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REVIEWS

Tom Geniesse, New York

Thank you for all of your help putting together an epic and truly memorable adventure.  It was an amazing trip.  We loved being with our guide again.  She is like family to us.  And she was genius in navigating the “one pescatarian, one vegetarian, one gluten-free” challenge.

Zenagi was, as promised, a mind-blowing stay. Teshima is still a favorite.

Again, a thousand thanks for all of your help.

Brian Pike, Texas

We started planning a trip to Japan four years ago. Multiple Covid shutdowns and life changes later, my wife and I just returned from an extraordinary sixteen-day trip. WendyPerrin.com referred us to Scott Gilman. If you take nothing else from this review, ask for Scott to plan your trip. After a detailed conversation about our interests, Scott presented a very thoughtful first draft for a trip. Much of it was great, but several suggestions required adjustments and additional planning. Scott took it all in, modified the plan and submitted his revision. As we got closer, a few additional changes were requested, and all were accommodated while improving the itinerary. Ten days before departure we spoke to Scott again and some of his last-minute suggestions regarding travel strategy, clothing etc., were enormously helpful.

From the time we landed at Haneda Airport we were looked after at every step. The amount of coordination was impressive and greatly appreciated.

Hotels, restaurant suggestions, unique museums and locations were all fantastic. We told Scott we enjoy getting away from typical tourist sights and locations but wanted to see the highlights. He curated a beautiful balance of historic sights and private unusual opportunities for us to meet local people and experience a much more intimate sense of culture. Meeting a tea master, going to the homes of local artists and artisans and spending a remarkable evening in a cooking class at a private home were all wonderful and very satisfying. All of this was in coordination with guides and drivers.

We loved the hotels and ryokans and always felt Scott’s choices were thoughtful and right for us.

Right up to the time we were driven to the airport and met by a local associate that helped us through check-in and security, we were in the best of hands.

We’ve taken many wonderful trips, and this one was right up at the top of the list.

Joseph Wisne and Family, Ohio

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?

Ken and Cori DiPietro, Massachusetts

Scott….We wanted to again express our gratitude for the sensational and memorable trip to Japan organized by you and the team at JapanQuest Journeys.  Our journey through Japan was transformed from extraordinary to absolutely magical, thanks to the phenomenal itinerary framed and exquisitely executed by your team. From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto and into the mystical charms of Kanazawa, Nara, the art expositions of  Naoshima and Teshima…Cori and I were provided a broad canvas to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japan’s rich tapestry of culture, food, art, craftsmanship, history, and tradition. 

On the ground, with an infectious enthusiasm and a wealth of knowledge that seemed limitless, our guide consistently went above and beyond to ensure that every moment of our trip was meaningful. She did not just show us the sights; she brought stories to life, weaving a narrative that connected each experience to the next, creating a seamless and immersive adventure. We were not “seeing and visiting things”…. we were experiencing the soul of Japan which has been indelibly and emotionally stamped into the catalogue of our lives.

For anyone considering a journey through Japan, we cannot recommend JapanQuest Journeys highly enough – they will not just meet your expectations; they will exceed them in every possible way.  We will see you again on our next trip!

Bob and Alysia H., London

We had a wonderful trip and are grateful to you for your efforts in arranging it.  There were so many highlights, but nothing matched the wonderful people you organized to show us Japan through their eyes. Every person, from Makiko to the drivers to those who guided us through the very special experiences, was wonderful.  Indeed, they were all so charming, open and generous with their time, it really made the difference.  

We are already eager to return, likely during the fall season so we can enjoy the colors of that season. When we do, I’m sure we will be in touch! 

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY

So we can tailor your journey to your exacting needs, kindly take a few moments to complete our questionnaire. In doing so, please keep all of the members of your party in mind. We thank you in advance and look forward to designing your extraordinary bespoke journey. You can also contact us at [email protected] or 202.455.0095.

Note: An investment in a bespoke journey with us starts at $3,000 per person per day, based on double occupancy.