REVIEWS

Steve K., Seattle, Washington

The trip exceeded our expectations, which were already heightened based on everything we had heard about Japan. We were awed by so much of what we saw and experienced. Yes, parts of the country are physically beautiful, but we were even more impressed by the Japanese people and culture – the cleanliness, efficiency, sophistication, and especially civility. Neither of us had ever visited a country where its citizens’ concern and respect for each other – and even for us as tourists — was so apparent.

Our trip was also executed flawlessly. We did not experience a single glitch – everybody was present at the appointed time and place. And our guide, as you alerted us, was phenomenal. In fact, we became so reliant on her that we, experienced travelers though we may be, doubted our ability to function in Japan without her on our last day. We loved how concerned she was about our well-being, first and foremost, and her wanting to answer all of our questions (even the silly ones), her desire to learn the few things she did not know, her sincerity, down-to-earthiness, and kindness, and her impeccable taste. Thank you so much for assigning her to our trip.

Thank you again for your exceptional service. We would, of course, recommend JapanQuest Journeys to anyone traveling to Japan.

Rose Horn, New York, New York

I recently returned from an extraordinary trip to Japan planned by the extraordinary Scott. I traveled with a dear friend. We were meant to go two years ago, but like everyone else, our trip was delayed until May. Planning a trip to Japan can be overwhelming. As I delved into my research, there were so many areas and experiences that I wanted to indulge in, but how to choose for a two-week trip? Scott helped me tremendously here. The way Scott describes a place or experience is so evocative and rich that you can almost imagine it in your mind. After telling him of my interests, he helped shape the trip that would become truly special and specifically designed to what I was looking for in my first visit to Japan.

I wanted a mix of urban and rural life, so Scott made a number of recommendations that would fulfill my desires. Besides vibrant Tokyo and Kyoto, we included a trip thru the Japanese Alps, thru the Kiso Valley and its enchanting post-towns and fairytale villages untouched by time, to the charming towns of Takayama and Kanazawa. The trip was topped off with a two-day stay in the beautiful Hakone. Our choice to travel with the same guide throughout our 13-day trip made our trip particularly memorable. Scott’s expertise has led him to believe this is an essential trip element. I can’t express how incredible it was to have Makiko with us the entire trip, immersing us in her knowledge of Japan, whether it be a historic site with great significance, or a stunning garden based on an age-old tradition.

Makiko was the most knowledgeable and compassionate guide and became our cherished friend by the end of the trip.

And the WOW Moment! Made even more special by the happy coincidence of Scott being in Kyoto for business. So, he was able to join us at the incredible multi-course dinner at the Michelin-star French/Japanese restaurant, Motoi, a beautifully atmospheric restaurant with divine food, made extra-special by the talented chef visiting us at our table.

It can’t be helped when waiting two years, that you build up expectations based on what you read and by Scott’s insights. This trip exceeded my wildest imagination due in great part to Scott’s magnificent knowledge and love of Japan and our incredible guide, Makiko.

I feel so fortunate to have found Scott. It would never have been the same without him. A truly priceless experience.

Jackie Katz, California

The trip was fantastic- We had a great time. Yoshi-san and Namuri-san were amazing guides.
They were essential and knew everything about Japan’s history.
Yoshi was very sweet our kids really connected with her.
Japan is a beautiful CLEAN country and the people are so kind.
We loved all the areas we visited. 

• There were so many highlights:
• Nara
• Big Buddha
• Phoenix Hall
• Loved our lunch at Hinatomaru (sushi)
• Kanazawa
• Ryokan Yoshikawa:Dinner with Maiko & Geiko at Yoshikawa.
• Philosophers’ Path was full of cherry blossoms.
• Beautiful Kyoto – Sakura everywhere!
• And they bloomed early- perfect timing!!
• Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Naoshima
• Teshima – loved the e-bikes.
• All the installations were amazing.
• Night Program of James Turrell
• Jingu Stadium baseball game Yakult Swallows x Hiroshima Carp- they won!
• Even managed to bike in Kyoto and find a Chabad house – Bobby was happy!
• All the hotels were excellent.
• The Palace Hotel was a 10 – location and was excellent for running outside in the morning amongst the Sakura
• Ritz Carlton was amazing – loved the location – and used their e-bikes.
• Benesse museum (beach) – perfect – and the restaurants too!!
• Everything went smoothly in our travels – we were well taken care of.
• Thank you for all your help and guidance!
• The trip was sensational and I loved it all!!!
• Thank you again for everything from our whole family.

We need to come back and see more of Japan and when we do I will be calling you!!

Thanks again for everything.

Adrianna Ma, California

I am en route to Narita with my parents after two amazing weeks in Japan, thanks to the meticulous planning on the part of the entire JapanQuest Journeys team as well as real-time adjustments and accommodations by the local team, especially our wonderful tour guide, Tomo.

It is a lot of work traveling with aging parents, especially opinionated ones! The team could not be more patient, gracious, and accommodating, and in being so made the trip more enjoyable and my life so much easier.

The sights and accommodations were superb, as are the private events you arranged. The highlight for both of my parents was the day in Kyoto that began with a guided meditation with the temple master and wrapped with a performance by talented and beautiful geishas. Mine are too many to name.

You have my gratitude and unequivocal support and endorsement of the high bar you set and deliver to. Thank you again.

Valerie Sugar, California

Our guide Narumi, was excellent. She was a very pleasant person to be with, and also very helpful to make changes as needed. All the drivers were good too. And we also highly recommend our Yakushima nature guide Nobu. He speaks English almost like an American, and he was able to tailor our visit.

As you had warned us, the cherry blossoms were early, so we missed their peak. However, Narumi remembered a temple garden in Kyoto, which had a grove of late-blooming cherry trees; she took us there, and they were spectacular! Also, the flower-viewing situation turned out fine, because the wisteria and azalea were blooming early, and we got a chance to enjoy those.

We enjoyed the Ritz Carlton, Kyoto, Chikurintei, Sankara, and Aman Tokyo. At Chikurintei, our suite was exquisite, and our private onsen in the garden was very special. We were able to enter their extraordinary gardens through our own back garden gate. The azaleas in their garden were in full bloom, so that was an extra treat for us.

The bottom line is that we enjoyed the trip and we appreciate all your efforts.

Robin Graham, Bethesda, Maryland

We were thrilled with our experience with Scott and JapanQuest Journeys. He and his team planned the most spectacular trip to Japan for our family and helped us create memories that will last for a lifetime. Scott and our tour guides were kind, responsive and completely understanding of what we wanted out of our trip to Japan. We would recommend JQJ to everyone we know who plans on going to Japan. We only wish we could do our trip all over again! 

Thank you Scott and JQJ!