I just wanted to find a few minutes to thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. Just telling you here that “we had a wonderful time” doesn’t convey the deep sense of profound emotion and reflection we’re all having now that we’re back to our regular lives.
I’m sure a large part of this feeling is Japan itself – a breathtaking culture and geography, and people, and fascinating places and things to see and do. Another part is probably the exceptionally good weather –Spectacular.
But clearly, we benefitted most from your experience putting together the individual experiences, and the sequence, and of course the great fortune to have an amazing guide as our companion. She was a truly gifted and generous guide – enthusiastic, knowledgeable, patient, hardworking. I know it comes with the job, but her personal connection especially with my children was charming to watch and will last them a lifetime. Bridgette and me as well.
Most everything we did on the itinerary could be scored as a “favorite.” I wasn’t surprised by how much everyone loved taiko drums or hiking around Koyasan, but was delighted even more with the experiences nobody expected much from. Tea ceremony? Marvelous. Meditation with a Zen master? Super cool. Morning prayers at a Shingon temple? Beautiful. Of all the souvenirs and mementoes, I believe my most treasured will be the paper fan with Geiko and Maiko stickers on it – hands down the most unique dinner I’ve ever experienced. To the extent we’re fortunate for the opportunity to access what evidently many local Japanese cannot – many thanks to you.
The meals were all terrific, even the most “challenging” kaiseki – we learned to appreciate them. Our guide was also very good at picking out the perfect soba spot or ramen shop – every one of those informal meals was awesome, no exceptions. All of your accommodation selections were on-the-money as well. Nobody was too sure what to make of the ryokan at first, but we warmed to it after a couple hours and the 5 of us got some great quality time together there. The Ichijouin was of course weird for American tourists, but those particular rooms were quite new and clean, that was an important detail to get right after slumming it at the Ritz for 5 nights.
Two final items I wanted to call attention to include Teamlab Borderless – I am well-versed in those types of attractions and Borderless is probably the best in class worldwide, quite a nice diversion especially early in the trip as we’re still getting adjusted to the time zone. Kind of a crowd-pleaser, when you have people under age 30 in tow. I’d also say bike riding with JJ in Kyoto jumped out as a very welcome alternative to walking. But the biking got a big thumbs up from everyone during and after the ride. Those two activities made for some healthy variety.
The stars aligned for this vacation, Scott, and I’m truly appreciative for everything you did to make it happen. Two weeks was not nearly enough time to fully appreciate that amazing country, so look for our call back in a couple years, ok?