I have scrolled through the various topics and came across information about Inside Japan’s and planning my own itinerary. However, I’m not sure I want to go through all that.
I love the Rick Steve model of traveling, conveniently located hotels, smaller hotels, free time where we can explore ourselves. Has anyone taken a 14-20 day tour that they highly recommend? Im not interested in cruises.
Looking at making plans for fall 2024. Thanks
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8395 posts
Here are some companies that do tours in Japan
Gate 1 travel
Odysseys Unlimited
Road Scholar
Exotica Travel
Insight Vacations
Posted by
OP
9 posts
I’ve heard of most of these. Have you ever used any of them? The only non Rick Steve’s tour companies I’ve used were overseas travel (OATS) and Avalon.
Posted by
Washington
121 posts
I highly recommend Inside Japan -- https://www.insidejapantours.com/us/
Posted by
Reno, NV, USA
2427 posts
We love Odysseys Unlimited but haven’t done their Japan tour. Every trip we have done with them (6 so far) was flawless.
Posted by
Freedonia
15057 posts
I took the Odysseys Unlimited Japan tour and enjoyed it. I'm now planning a return trip that I will do on my own. The country is easier to get around than I thought.
Posted by
San Francisco
7 posts
Japan seems daunting but is easy enough to do on your own. This link is your one-stop shopping for all things Japan. It's a great resource. https://www.japan-guide.com/
Based on what you say makes you comfortable, I recommend Gate One or OAT as they do nice group trips. My home base is San Francisco but I have been leading private tours to Japan since I lived there in 98. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to reach out.
Warmly,
Stacy
Posted by
7676 posts
We love Gate 1, where we get great hotels and guides for low prices.
Posted by
WestCentral MN
282 posts
Friends of ours took a tour to Japan with SamuraiTours. They absolutely loved it.
Posted by
Paris
6905 posts
Japan is relatively easy to visit independently, despite the high language barrier.
I would consider a hybrid approach: highlights with a tour, then a few days on your own to explore and get lost at your own pace. Both Tokyo and the Kansai region lend themselves well to exploration on your own!
Posted by
422 posts
Japan is relatively easy to visit independently,
Totally agree. We had Japanese friends to meet us at the airport & help us get settled. It was nice, but honestly Japan is a super safe, welcoming, tourist-friendly destination. And Google Translate has gotten a lot better with Kanji characters, you’ll be fine. People are friendly, super gracious hosts. There is a slight prejudice to expect westerners to be big, loud clampers who don’t respect culture. They’re particularly appreciative for basic, simple respect.
Follow the “rules”
Learn a few simple phrases, eg Please & Thank you. Bow to show respect.
Be quiet. Lower your voice; especially on nicer trains.
Dive in and embrace the culture; “weird” food, public baths, sleep at least one night in a Ryukan, awesome vending machines, bidet toilets.
Posted by
11161 posts
We had a wonderful trip to Japan with Odysseys Unlimited. We also added independent time on each end of our trip.