REVIEWS

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! 

Pauline Dexter, New York

I had an absolutely magical time. It was a very special trip. Thank you, Scott.

Janet Hart, California

We read the fabulous reviews Scott received and wondered whether we would have the same experience. The short answer is an unequivocal “yes.” This experience has to be rated at or close to the top of our “trips of a lifetime.”

Scott listened to our interests and the items we wished to downplay or avoid. He quickly outlined a fabulous 4-week itinerary that enabled us to experience many of the highlights in Japan. Expensive? Yes, but it’s worth every cent. Scott booked us into excellent hotels situated in outstanding locations. He secured a wonderful guide (Emiko Sakaoka) who ensured we saw and did everything worth doing. She answered our questions, which helped us to learn a great deal about Japanese culture. While we aren’t fans of sushi we managed to eat very well. Every restaurant recommendation recognized our food interests and the special birthday dinner for Linda was a real treat.

“Scott booked us into excellent hotels situated in outstanding locations. He secured a wonderful guide (Emiko Sakaoka) who ensured we saw and did everything worth doing.”

We are grateful to Philip (the firm’s co-founder and located in Japan) for altering our itinerary to avoid the impact of Typhoon Hagibis. As the storm shut down the Tokyo airport and headed north, Philip quickly and seamlessly arranged for us to travel south via the train. Alternate accommodations were excellent and the touring continued without skipping a beat.

As for trip highlights, there are many. They include the friendly & interesting people we met, the exciting food markets we toured, the beautiful parks & gardens we walked through, the huge castles we toured, the inspiring temples & shrines we visited, the many and varied museums we saw, the efficient transportation system we used, the peacefulness of a stay in a ryokan or a Buddhist Temple we experienced. Yes, we loved the private dinner with the geishas, the private tour and discussion with the multi-generational lacquerware owner and the kimono maker, a private origami-making session, the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery Tour, the Mt. Koya cemetery walk/experience and the Sumo practice session. However, our lasting memory will be of the marvelous and unusual Japanese culture and the gracious people we met.

Our thanks to Scott, Philip, Miho, Emiko and the many folks behind the scenes who made our memorable trip possible.

Karina Mirkin, Los Angeles

Mimi, our guide made our trip! She was UNBELIEVABLE! Knowledgeable, fun, kind, anticipated all of our needs, and made our trip the best ever! She was very detailed and gave us little notes and maps and an entire folder to take home by the end of the trip.

We loved everything you proposed on your agenda. I fell in love with Kyoto. Loved Tokyo as well but there’s something so special about Kyoto. I would love to plan a future trip in the spring!

The sake brewery was incredible, Yoshi was our favorite! Yoshi was truly amazing! We learned so much!!!! The tea ceremony and meditation were also fantastic! The Taiko drum lesson was so fun!!! 

Everything else was perfect too! Thank you for taking care of every detail! It was so well planned, and I will recommend you to everyone that asks me!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!! Our best trip ever!!!!!!!