The Best Way
- April 9, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
stormibays from Seattle, Washington
I was hesitant at joining a tour. I was afraid of full cramped buses, 10 minute stops and terrible passengers.
I signed up for several mini tours through JTB. 1/2 day cityrama tour of Tokyo, 1 full day in Nikko, 1 day in Hakone / Fuji and 1 1/2 days in Kyoto/ Nara.
I was thrilled. Not only did they take such good detailed care of us, it was wonderful! We got messages or faxes nightly prior to each tour. They were incredibly detailed on where to meet, who to meet, where to go etc... They had someone escorting us on the bullet trains and meeting us at the platform the minute we stepped off. I mean it was so well organized!!!!!! The tours themselves with detailed with an english speaking guide. Our guides were hilarious often singing, doing some teaching of important characteristics of the culture, practice language, and one guide actually gave us candy! Sure there were some stops that I wish I had more time to explore on my own. But we went during the busiest time - cherry blossom viewing - and our buses were never filled to the brim. My husband and I almost always sat alone is a set of 2 seats so we were very comfortable. The people on the tours were great too. A mix of foreigners and a few locals. It was great because we got to see so much more than if we were to do this ourselves. It was nice because we were able to build in at least 2 free days in Tokyo and 2 free days in Kyoto. We will definatley be booking Japan tours with this company again when we cme back!