Our trip to Japan went very well, and met our expe...

Our trip to Japan went very well, and met our expectations completely, and even exceeded them at times. We liked the varied selection of hotels, and always they were as described. We most enjoyed the Ryokan in Takayama, not surprisingly. We loved the building and baths, and were especially impressed with the renovation - beautifully done and making for very comfortable conditions. The inn keepers were so kind and welcoming, gracefully explaining the "house rules," such as where not to wear shoes, and that our meals would be served in our room. The meals were incredible.

All our guides were good, but we most enjoyed and appreciated the expertise of our guide in Kyoto, Yayoi Ooka. She was well-informed and most personable. We felt we became friends by the end of the tour. She showed us the real gems of the city, and how to get around on the buses and subway.

We weren't sure ahead of time about the visit to the Tondaya Machiya, but ended up liking this excursion very much because the young woman who did the tea ceremony (along with an extensive tour of the historic home) was exceedingly serious, knowledgable and professional.

We liked the order of visits to the various cities, because we felt we saw a range of life and geography in Japan. We liked the combination of public transportation you put together, and so appreciated having many of the tickets ahead of time. We did a lot of walking which we wanted to do. So, the rigor was just right.