Ancient & Modern Japan

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

1 | 2 | 3

• 

  Dianne Walker

  ANCIENT & MODERN JAPAN

  

  Written April 2012

  My friend & I chose this trip to celebrate our joint 60th birthdays as we wanted to do something really special and this exceeded our wishes and desires  in many ways - with the walking, sights and especially the food.  We jokingly called it our walking and eating tour of Japan.  From the moment we arrived till the time of our departure we had the most fantastic time. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I believe we found the Totukuji Temple (not sure correct spelling -  name)   in Kyoto - where the red gates wind up and up and up  the hill - with many steps leading up - to be absolutely spectactular.

  However I must say that the  Cherry Blossom trees that we saw in Tokyo - in various parks - were also fantastic.  I believe that this will remain an everlasting memory for me.  Could not stop taking photos of these.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  I believe our leader did her best to accommodate the various needs of a diverse group.  She was casual in her approach in leading us which suited us. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Do a lot of research on the major areas you visit - so you can plan your free days and just go and enjoy it. The weather in late March - April is also a little unpredictable - probably a lot colder than  we thought it would be -  we were glad of good coats - umbrellas needed at times - cheaply available everywhere.  

  We also made the most of every moment to the point of at times exhaustion.  But  you are only here for a short time so make the most of and enjoy it.  

  Also we found good cheap food in the Kyoto Station - where some locals ate.  Also in department stores - in food areas - fresh good and cheap with markdowns towards the closing times.  

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I think a type of pack (travel info)  - perhaps receiving it before we go  - that covered all the areas we visited - with  maps and major spots- so perhaps a bit of forward planning could be made.  

  We made our own flight plans and payment for same as we had to travel  from Australia  and also  make our own arrangements to travel to Kyoto to start the tour.   This made the trip a little more expensive than our UK friends as I believe they paid an inclusive price.  I may be incorrect here.  Our instructions for arrival at Kyoto Station were bizarre - all that had to be advised was to take the correct exit.   

  The other small gripe - which we were unaware of - was having to pay 3000 yen each for the bus transfer from Metropolitan Hotel to Narita Airport.  We had not been made aware of this.

  The other thing was our stay in our last Ryokan - where we had an archery display - which was not too bad. The showers virtually did not work - very small trickle.  The onsen - cedar - did not seem too clean either. The rooms were not too bad, however,  the Japanese breakfast in the morning - for 1020 yen approx. was to say not too good - actually disgusting -  unedible for some.  Wish we had taken the Continental breakfast - although we had planned to mostly eat local food on this trip

   

  Otherewise had a fantastic time. 

   
• 

  Robert Salmon

  ANCIENT & MODERN JAPAN

  

  Written April 2012

  We enjoyed every minute of it. It combined a wealth of opportunites to get closer to an understanding of the Japanese view of life with many of the 'must see' sites. Add to that the exposure to a fantastic cuisine and a great bunch of fellow travelers, and what more could you ask for? 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Mount Fuji seen at a distance through a gauze-like haze.

  Geisha-hunting as they rushed fron client to client in the Gion district of Kyoto

  Seeing the Ticket  Inspector bow to the next compartment as he left - there was no-one there, but it was part of his courteous routine, and he did it, no doubt, to make sure he never forgets to do it when there are  people there. So typical of the Japanese way of doing things.

   

  The Cherry Blossom in the parks in Tokyo - it did not disappoint

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Dan was everything one could expect in a tour leader. Not only was he a great organiser, but he was so knowledgeable about the history and culture of Japan that we were enriched by what he told us. He was also amazing at finding and taking us to eating places that were great on food and atmosphere but didn't break the bank. The only negative thing to say was that he warned us of the contrast between the luxurious hotel of Kyoto and the  traditional basic facilities of the ryiokans we were to visit, to such an effect that my wife Mary approached them with great trepidation. In the event they were a marvellous experience which we would not have missed for the world. It was also curious that we elderly married couples seemed to be allocated the few rooms with the most Western facilities. Funny, that.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  We had the impression before going that it might be difficult to use credit cards or find ATMs. In fact it was very easy - apart from banks and some big shops every 7-11 store had an ATM, and many other places advertised the fact that they had one in the same way that they offered other facilities, like loos or refreshments.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The only real downer of the whole trip was the length of time we spent in the air - 40 hours altogether. One of our party had to leave earlier and flew direct from Tokyo to Gatwick, which, she said, was only a 9 hour flight. We would have been prepared to pay more for a shorter route. Otherwise - don't change anything.

   
• 

  Angelika Hayward

  ANCIENT & MODERN JAPAN

  

  Written April 2012

  I really enjoyed visiting this fascinating country. There were many new impressions and images. Japan is quite different to the other countries in Asia that I have visited so far. What I missed on the trip was a view from the inside. Although our tour guide was very capable, efficient and helpful, I was disappointed that we did not have a Japanese guide or at least someone who spoke the language well. That is something I have always valued highly on other Exodus trips. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  This is a difficult question, as there were many inspirational moments: the wonderful gardens, staying in a ryokan and having a communal hot bath, the impressive Matsumoto castle with a view over the Japanese Alps, the snow monkeys, the bullet train and of course the cherry blossoms, of which there were many!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The group leader was efficient and well organised. We had plenty of information for our free time and everything ran very smoothly. Suzy was approachable and helpful and did her best to make it a successful tour.

  On the downside, I would have appreciated more insight into Japanese society and culture from an "insider", either a Japanese or someone who had lived there for some time and spoke the language well. We spent a few days in Japan after the trip with someone who is living there and learned so much more about the country and went to interesting places where tourists who can't speak Japanese would not have been able to go.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be open to new experiences, try unfamiliar foods and take a dictionary. Not so many people speak English. If you ask a Japanese for information or advice, be prepared to wait, as they will often go in search of an answer or someone who speaks English. We found the Japanese in general very courteous and helpful, always ready to assist us "gaijin".

  Be prepared for a lot of walking, take good walking shoes. 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  When I enquired beforehand about the amount of walking, as I had been suffering with a back problem recently, I was told it was just leisurely sightseeing. However, we spent many hours on our feet with few breaks. Luckily my back improved and I coped with that, but there was a member of the group who did not cope well and was quite slow, which meant my husband and I were sometimes torn between not abandonning her and trying to keep up with the rest of the group. I think this could have been handled better, perhaps with clearer advice beforehand and arranging meeting points at intervals. The schedule was sometimes too tight to allow for slower walkers.

   
• 

  david scott

  ANCIENT & MODERN JAPAN

  

  Written March 2012

  A country which is was a genuine surprise, the amazing friendliness and helpfulness of people everywhere, the beauty of the pine forests in the mountains, the buzz of Tokyo, gardens, temples, castles. Fantastic       

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  My first view of a bullet train pulling into Kyoto station. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Very competent. Not intrusive, allowed us to explore by ourselves. 

   
• 

  Victoria Perry

  ANCIENT & MODERN JAPAN

  

  Written October 2010

  It is safe to say that this trip has changed my life. Our group was very lucky; we had an amazing tour leader who showed us many different aspects of Japan, ancient and modern. We experienced a huge amount of Japanese culture. Plus, I never thought anyone would ever get me to do karaoke!This tour is very well structured. Starting in Kyoto eases you into Japanese city life and the metro system is great practice for Tokyo. It is a fantastic city, with a great mix of old and new.  The days in-between Kyoto and Tokyo are spent in traditional Japanese guesthouses. These were a great experience. All of them had hot spring baths and they are all within walking/taxi distance of local nightlife. The welcome from the guesthouse staff was fantastic and they made us feel very special. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Meeting local people and seeing how respectful they are to everyone and everything around them. I heard 2 car horns the entire time we were there and every person we met was friendly and helpful.

  Even when we were struggling to string a Japanese sentence together, we were met with patience and good-will every time. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Again, we were very lucky that we had Steve Parker as our guide. He has extensive knowledge of the country and the people. He also had a huge amount of local knowledge in the small towns we stayed in and as a result, we were made very welcome in every restaurant and bar we went to.  He handled the large group very well, especially getting us on and off public transport. He always had time to answer our questions about the trip and prepared very detailed notes for our free days.

  He also gave us a Japanese lesson on the train, which meant we were able to order our own drinks and food and introduce ourselves to local people.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Don't sleep for 2 weeks. Cram as much in as you can, be it wandering around Tokyo late at night or taking a dip in a hot bath. 

   

  There is a lot of walking involved so decent shoes are a must.

   

  I have never felt safer. We all carried large amounts of cash with us, don't bother with traveller's cheques. One of the people on the trip left his wallet in a taxi and it was back in his hand within the hour.

  Eating out is not as expensive as some people would have you believe. It can be done cheaply if you look around. The food and beer portions are quite big, so you can save a few yen by sharing....

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  One of the best parts of the trip was the fact that we walked a lot. The walking tour of Tokyo was fab. It was a great way to see the sights and it would have been a real shame if we had seen the city from a tour bus.

  We also used the trains a lot and got the maximum usage from the Rail Pass. It was a great way to soak up Japanese life and a fantastic opportunity to chat to local people.

   

  Another fantastic aspect is the amount of free days. You won't be short of options, whatever your taste.

   

  Thanks for the trip of a lifetime. I can't wait to go back....

   
• 

  Greg Tebble

  ANCIENT & MODERN JAPAN

  

  Written October 2010

  An incedible journey giving a diverse insight into the truly fascinating culture of an amazing country.  I have never taken so many photographs on this type of holiday before. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Where do I start?  Without exception, everything on the itinerary lived up to or surpassed my expectations.  It is quite often the small things that make the holiday even greater and in this respect I would say that launching myself onto the Tokyo subway and finding my way to various sites on our free day was both exciting and rewarding.  The poeple too are so friendly and helpful.  Its a pleasure to shop without being constantly hassled.  The lack of litter, the respect people had for public property, the lack of vandalism, that feeling of security and safety walking about on the street.  It all made coming home to England like visiting a third world country.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Steve was passionate about Japan and as a fluent speaker of the language gave us an insight into several different aspects of Japanese life that we might not have otherwise experienced.  He was also very good at catering for all tastes and ages on the trip.  His skills at getting us all on the trains, subways, buses etc on time never ceased to amaze.  It wouldn't have been such a good holiday without him.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Get your yen before you travel and and take extra memory cards for you camera!!  Japan is not as expensive as you might fear, but it is still pretty expensive.  When you've travelled on Japanese rail you'll never want to travel on UK cattle trains again.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  There are so many diverse and amazing things to do, see and experience, so just go for it.  Jump right in and enjoy it, especially the Tokyo subway!!  Kyoto is a beautiful city both the ancient and modern parts, the journey through central Japan was both beautiful and amazing.  The snow monkeys, the ryokans, Matsumoto Castle, and Tokyo is simply amazing and totally bonkers.  There is always something to engage your attention, senses or camera.

   
• 

  Phil Barker

  ANCIENT & MODERN JAPAN

  

  Written October 2010

  A good mix of old and new Japan with lots of free time to do your own thing (do your research!).  If Japan is on your list this is the trip for you as you'll see so many of the highlights.  Staying in the two great hotels that bookend the trip make the trip fairly relaxed as you cram lots into the day but can settle back into your room without constantly being on the move! 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The visit to Hiroshima is strangely uplifiting despite the sadness of the history. Matsumoto was a suprising highlight; the crow castle is beautiful and there is lots to see on the walk back to the station (Exodus you should make this a day not a morning!). The snow monkeys were brilliant and if you're a wildlife photographer you'll get some AMAZING images.  

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Steve was incredibly passionate about Japan.  He got us from A to B. Sometimes a little too impatient though and the odd innocent question can evoke the 'Steve glare'.... I mean it looked like chicken but was actually rice..

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Read a book called 'Japan Through the Looking Glass' by Alan MacFarlane.. a really good book on Japanese culture and pyschology.. why they do the strange little things they do. 

  Be careful of the deer in Nara park and at Miyajima Island.. I lost a yen note from my pocket to one!

  Really do try and do some decent research on Kyoto and Tokyo so that you can get the most out of your free time. 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Try an onsen hot spring.. especially a local one.. don't be shy.  Once you've seen everyone's bits no one cares and you'll be suprised how relaxing it can be.

  Definitely check out the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto in your free time.. this is the temple with thousands of red arches stretching up into a forest. 

   

1 | 2 | 3