Testimonials

Philippe & Francoise from Texas

This is a journey that might have been superb but ended up less than perfect even though our second week with Kim was much better, closer to what it should have been from the start. Our tour guide for the first week was awful, a disgrace to have a group of 16 people under the care of a such poor tour leader. That being said, I give credit to AJT for reacting promptly, adding a second guide from day 4 and later providing a very good guide, Kim, for a very enjoyable week 2. There were also a few minor issues that should easily have been avoided: Hassle-free baggage handling was anything but during week 1. The hotel substitution in Hiroshima was less than adequate. On 3 occasions, when dinner was on our own, the hotel selected was badly situated, with no dining options nearby. One listed traditional japanese dinner was replaced by a non-descript buffet. But overall, this was still a pleasant journey, nicely put together.

Shonna & Rebecca from California

My niece and I really enjoyed our tour guide, Billy.

Jonathan & Juliana from California

The tour covered a large area of Japan and flowed smoothly. The two cooking lessons (okonomiyake and sushi) were fun and highly enjoyable. Our guide Billy- san was amazing, taking time to answer individual questions in a large group, very knowledgeable and friendly. He would tell us stories on the bus to while away the traveling time, but he also knew when we needed quiet time. Japan is a wonderful country with so much to do - this tour was an excellent introduction to its culture.

Sharon, Pamella & Bonnie from California

Tour guide Kim Kida was excellent in providing information, organizing the group through the train station, going out of her way to help with medical issues etc. Both bus drivers Kamata san and Nakayama san were excellent drivers through winding small roads, parking the buses in small, tight spaces and on winding mountain roads. Not an easy task!

John & Judith from Arizona

good driver, excellent tour guide, Miharu.

Judith & Deron from Maryland

The Cariaga Family from Guam

This is an excellent tour! Our tour guide is so knowledgeable, knows the culture very well from the past to the present, shes very nice and caring and most of all she is very funny makes our trip so enjoyable. I would highly recommend this tour.

Narahari & Roopa from Brunei

At least one day -- a few hours Time for shopping in good shopping areas or streets

Ms. Patricia Lee Propst from Colorado

Our guide was fantastic (Kim Kida) and her history and story telling skills were wonderful. The tour was not just a visit to temples /shrines and gardens, but a cultural enlightment. Being a vegetarian, I was very appreciative of the care that Kim took to make sure I got great food. Good, safe drivers - Uetake and Takahashi.

Renuka & Sri Dushyanta from Australia

Overall, we would rate the tour very highly. We were very pleased with the detailed itinerary and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Of course, there are certain aspects of the tour that we thought could have been tweaked but we will give that feedback in the appropriate sections. The various aspects of the tour from the fortunate viewing of the cherry blossoms which came early, to the wonderful weather except for the last two days and to the cultural experiences just came together so well to make the tour just so magical for us. We would like to commend the tour planners for this. We would also like to commend the guide and the driver. Especially Shika san the driver who was always helpful, always on time and so reliable, considerate and cheerful. The tour guide Mark who actually went beyond the call of duty to assist a very needy participant that we thought was way beyond the scope of his job.