asks!! Nothing was left to chance in our itinerary, and we felt really comfortable traveling in Japan as we had the reassurance that all was well organised, accurate and well informed. Fantastic service!Alix Gunn review 20 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Sailing across Lake Ashi on a pirate ship!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Read the info provided, then read it again, then read it again... Aiming useful info. Also make sure you have lots of your space in suitcases for souvenirs and gifts.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
As much as possible. We used reusable water bottles and tried to avoid room cleaning where we could. We also used public transport.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. It was really well organised and so easy to get around, which made a big difference.Jean Bergin review 18 Aug 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Studio Ghibli visit; Naoshima; Kyoto2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Use baggage forwarding service if traveling by train. 7 eleven is the most reliable place to draw cash with a debit card. Bring water bottles to fill as you go and a reusable bag that packs up to fit in your pocket. Too much plastic generated by locals and tourists.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I agree with the first two, but difficult to assess if we supported conservation. We refused plastic packaging whenever we could, opted not to have our rooms serviced every day and tried to use water bottles etc4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a fantastic experience for my children. Vacation of a lifetime.Justin Lopina review 22 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The most memorable part would have to be a takoyaki party in Osaka, where we all communally prepared the dish together. The Buddhist morning prayers in Koya-San were also quite memorable.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The biggest tips: 1. Get a direct flight. Time is worth more than money and avoidable layovers just make you more exhausted throughout the trip. 2. Pack light and bring the most subway-friendly bag/backpack that you have. Subway travel is a major reality of Japanese vacation. 3. When looking for places to eat, avoid flashy doors on major roads. The true cuisine will be found down the side roads with humble signs and homey cooking smells.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I believe I enjoyed as much of an environmentally-friendly vacation as possible. I'm not so sure that Japan benefited from my presence in that way. As for local people, I do believe my time benefited them in the sense that I was friendly and respectful and multicultural. I think I made a good representation of foreigners, so I'll call the two weeks a diplomatic success!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was pretty much a perfect time for me and I certainly intend to stick with Responsible Travel in the future. Thanks for all the help!Sarah Smith review 1 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Eating the local foods and staying in local accommodation.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Our tour operator organised a bespoke vacation for me, so I did exactly what I wanted. I kept refining the itinerary and types of accommodation until it was all as I wanted. Don’t just accept the first version.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefited local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. It was a very busy vacation with a lot going on everyday. However I wouldn’t have been able to do as much if it hadn’t been for the detail and accuracy put in my itinerary by the tour operator. They organised all my accommodation, along with public transport tickets, explaining what I should use when so got best value for money. They also organised some tours for me which again saved so much time.Shaun Dunn review 29 Sep 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Highlights were places where the crowds were less and we could take more time to get a sense of place. This was mainly in the small shrines and temples and also on Miyajima island. Seeing Asimo the robot in Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Idaiba. Having a lunch at Shigetsu, Tenru-ji temple in Kyoto.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do some research before you go so you can get a good idea of where things are generally. For us, we had a vegetarian with us and it was hard to find places that could do this. We did have a short list of places to go - if you are vegetarian or vegan you need to be prepared. Aside: it will be interesting to see how this works for those traveling to the Olympics in 2020, many of whom I imagine would be looking for veg/vegan offerings. Booking all our shinkansen seat reservations in advance worked well - we found a less busy JR station to do this in Tokyo.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I'm not sure how to answer this - yes, we shopped in local shops and stores, we ate in restaurants so this would have benefited local economy. I can't say whether we helped with environment (we traveled by train so maybe).4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a few issues with insect bites at the Machiya residence which I have fed back on separately (our son slept on a mattress on the floor rather than a bed and this may have contributed). That aside and the challenges with vegetarian eating the overall experience was great (the people, the local guides we had, the transportation and itinerary). Great experience.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Shaun,
Many thanks for your review. I am delighted what a great time you had both in Japan and traveling with us. Especially that my recommendation of eating at Tenryu-ji Temple and having a true Buddhist lunch proved a highlight!
Indeed, veggie food is still not widely eaten through-out Japan - despite having so many delicious vegetables and of course... tofu! However, we are going to make this a focus over the next few years and try to collect more resources. As a veggie myself, I would find this incredibly useful too!
Once again, many thanks for traveling with us.
All best wishes,
Lily
Amita Patel review 7 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The japanese alps, Miyajima, Hiroshima, cooking class, visit to Maiko, cycling - actually. Everything! The trip was fantastic, really well organised - we just had to arrive and enjoy!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do activities and take opportunities to meet and engage with locals: we did cooking class with the equivalent of the women's institution, talked to a maiko, cycled with a local guide... learn a few phrases of japanese and use them - very much appreciated by the locals... take a small typical gift from your country for guides - they liked being thanked with something personal (we took hand made sweets and a ceramic jar made by a local company) and when people asked where we were from, we showed them photos of our home town and our dog which they loved as it kick started conversations beyond the simple hello how are you. ...and if you enjoy or appreciate something, tell the locals - who does not want to hear nice things about their country? It seems to be a japanese custom to thank you for visiting their country, and we used it as an opening to engage lastly, travel light ! half way through our vacation we forwarded our big suitcase back to the last hotel we were staying in, and travelled with little wheelie suitcases - very easy and convenient on trains and public transport3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Traveling by fantastic trains, clean and on time, what a dream of what well, organised and efficient public transport looks like4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic! all the organisation was taken care of, so no stressIan Halstead review 31 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The boat ride down the Hozugawa River, starting at Kameoka, a JR train journey from Kyoto that is reasonably short. Great views, and we had three real characters guiding and punting the boat down the river. I wish I understood more Japanese than I do. On a par was the hike from Magome to Tsumago, with a night's stay before moving onto Nagiso. Part of this trail featured on the mini series that Joanna Lumley recently did about Japan.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Relax. The level of detail and information in the pack you will get is absolutely first class. Make good use of the IC card you get in the pack. Very useful for underground, some bus and tram journeys, as well as the ubiquitous vending machines. Easy to top up, as there is an English Language option on the machines used for topping up. We also made use of a wifi dongle that connected to the phone cell network. Small enough to carry easily, lasted over two days on a single charge, and decently fast with a good signal.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The transport network in Japan is first rate, and apart from the odd taxi, it was all public transport or walking. This is bound to lower the environmental impact. We had plenty of opportunity to meet ordinary Japanese people, and supported many small shops and cafes along the way, as well as two instances of family-run ryokan and bekkan accommodation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Heaps of praise. Couldn't fault anything. Nothing. It was a real experience, and made worry free by the superb back-up of the tour operator. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend them.Garry Radford review 17 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It's hard to identify just one most memorable or exciting part - everything was amazing. The culture, the people, the food, the scenery, the transportation. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do plan an itinerary in advance - this is where Responsible Travel really helped me. I had a schedule to follow, but it was flexible enough not to be constrictive.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - I fell tourism is well supported in Japan and the people go out of their way to make visitors welcome4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Beyond execellent.Andy Angel review 1 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Himeji Castle with cherry blossom in full bloom!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Try everything. Locals are very friendly and helpful, with a surprising number of transport staff speaking at least a little English. As general advice to future tourists, double beds are inevitably with one side against a wall so not as practicable as two singles. If you follow the itinerary and provided guide books there is a lot of really good advice on places to visit. Additionally I would recommend seeing Kyoto station at night - light shows on the stairs and the views from the skywalk are awesome!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Only to the extent that we spent in small local restaurants and shops wherever possible.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely wonderful. The pre planning and preparation that Kester advised us on made the vacation run really smoothly. I took a party of 8 with all of them being first time visitors other than me. After a few days of using the JR passes and Manaca cards everybody was comfortable to go off exploring on their own, these passes really make it easy. The follow up by Kester and his staff during the vacation just to ensure that everything was ok was also reassuring. I would certainly use them again.Mitesh Amin review 17 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Knowing that I was actually in Japan! Always dreamed of going.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you can, definitely go the self guided route. I was covering so much ground on a daily basis and it is so easy to get around. The people are very helpful too.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I believe so. I only used public transport throughout the vacations. Stayed in a family guest house and ate at family owned restaurants in areas such as Hakone.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It blew away all my expectations in all honesty. I will definitely be booking my next trip through Responsible Travel again. The question is where to next??Gareth Spring review 25 May 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Staying in the traditional hotel ryokan with the onsen and experiencing the traditional dinner and breakfast. The fantastic rail network of shinkansen was fabulous.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The package was very well put together, but do not try and do it all. There is so much to see, do and learn that I would advise to try and do less but in more depth. The information in the pack was useful and relevant and up to date, with lots of good ideas and tips. There was a lot of information on culture, local custom and practice and places to see and visit and I would recommend anyone to make use of the information to plan their day. We found the mobile WIFI dongle that we got at the airport very good and we had constant access to google maps, email, phone etc as often the WiFi in hotels is weak.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we found all the hotels had 'green options' and locals were performing the various services that we had requested.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We would recommend everyone to use this vacation provider for a first trip to Japan as the package was very well put together and executed. Everything was right, correct and we did not have any single disappointment. All the transport arrangements, tickets and timings were perfect. The hotels were cleverly chosen to reflect the various different specialties of the area, and were of a high standard at a reasonable cost. We did not find any language barriers, and even the private tour guides had outstanding English. There was always someone to speak to from the company if you needed any further assistance or advice. We found their advice and planning resulted in us having the best vacation ever.Sandra Bannister review 11 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Two highlights - 1. taking a leisurely stroll from the 'Silver Temple' in Kyoto along the Philosopher's Walk where we met few others, totally peaceful and a lovely escape from the sightseeing crowds of Kyoto. Collecting my 'stamps' along the way when we did a tiny part of the Kumano Kodo 2. Walking between small villages where the villagers nod gently then carry on tending their smallholdings, then dipping into the shade of the forest for the next bit of the trek.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Use this tour operator to help you plan and guide you.....Tim made our trip so easy to navigate and we became increasingly confident using the the Shinkansen (bullet trains), local buses, trains and the subway and he had identified some great places to stop and explore so when time was tight we didn't 'dither' about what to explore.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We frequently used small local restaurants where the locals went to eat and chat therein supporting local business.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent and an experience we will remember for a long time.... we have told the Mume hotel in Kyoto ( super tiny hotel with 7 bedrooms and a fabulous owner and staff ) we will come back! Over 300 photos taken.... an indication of our enthusiasm to capture the glorious sights.Lynne Rogerson review 18 Sep 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
My visit to Japan has reset my stereotypical views of the Japanese people I am ashamed to say. My previous experience has been of the large groups that travel with tour operators all over the world and don't appear to interact with 'foreigners'. However, we found them to be so friendly, welcoming and helpful even when not asked! This was such a lovely thing to experience and I feel an apology is due. Aside from thisKyoto was wonderful and would have loved more time thereThe Shinkansen are such an amazing experience, quite easy to become a train spotter as witnessing their speed is spectacular2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Please use the public transport it is such an amazingly easy way to travel, seems daunting at first but will soon become second nature. Signs are in English, certainly in Kyoto, hakone and Tokyo. The equivalent to an Oyster card is amazing, can use on all the hundreds of vending machines and we emptied ours at the 'family Mart' at our final destination buying a sandwich3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Certainly we used all local services and businesses. Entrance fees of course continue to contribute to upkeep of historical sites4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Simply spectacular! So well organised, thorough guidance on itinerary and rail links, cannot fault it.Allison Krill review 2 Nov 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Our time spent in Hakone. Despite not being able to see much due to a Typhoon the Gora Tensui was a fantastic Ryokan and great place to relax in a storm.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Leverage the baggage transfer service. It made traveling on the train much simpler as we could forward our large bags and use smaller suitcases for shorter 2 day stays.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes and taking the Shinkansen is a great way to travel.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent and good value for moneyHoward Rosenthal review 19 May 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We enjoyed it all. The travel arrangements all worked perfectly. Hotels were fine. Amy at the tour operator was terrific.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
6 hour day tour of Tokyo was a bit stressful for seniors, in the amount of stairs and walking particularly between subways. The guide could have given us more options for traveling. Two tour guides to Geisha district were poor and overly talkative The tour and experience was great. The two tour guides in Tokyo and daytime Kyoto were wonderful.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?
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