REVIEWS

Ed Finger, Texas

I’m still on a high reflecting on my incredible journey to Japan. From the moment of arrival, everything worked out seamlessly thanks to the excellent work of Scott Gilman at JapanQuest Journeys. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Japan several times prior to this trip but knew this would be a different experience. Working with a company specifically geared toward Japan, I had no doubt this would elevate my experience.

The purpose of the trip was to photograph the Fall foliage. Not only was Mother Nature kind with magnificent color, but all arrangements (flights, hotels, car transfers, and local food) went as planned. I specifically wanted to immerse myself in Japanese culture experiencing rural life and nature in accordance with local Shinto ways. I’m also a huge “foodie” and wanted to experience local foods wherever I went. Each guide/driver I had was aware of this and went to special length to make this possible.

What were the highlights? Too many, but a few to mention…

Heading down to the town of Fujiyoshida and experiencing My. Fuji up close and personal was something I’ll never forget. Powerful, majestic and spiritual to say the leastl! Also, my guide, “Mimi-san,” was especially wonderful. I met her in the lobby of the Park Hyatt Hotel in Shinjuku where we headed to Tokyo Station together. She’d be with me on my journey to Kanazawa and the next couple of days following. I bonded with her from the get-go! Her sweet disposition, superb knowledge, and professionalism was over the top. I will forever be grateful for this incredible human! 

Also, the pristine location and exquisite villa at Sasayuri-Ann was magical to say the least. Was perfect for 2-3 days and some peaceful “Zen” time. Finally, Susumu, my driver I was so fortunately to have while in Kyoto
was over the top. Professional, accommodating, and courteous are understatements to describe this man.

I could easily go on and am already conjuring in my headed when I might return to Japan. SO many great memories made, and stories told about how wonderful my experience was.

Thank you again to Scott and his team at JapanQuest Journeys for making the trip over the top and more!!

Elisabeth and Bradley Sherman, Cleveland, Ohio

We had the most fabulous trip to Japan in October 2023 that was planned by JapanQuest Journeys. Prior to the trip, Jason met with us a number of times, listened to our interests and created a wonderful itinerary that was filled with magical experiences. 

Highlights included a private architecture tour with James and a private cooking class at the home of Kyoko. We had a very special waterfall hike in the mountains and saw many temples and shrines, each one more interesting than the next. Other memorable private experiences included a tea ceremony, a taiko drum session and a Zen session with Daisuke, a Buddhist priest.

We ended the trip in Naoshima, saw amazing art and stayed at the Benesse House which feels like something out of a James Bond movie.

We were lucky enough to have Narumi as our guide during our entire trip. Narumi took care of every detail and was constantly adding stops to make the trip even more special. Having Narumi as our guide made the trip effortless and stress-free. She is the best!

Thank you to JapanQuest Journeys for a trip of a lifetime.

Mary Hoak, Colorado

My husband and I had an amazing trip to Japan put together by Scott. The hotels, especially the villa we had, met all our expectations. We traveled with three young male relatives in their early to mid-20’s and they loved the trip as well. The private experiences Scott set up were extraordinary: We watched Sumo wrestlers practice, we had a private cooking class, we learned how sake is made (and tasted it!), we meditated with a Buddhist priest, and we had a drumming session that was, perhaps, the best experience of all.

I can’t say enough about the restaurants Scott offered: The food was beyond. A special shout-out to the two guides who took us through Japan—so knowledgeable and so kind. They were part of our family by the end of the trip.

Laurie Lindenbaum and Robert Horne, Michigan

The trip was amazing! Both of our guides were wonderful – very knowledgeable, organized, attentive, and a pleasure to be with for days on end. These guides made a huge difference in our experience. All transfers were flawless. And there were a lot of them! 

The hotels in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo were fantastic! The décor, service, views, food were all exceptional. The Kanazawa Hotel was totally comfortable (and the gym was good!). As you had indicated, one ryokan was enough in Japan, and we had fun experiencing what a more traditional Japanese lifestyle is or was like. 

Thank you very, very much JapanQuest Journeys for all of your help making this such a memorable, enjoyable and worthwhile trip! We loved seeing the sites and the cities, and Naoshima and Teshima were spectacular. All-in-all it was one of our best trips ever.

Mike Wittenwyler, Wisconsin

It was an excellent trip, and we had a great time. 

Hiromi was an A+ guide. Her skills, attitude and pleasant personality made the trip very enjoyable. I highly recommend her to other clients.

We were very much exposed to a side of Japan most tourists do not see. With many meals at restaurants and exploration of locations when we were the only foreigners. Exactly how we like it. Hiromi took us to a local restaurant after restaurant for lunch that we never would have found. And every meal with her was a great conversation on various topics. The lunch at Sushi Iwa in Kyoto will never be forgotten as Jessica kept up with the chef’s lunch special and more pieces of sushi than she had ever eaten in one meal. Same with the shopping. Hiromi found the stores that Jessica was seeking off the beaten path. Places with high-end products, great service and very good selection. Similarly, when Hiromi learned that there was a parade in Kyoto one day, she rearranged our schedule so she and I could take it in. Great experience. Great insight on her end that this was something I would enjoy doing and then working to make it happen. You could tell she listened, researched on the go and adapted to what we liked and did not like. Makes all the difference when you do that for your guests.

Mandarin Oriental was perfect, just as it had been the last time we stayed there. The cooking lesson and dinner with Kyoko was very unique. 

Myojinkan was an excellent ryokan with an exceptional dinner and breakfast. Kanazawa was a favorite. Many great sites, and I found some great places to purchase pottery and art. Amazing community and people. Dinner at Kaido was an A+. The food was as good as it gets. One of our most memorable meals in restaurants we have eaten around the world. We, the chef, his assistant and our food/wine. A dining experience we will never forget.

Hiromi did a phenomenal job of keeping us in locations that felt intimate and less crowded. Kudos to her for always going above the expected in situations like these. The tea ceremony, calligraphy lesson and time with Sarah Brayer were also A+ experiences. Each one is unique and memorable. Whatever you can do to add these experiences to the itinerary, the better the trip. Each one provided a different and exceptional insight into the country and culture. The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, was as good as it gets. No complaints. Great location. Great staff. The room was perfect. Exactly the base camp you want when exploring. 

Mt. Koya and the Souji-in Temple were very good. Great escape after the crowds in Kyoto. Very much enjoyed our days there.

And you were exactly right about not wanting to miss a stay at Sasayuri-Ann. The accommodations were like nothing we had ever experienced, and Matsubayashi-san, his wife and family were perfect hosts. We enjoyed every minute of our time there and with them. The hikes, the meals, the conversations, and the attention to detail were above and beyond. Could have stayed for an entire week at this property and gotten to know them both even more. A++.

Great work as well with all of the transportation. The car service and drivers were always reliable and exactly what we needed. Made the trip much easier and enjoyable. They worked with Hiromi to make our days as smooth as possible.

Overall, we did not want the trip to end, and I wish I could have convinced Jessica to spend another week in the country. But that provides us a reason to return to Japan in a few years. It is an amazing country, and it still feels like there is much more to explore. 

Thank you for all of your work in making it a superb trip. Have already recommended JapanQuest Journeys to several others.

Steve Chapin, Virginia

The Top 3 reasons we love and would recommend JapanQuest Journeys:

We were a group of 2 grandparents; 30 something married couple with 4-month -old, and a -want-to do-everything couple in their 20s. Each with very different needs:

First was Jason: We began planning our 14-day trip to Tokyo, Kanazawa and Kyoto one year in advance. Jason was the consummate professional; the best travel planner I have ever interacted with. During that year of planning, we had an addition to the family. Jason was thorough and was able to determine the exact way to handle having such a young infant travel with us, while still ensuring a great trip. He suggested an extra sedan in addition to our van; vetted restaurants for infant friendliness and made sure the hotels were ready for us. He provided this level of detail and creativity in all aspects of the trip.

Second was our guide: who is now a member of our family. She was able to customize the trip enroute, so that the 20-somethings could continue to visit and explore while the 4-month-old was able to nap and be comfortable. She stayed with us the entire time. She is really extraordinary.

Third were our special experiences: Unmatched. Ikebana, sushi making, Zen Buddhist temple, drum playing in a temple, tea ceremony, automotive plant tour, calligraphy, special Geisha ceremony. Everything was uniquely Japanese and special.

Everyone says it, but it is true. This was truly the trip of a lifetime.

Thank you.