I have just returned from what is undoubtedly one of the most immersive and best travel experiences I have ever had. As a very seasoned solo traveller, I was a bit hesitant to join a tour, but thanks to a suggestion by my friends in Minnesota, I took the plunge and we booked our tour in January 2020, then Covid hit. We finally managed to do this trip in November 2023. Due to the plummeting South African rand, I initially felt that the cost was quite high.
Now I completely endorse the fact that it is the best value for money I could ever have invested in my travel experience. I arrived for the tour 4 days before the start and navigated myself around Tokyo transport and food. It was overwhelming to say the least. Too many social faux pas’ and epic bathroom failures to try and explain.
Then Becki and Shawn stepped in with their meticulous planning and organizing skills. Their passion for Japan, its culture, food, people , countryside and heritage. This is not a follow the leader tour. Becki and Shawn give so much information on the social etiquettes, the transport systems, the food, religions, history and they guided each of us through this experience, to make it our own. The HOW and WHY behind so much, you just would not get as a tourist on your own. I loved the fact that if they did not have the answer to some of the obscure questions we asked, they would research and come back to you. Nothing was ever too much trouble.
I really appreciated the effort they put into getting the group fit right, ours was perfect and good friendships were made. The relaxed and informal approach, the teasing and humor created a fun experience.
The hotel accommodations chosen were perfect in terms of comfort, luxury and accessibility to the stations. The included dinners and lunches were well selected and off the beaten track, no tour group buffets!! The itinerary and sights selected were incredible. At the end of our tour we stayed on and did a few extra days, locals we interacted with could not believe how much we had seen and done in the 2 weeks.
A caution is that this tour is physical, you do need to be fit. But there can be no better way to really experience these beautiful country. I have no hesitation in recommending Becki and Shawn and any of their well thought out itineraries. If you have read this far, I am happy to answer any questions on my personal experience that I may not have covered.