Review

The itinerary was excellent, however the pace was too fast with so many modes of transportation that everyone in our group felt that it was very hectic and rushed. Personally, I read the brochure, and I do not have issue with using public transportation, I didn’t anticipate using every form of public transportation on the same day! The buses were uncomfortably crowded and that’s where this tour needs improvement. I saw a minibus off-loading a group of tourists and I was very envious. The novelty of taking the bus wore off quickly. A longer stay in Osaka would have been appreciated as it was just an overnight for such a big city. Overall, I would have appreciated having more free time but I understand the need to offer similar experiences as competition is high. Packing for two nights, or one night, etc. I found it difficult as many of us need to carry medical equipment and supplies. I did appreciate the hotels with washers and dryers and used those twice.

Excellent. I am very happy with the lodging with the exception of the first hotel, Shinagawa Prince as the room was extremely small. But its location was excellent. The rest of the hotels used were great! All clean and centrally located.

All breakfasts were excellent in both what was on offer and in quality. The dinners were excellent in Hakone, it was my favourite hotel and location. The dinners at the Aki Grand, although abundant, they were not as good. The restaurants that our guide, Ken Adachi chose were spectacular. If Samurai Tours would do an epicurean tour by Ken Adachi, that would be fantastic. He should choose all the restaurants in Kyoto.

Charlie Inoue was extremely patient, he is so good that we were truly spoiled. He was caring, informative and entertaining. I kept my origami of Mt. Fuji! The visit to a quiet shrine which we had all to ourselves felt special. When he waved us off at the platform, I was sad to see him go. Ken Adachi is a whirlwind of energy, he is so knowledgeable, kind and I know we were lucky to have him guide us. Ken takes care of everyone, even going above and beyond when one in our group was physically exhausted and having a medical issue. We were in good hands. Ken personally helped me to change my train tickets and showed me the route to get to the train station, and that was after his work day had ended. His chosen restaurant venues were fantastic. Everyone commented on how good the venues were. This guide knows style, and food. We appreciated both our guides. I was also very happy with the sending service when I first arrived in Japan! That was a great experience after a long flight.

The tour handbook desperately needs an Editor. It is too long, too detailed to the point of being so convoluted that I know some of my travel mates did not read it completely. This tour handbook tries to be a tour guide, a day-to-day planner, an itinerary and a history book all in one. It’s too much. It should be written in point form, not in paragraphs. It should be instructional, a daily planner, not a history lesson. Think bird’s eye view. Less is more.

Excellent, all of our tickets were nicely arranged in pouches and in order. Checkin at hotels were good, checkout was easy. Meeting our guides were always on time. Everything was well organized. All of our luggage arrived on time and was waiting for us. Meals were on time.

Travelling on the bullet train was an amazing experience. However, carrying overnight bags was onerous. I didn’t like the buses, too crowded, no where to sit and at times painful standing for long periods of time.