Take it all in,…a most unforgettable experience
Japan
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Sep 11 - Sep 22, 2024
Our agents were amazing. Myaen who started our itinerary paid attention to detail, and responded very promptly every time we emailed or chatted. She was super helpful and informative and knew the ins and outs of the areas of Japan that we anted to visit as ell as all the experiences we had hoped to encounter. We especially enjoyed Eri, our guid to Mt Fuji. Very educated and knowledgeable on many facets of Japan, currently and historically. She helped purchase our future Shinkansen tickets to Kyoto at Tokyo Station before we embarked on to Mt Fuji. We had an amazing time. What was noted on the itinerary for the day as spot on and excellent.
Our curated day in Tokyo that I believe Irish put together, was chock full of places and things to see and do. It was a very comprehensive itinerary and one not for the weak of Herat directional fortitude or stamina. We visited four districts, navigated 8 or 9 metros, stayed out for 10 hours, and walked 9 miles. At our age, 62 ad 67 that was such an amazing day to have accomplished. The maps that were attached to the itinerary were very useful. I would suggest noting the time that the itinerary might take and distances that might be covered should one take in each spine, temple ad shopping experience.
And, 7-11 and Eki ben are our new best friends. When in doubt or in a pinch for time, or grabbing something on long Shinkansen rides, that’s the way to go.
Our Nakasendo trail adventure was just breath taking. Each trail presented a new challenge and a very nostalgic look into the past. The scenery and culture up close and personal was spectacular. Each post town was quaint and offered such fascinating personal introspect. The ryokan and meal accommodations was nothing short of historic, realistic, generous, home felt and inspiring. Each were different in their own way, but blended a personal and professional sense of accommodation.
For note, the original Nagiso to Magome route from the train station, via the road, as prescribed by the itinerary and included map, should be just an option. Although the Trail was nearby we did follow the road but it was getting sketchy and boring. We opted to had to the trail midway and landed in Tsumago, which would have been our day two hike toward. We spent time there and taped in the trail for the duration, to Magome. It drew late, very dark and thunderstormed on us. It took us almost five plus hours to complete from start to finish, not including our rest in Tsumago. And, because we hiked the route, we chose not to hike back to Tsumago the next day as the itinerary laid out. Instead we found another 3.5 mile hike near Magome, then caught the bus to Tsumago for our day and accommodations. We were told by many, that people take the bus to Magome and hike back toward Tsumago. An option that should be included in your itinerary going forward. The bus back to Tsumago defended on a very steep winding road. That would had been our route should we stayed on our trek from Nagiso. Again not for the traveler less experienced in hiking that distance or terrain.
The trail was charming and spectacular. We only saw people hiking from Magome to Tsumago. Heading in our opposite direction. The easier hike. Our time however in both post towns were magical. We watched a vendor make udon in the window and after our short hike in Magome, decided to have lunch there. It was a very connecting experience.
The other trails were great. Kiso Fukushima was surrounded by Nakasendo trail within the city limits, which we partook. After a little confusion in Yabuhara, we found out was the the Tori Pass hike. Simply breathtaking. Narai was spectacular and we so loved the five star accommodations at Byaku Narai. We were on cloud nine and it was a great reward to end our hikes. We foregone our last day hike from Narai and just caught the train to Matsumoto. The castle was awe inspiring. The hotel, though so centrally located was a bit cramped. Very awkward bathroom set up that was almost dangerous to navigate. Our other hotels, Karaska in Tokyo, Daiwa Roynetts in Kyoto and Tokyo, were perfect.
Our foodie izakaya experience in shinjuku was so much fun. We would not have ventured there without our guide, who was energetic, educated and animated. What a fun last night.
Thank you to all of you who made this trip so memorable. This was the way to go versus two weeks on a tour bus. We plan to return to Japan and will certainly use your service again. We are using kimkim to Australia and New Zealand this coming January.
Forgot to mention that the greeter and white glove driving service from and to the airport was superb and such a classy touch. We felt so special..
Mahalo again for your patience with us and making this journey an unforgettable one.
Susan and Charlie Kunz
Hotel Reviews
Great location
Great location. Amazing breakfast
Super charming and authentic. We felt like family
The family was so genuine and allowed our traveling companions to stay at their hotel instead of a part rom us as they had a spare room open.
Simply spectacular. Private garden furo on the outdoor deck. Amazing food. Very classy and 5 star
Great location to metro and Ginza
Activity Reviews
Eri our guide always the most intricate piece to this tour
It was a memorable experience. Very authentic and cultural. Kimonos were a nice touch
Don’t recommend the Nagiso to Magome road route
Saw the trail in reverse but that didn’t take away from the experience nor the scenery
Kiso Fukushima was so much fun. Shops, museums, trail, foot onsen, bar. Great food at our hotel too. Got to do our laundry too
Once we figured out the transportation to and from, we had an amazing time. Everything was so awe inspiring and beautiful.
We skipped the KisoHirasaw hike and stayed in town to shop. Matsumoto was fun and had spectacular affordable sukiyaki recommended by hotel staff.
Giza was so much fun and exciting. We stopped for five hours before settling in the lobby of our hotel awaiting our rife to the airport
A must do for everyone. A spectacle to behold in Shinjuku, but the food and guide were just fabulous