REVIEWS

Craig and Jen Letch, South Dakota

Jason and his team put together a truly exceptional itinerary that included deep cultural immersion, a fantastic private guide, professional transportation, incredible restaurant recommendations, and exquisite accommodations throughout the trip.

Since this was our family’s first trip to Japan, we relied heavily on Jason and his team to help us navigate the planning process. Jason was extremely helpful in presenting options and making recommendations, but more importantly, he took the time to understand how our family likes to travel.

For example, while Tokyo is an incredible city, it can also be a bit overwhelming. We explained that we enjoy a faster pace for a few days followed by time to relax and recharge. Jason and his team delivered perfectly. After experiencing the wonderful energy and chaos of Tokyo, we found ourselves in the Japanese Alps near Matsumoto, relaxing at a tranquil traditional ryokan complete with onsens, babbling brooks, a stunning tree canopy, and a peaceful atmosphere that was exactly what we needed.

“This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime trip and one our family will never forget. We can’t wait to return to Japan, and I would highly recommend working with Jason and this outstanding team of travel professionals.“

I could go on and on about the private experiences they arranged: a sushi-making class, a visit with a fourth-generation kimono artisan, a sumo wrestling practice, and a hike through the Akame forests and waterfalls accompanied by a Shingon Buddhist priest, just to name a few.

Our guide, Chieko, was a true professional. She traveled with us for much of the journey and was an incredible source of knowledge. Her deep understanding of the history of the shrines, temples, gardens, and cities we visited greatly enriched our experience. She was always available to answer questions, provide insight, and educate us on local customs and traditions.

This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime trip and one our family will never forget. We can’t wait to return to Japan, and I would highly recommend working with Jason and this outstanding team of travel professionals.

Larry and Paulette Walker, Rockville, MD

We feel very fortunate that we found Jason Gilman and JapanQuest Journeys. Everything has been beyond special—the country, the culture, the experiences, and the food. Our guide was the absolute best; she was professional, knowledgeable, flexible, and patient. Even when I’ve needed to slow down, she was totally accommodating. Everything was just great! Thank you so very much, Jason, to you and the entire JapanQuest Journeys team!

Jana and Robert Turner, Toronto, Canada

Thank you so much, JapanQuest Journeys and Jason Gilman, for your help in organizing a most wonderful trip to Japan! We so enjoyed every moment of our time in Japan, and our guide, Makiko, and the drivers were just the best.

We so appreciated Makiko’s knowledge of Japanese history along with her current perspective on the country’s cultural and political climate. She also displayed such flexibility whenever we wanted to change things up a bit.  Her guidance on how to handle the more traditional experiences was invaluable!

“Thank you so much for all your help in making the trip spectacular.“

We bought several pieces of art that we love, one print being over 100 years old and magnificent, and a ceramic piece from the artist I was searching for from the start, which is beautiful.

Thank you so much for all your help in making the trip spectacular. There will be another trip with JapanQuest Journeys in the near future, and I’m about to reach back out to you to start planning!

Amy Melton, Houston, Texas

Our itinerary resulted in the most engaging, informative, and FUN trip for our family of 4. All of us, including our children (in their early 20s), enjoyed the wide variety of experiences: there was something for everyone. And sometimes we were shocked by who ended up loving one event more than another!

After a couple of planning conversations, Scott Gilman crafted a trip that exposed us to and enabled us to participate in meaningful ways in Japanese culture and history. Yes, we visited iconic temples, shrines, and other sites we loved, but also had curated special interactions like those with a Japanese family of craftsman artists in Nagano prefecture, geishas in Kyoto, a beautiful tea ceremony with a Buddhist priest, crazy-loud taiko drumming lessons, sushi making with a master chef, and more.

“Can’t wait to return to Japan sometime in the future with a new itinerary from JapanQuest Journeys!”

The best moments came in those events and in the smallest of ways from our daily interactions with our incredible guide and new friend, Chieko. She took care of us and our every wish and daily travel details, patiently changing plans when we absolutely needed to make a sudden stop to taste a local treat or buy a postcard. She wanted us to enjoy every second, and she taught us so much Japanese language, culture, and tradition. We tried to do her proud with what we absorbed and brought home! She is a credit to her country!

We felt lucky at the end of our trip to have had the chance to meet so many incredible individuals in Japan- and we felt like we learned so much while having an absolute blast.

Can’t wait to return to Japan sometime in the future with a new itinerary from JapanQuest Journeys!

Eileen Sudler, Tequesta, Florida

It was an absolutely wonderful trip. Our guide, Mimi, should be designated a National Treasure in Japan; she is the difference between good and extraordinary.  We had so many special experiences, great weather, and a seamless experience. Thanks again for all your hard work on our itinerary. 

Steve Vetzner, Washington, DC

This was a great trip, and you provided great guidance and support.

From our arrival in Tokyo onward, all our transfers and pickups were seamless and easy. Hiromi was a great guide and very responsive to our requests, and our drivers were especially great.

Like everyone, we were impressed with how clean and orderly Tokyo and all of Japan are. The tour of old town neighborhoods and our walk with Michel were very helpful. And we totally enjoyed our cooking “class” with Kyoko. During our visit to Tokyo, we added a Kabuki performance, which was very enjoyable.

The Gran-class in our bullet train was more comfortable than the business class in our flight from Washington. I found Kanazawa to be the highlight of our time in Japan. I liked the scale of the town, the historic districts, the craft shops, and the Kenroku-en Garden. Shirkawa-go was also interesting. I was surprised by our Ryokan. I didn’t expect a place so modern to have a Relais & Châteaux designation. Because Kathy is very outgoing, she connected with the owner’s son. In addition to providing a book, they invited us to a tea ceremony.

“This was a great trip, and you provided great guidance and support.“

Kyoto and Nara were, of course, very interesting and impressive. I especially liked the “street” where we had our tea ceremony, which was very enjoyable. Our Zen session was also very impressive.  The top experience of our whole time was probably the rickshaw ride through the Bamboo Forest in the rain.

I loved the natural beauty and was impressed with the architecture and the outdoor sculpture. We did enjoy the Benesse House Museum. I was also struck by how we could see Okayama in the distance, and maybe it was intentional that the art on the island responds to the city’s industry.

We arrived in Osaka in time for an excellent dinner at the hotel’s Cantonese restaurant. 

I had decided to depart for our trip home from Osaka and worried our transfer in Tokyo would be difficult. But it was a piece of cake. On our connecting flight, we did get a great picture of Mount Fuji. A long layover in Tokyo also gave us time for shopping, picking out a rare bottle of sake.

And now for our best of the trip:

Best Hotels: The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto (so comfortable and personal) and Mandarin Oriental Tokyo (so well appointed)

Best Dinners: Tempura Fukamachi and MOTOI (It was exquisite, and we met the chef and had our picture taken with him).

Best Experience: Rickshaw ride in the Bamboo Forest.

Best Destination: Kanazawa.

Thanks so much.