8 independent reviews for Japan small group holiday by bullet train
Reviews for Japan small group holiday by bullet train
Thomas Keegan review 22 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Very memorable moments were when the clouds parted and we had a beautiful view of Mount Fuji (on an otherwise very cloudy day!) and also meeting and having tea with a lovely maiko in Kyoto. She was sweet and personable, and genuinely seemed to enjoy our visit.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for massive crowds and a cacophony of constant noise in the public places (despite the reputation of the Japanese for being quiet and reserved) Enjoy the smaller towns and less crowded tourist areas when you get to them.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
At least one ryoken we stayed in was family run, which was a very good experience. Our guide, Akemi, was conscious of avoiding waste for them in preparing food for our meals by checking ahead of time on dietary preferences. On the other hand (this is not a reflection on our guide or this travel company) we were truly amazed at the proliferation of single-use plastics, most of which is completely unnecessary. Every postcard (EVERY postcard!) is in it's own little plastic sleeve, which of course is thrown away minutes after it is purchased. The same with bananas and other fruits in the sidewalk stands. Microplastics from single use plastics are now found in every ocean, the air we breathe, the water we drink and much of the food we eat. For a country as dedicated to environmental impacts and conservation as Japan, this was an shocking and disheartening discovery!4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Overall, our holiday was excellent. Akemi is one of the best guides we have had on any trip anywhere. She made sure everything ran smoothly, kept us well informed of the daily agenda and handled everything with a smile and endless energy. She really made the trip extra enjoyable!Stuart Ackley review 1 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Train travel and scenery2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take note of the weather statistics 3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental Impacts or supported conservation? benefited local people4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentJohn Harlow review 3 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most exciting elements were the cultural differences and beauty of Japan. The most memorable was the stunning 'Japanese Alps' at Kamicochi.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Leave your preconceptions at home and leave yourself open to the new and sometimes confusing experiences.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We were encouraged to join in with the almost national obsession of tidiness and recycling.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A great trip for experiencing and learning about Japan. Well planned and thought out itinerary to achieve the most at a reasonable pace. We would thoroughly recommend the operator.Ann Caroe review 26 Nov 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Autumn colours were wonderful and the temples were most interesting.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Need to be reasonably fit for all the walking.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Money spent locally and entry fees to parks.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, with attention to detail, which made the tour very easy for the group. Hotels very good.Andy Goodenough review 14 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Reaching the summit of Mount Fuji Kamikochi National Park Hiroshima Peace Park Traveling on the Shinkansen and using the impressive Japanese railway system2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack as light as possible and keep an open mind with regard to local food and customs3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, definitely4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good itinerary that included cities and countryside and a variety of types of accommodation. There was plenty of optional free time to explore one your own if you wanted. Brian, the tour leader was conscientious and helpful, we were particularly impressed that he met us at our hotel on arrival in Japan in spite of the very late hour.Geoff Wright review 31 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We particularly liked Takayama. We had the experience of staying in Ryokan and were fully exposed to Japanese breakfasts (which we are not keen on but it is good to have the experience). We visited the local heritage folk centre where traditional houses and ways of life are collected together, and then had a ramble to the ruins of an old castle (about5 KM with longer options available). When we returned to the town we were able to follow some interesting town trails taking us away from the crowds to see Temples, Shrines and houses in daily use.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
With a good appreciation of the background to Japanese culture, Shinto, confusionism and Bhudism: traditional role of Samurai, Castles, Emperor. The politics of the Unification of Japan in the mid 17th century and the opening up of Japan from 1850's . This will help put all you see into context. Use the IC card not just for the metro in Tokyo but also for your purchases in the Family shops and 7/11 's to purchase drinks and snacks. Do try the Onsen particularly if you go to Hakone.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Probably benefited locals. Would have prefered our leader to be Japanese.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good itinary, Good logistics. Our tour leader was good company but may have been inexperienced. We were not left fans of Japanese food although we found the raw fish good, the rice , traditional soup, noodles and toffu inclined to be bland and monotonous.Catherine Atkinson review 27 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It's so difficult as there was something special about everywhere we went. The early morning in Nagano at the temple, and the first experience of an onsen - which was local, relaxing and well worth overcoming any physical shyness.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bear in mind that Japan in October is still pretty warm, around UK summer temperatures, so light clothing is most useful. It's easier to find cash machines at 7-11, Citibank and post office outlets than I had thought from reading the literature. There seemed to be a 7-11 or more in almost every town.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The benefit to locals would be that we were purchasing food, gifts etc locally, and most hotels give you the option of not changing sheets and towels daily.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A ten plus. The whole trip was fantastic, from the neon lights of Tokyo to the countryside around Takayama. David, our tour leader was excellent, both organised and willing us to strike out on our own to experience and find what we each wanted to do and see. It's the first tour group I've have ever been on and I feel very fortunate to have landed with such an excellent group and guide.Read the operator's response here:
Many thanks for your comments Catherine, and welcome home! Glad you had such a fantastic time on our Japan Unmasked group tour. We pride ourselves on the quality of our Tour Leaders, as we know they really make the trip. Well done David for looking after you so well. We would love to welcome you back to Japan one day to see more! Or perhaps one of the other Asian destinations we offer. Harry Sargant..
Michelle Rademeyer review 25 Jul 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beauty of the countryside, the friendliness of the people. Exciting and different food experiences.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Travel lightly.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We visited craftsmen enabling them to showcase and sell their beautiful crafts which directly benefited the local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was fabulous and everything and more than we expectedHoliday Reviews
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