4.5/5 Excellent
Excellent
207
Great
83
Average
9
Disappointing
3
Terrible
5
Japan Tour & Trip Reviews
Japan Tour & Trip Ratings
Tour Reviews
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N
Nigel
Jun 2024
Written on
Simply Japan
We saw just about everything there is to see without it being frenetic. You do need a reasonable level of fitness to manage as we walked around 90 miles. It is impos...
T
Trusted Customer
Jun 2024
Written on
Simply Japan
Our leader Synjun was fab. Knowledgeable and patient with som...
C
Colin
Jun 2024
Written on
Simply Japan
Synjun Howearth excelled in corralling the group! Took us to some ...
L
Lew
Jun 2024
Written on
Simply Japan
Doni was a really good guide and we enjoyed being with him. His management of the logistics was excellent. Maybe he could have said a bit more about Japanese history...
Japan Reviews
W
Warren
Jun 2024
Written on
Simply Japan
Great trip. Great group. Saw just about everything ther...
R
Robert
May 2024
Written on
Simply Japan
Very friendly Tour Leader Doni & we had a great time with him
T
Trusted Customer
May 2024
Written on
Simply Japan
This trip was a jam packed introduction to Japan, with a wide range of experiences. There was a lot to take in but with a tour guide on hand it was possible to enjoy...
Top Japan Tours
Japan Reviews
T
Trusted Customer
May 2024
Written on
Simply Japan
Very good but slightly rushed - no prior notification that there was no time for some of the advertised options (eg wood block print museum and thatched village) and...
T
Trusted Customer
May 2024
Written on
Simply Japan
Great holiday, generally well organised. Guide was good and tried to accommodate most people’s needs. Would have liked to go to Miyajima island when the tide was in...
Japan Reviews
J
Jordan
May 2024
Written on
Simply Japan
Accommodations were fantastic, all had useable amenities and staff was very quick to help with any issues. A nice variety of stay as well without sacrificing comfort...
G
Gill
May 2024
Written on
Simply Japan
A fabulous tour round some of the most beautiful places- from big city buzz to majestic snow capped mountains, small guesthouses and smart hotels. Our tour leader h...
S
Stephanie
May 2024
Written on
Simply Japan
It was a wonderful trip - saw lots and learned a lot about Japan and the Japanese people. Tour leader, Kevin, was excellent - very informative, friendly and helpful...
J
Jane
May 2024
Written on
Simply Japan
While this is a very interesting trip, it was more gruelling than I expected, as we walked on average over 5 miles per day. Using public transport took a lot of time...
Editor’s Take
What to Look For in Japan Reviews
Most trip reviews tend to focus on some or all of these 5 key areas, not all of which may be relevant to you: the tour guide, travel company, service level, country or countries traveled in, and the trip itinerary. Remember, just because you see a 1 star review doesn’t necessarily mean that person disliked the country.
Traveling in Japan can take a bit of adjusting, particularly for western travelers. The cultural nuances take some getting used to, and the language is difficult (not many Japanese people speak english).
Having a local guide in Japan is an extremely helpful way to get to know the culture and history, but it is also invaluable to have someone to ask about what food to order, and how to navigate the transportation. Without this, Japan may end up being a unique adventure but a stressful one.
Japanese food is a divisive topic; people either love it or hate it, or they love ramen and sushi and not much else. The flavors in traditional Japanese cuisine are quite unique - if your palate is not used to them you may feel a bit stuck as a traveler. Having an adventurous and respectful approach to food is key when traveling in Japan.
When you visit Japan, your tour itinerary will almost always include visits to a lot of temples and shrines of great importance to eastern religious history and Buddhism. In Japan, religion is a natural and common topic of conversation.
Some negative reviews for tours in Japan express frustration at the sheer number of Buddhist sites included on the itinerary. While you may experience some temple fatigue it's important to remember that they are an enormous part of Japanese culture and history. Having an open mind as you visit various temples will definitely help you enjoy the experience.
Accommodations in Japan can be very different that what western travelers are used - and most tours in Japan include stays at traditional inns, onsens, and homestays. If you are expecting westernized hotels, these kinds of accommodations may come as a shock. Especially considering the many cultural nuances and expectations when it comes to lifestyle in Japan. You are expected to remove your shoes at all times, and rooms are simple and minimalistic, beds are often comfortable mattresses on the floor.
If you want a professional take on traveling in Japan, see the Travelstride Japan Guide »
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