Review

Heidi Sandige

Best of Japan

May 5, 2024 - May 19, 2024

This tour was a fantastic mix of elements. There were times in cities, but also some times in smaller places. The chance to stay at a monastery with night walks in the cemetery was amazing, and the guest house in Miyajima was truly amazing - with the best meals ever all prepared by the family and so beautifully presented. I feel like I saw all the highlights I was hoping for, had enough free time, and got a good idea about culture and transportation aspects of traditional and contemporary Japan.

Itinerary

Very well organized, with very clear transitions and instructions

Lodging

The Ryoso Kawaguchi was lovely. The monestary was a great experience. I really enjoyed all the onsens. It was good to see a variety of them and of semi-traditional accommodations.

Food

The prepared meals by the Ryoso Kawaguchi were the best. The prepared meals in Takayama and Kyoto at the end were very nice, with less explanation and personality. The lunch choices were fun and varied, with good restaurant choices.

Guides

Charlie was amazing. Initially it seemed like he was giving too much information, but it was all helpful and interesting, and he prepared us well for the remainder of the tour. The tour guide in Takayama was very laid back, a good contrast. The tour guide in Koya-San (suzuki) seemed to give us free time when we didn\'t need it and rush along at other times (made me appreciate the precision of Charlie!). The tour guide in Hiroshima (Masa) was peculiarly bitter about several aspects of Japanese society (but not about Hiroshima bombing!), more complaining about Japan than I expected. The guide in Kyoto was great (how did he navigate all those transportation transitions so seamlessly?) and the trainee guide in Kyoto was adorable!

Pre-Tour Handbook

Very clear

Tour Organization

Very well organized.

Tour Transportation

Good mix, always very clear, with guides meeting every timing mark perfectly.

Would you go on another tour operating by Samurai Tours: Yes!

Would you recommend Samurai Tours to friends or family: Yes!