My trip to Japan was awesome.
Japan
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Oct 2 - Oct 22, 2024
My trip to Japan was awesome. Eleanor, my representative from KimKim, worked hard to make sure that all of my wishes were included on my itinerary. I had a blast at the Sumo Wrestler stable, the hedgehog cafe, lacquer store where I was able to finish painting a design on a small tray, seeing the city of Sapporo from the top of the Olympic ski jump, and using my skills to find a particular restaurant in Sagamihara where I used to eat the most delicious gyoza many years ago. (And yes it is still open after 40+ years!). All of this would not have been possible without the help of Eleanor and the private guides that I had in each city for a day. I would definitely use their services again on another trip. I do like being able to discover places on my own but having a one day guide in each city increased my confidence and gave me information that I wouldn't have known on my own.
Hotel Reviews
Super convenient location with the subway station being under the hotel. Great included breakfast buffet. Wonderful registation and concierge staff that were able to help me transfer my luggage by courier to my next location so that I could travel luggage free on public transportation. Only down side to this hotel is that they do not have self-serve guest laundry machines, but I was able to find a public pay laundromat just about one or two blocks away. Very easy to use just needed Google translate to work the machines!
Very interesting small hotel in Takayama. I can see how this hotel could be used as a long-stay place. The room was comfortable, nice batieGood location to food, and convenience stores. I would choose this hotel again if I ever found myself in the area. Also, the registration staff was extremely helpful with luggage service to my next location, making calls to help with the language barrier, and overall answers to my questions,
Have you ever heard the saying location, location, location? Well, the saying fits this hotel. Adjacent to the bus station, and a short 5 minute walk from the train station makes it very convenient. Again, the front desk staff was very helpful and friendly. Would stay here again if in the area.
This hotel was also in a very good location in relation to public transportation. Helpful and friendly staff, and a clean and inviting atmosphere. I would stay here again if in the area.
This hotel was also in a very good location in relation to public transportation. Helpful and friendly staff, and a clean and inviting atmosphere. I would stay here again if in the area.
Activity Reviews
Super fun but soooo crowded. I would prefer to see it at a less crowded time.
Oh boy! I Ioved this experience! I would definitely suggest this experience if you are even just a little bit interested in sumo. I had the opportunity to watch some wrestlers show us some of their exercises and even let the participants get in the ring to try to do them with guidance. At the end of the demonstration each group participant had the oppertunity to get in the ring once again and try to out-do the pros by pushing them out of the ring. We were able to put on an informal kimono and have our pictures taken in the ring with both wrestlers. After the demonstration was done, we were invited to have a hotpot lunch made by the wrestlers in a very informal setting were we could ask questions and get the answers from the sumos. I really liked this experience. It is suitable for families with children of about 8+ years old.
I had a wonderful day here with my private guide. It was during a festival that I visited and was able to try many different foods from the street venders as well as see the parade of Japanese shrines. Learned quite a bit about the history with my guide. I would definately go to visit here again if in the area. It is a breath of fresh air after spending time in the busy city of Tokyo.
Wow! What a beautiful area to visit. I had a great day with my private guide and learned quite a bit of new information regarding the area. I would visit this area again if in Japan.
The Sapporo Brewery is a sight to behold. It is a beautiful brick building the has been well maintained and houses a museum of the beer industry in Sapporo. My guide was great at pointing out details that I would have missed in being there on my own. I didn't take advantage of the BBQ or the beer tasting, as those things don't appeal to me. Instead we ate at a smaller local restaruant and had great ramen and gyoza! If in the area I would suggest visiting the Olympic stadium, Clock Tower, and the Sapporo TV tower.